Deputy Head of Primary and Early Years

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced, inspirational and highly motivated Deputy Head of Primary and Early Years to join our leadership team. Working closely with the Head of Primary, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering outstanding education and care for children across our school.

This is a key leadership position with responsibility for supporting the strategic direction, daily leadership, and continued development of high-quality teaching, learning and pastoral provision from Early Years through to the end of primary education.

The successful candidate will be an outstanding classroom practitioner with proven leadership experience, a strong understanding of early years and primary education, and the ability to lead, inspire and develop staff. You will help drive school improvement, promote excellent outcomes for pupils, and ensure a nurturing, ambitious and inclusive learning environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for a committed leader ready to take the next step in senior leadership within a caring and forward-thinking school community.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and School Development

• Work in partnership with the Head of Primary and Early Years to implement the school’s vision and development priorities
• Contribute to school self-evaluation and improvement planning
• Lead and/or support whole-school initiatives and development projects
• Provide effective leadership across agreed areas of responsibility

Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

• Promote consistently high standards of teaching and learning across Early Years and Primary
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of education through learning walks, lesson observations and data analysis
• Support the development and delivery of a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum
• Lead on agreed curriculum, assessment or pedagogical priorities

Staff Leadership and Development

• Support, coach and develop teachers and support staff to improve practice
• Contribute to performance management and appraisal processes
• Promote a collaborative and reflective professional culture

Safeguarding, Behaviour and Wellbeing

• Promote a positive, safe and inclusive school culture
• Support the implementation of effective behaviour and pastoral systems
• Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are upheld in line with statutory guidance and school policy

Operational Leadership

• Oversee agreed operational areas such as timetabling, assessment, attendance or enrichment
• Support smooth day-to-day running of the school
• Deputise for the Head of Primary and Early Years when required

**Skills:**
- Strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Knowledge of departmental best practices and tools.

**Requirements:**
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- 5+ years of experience in departmental management.
- Proven track record of successful departmental leadership.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding

and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.