Early Years Teacher - Fixed Term

Lady Joanna Thornhill (Endowed) Primary School, Ashford

• Ref:KCC886-3284-200T
• Posted:02/01/2026
• Pay:MPS
• Start Date:20.4.26
• App Close Date:30/01/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Lady Joanna team as a Class Teacher. The role is for a full-time teacher in Year R, on a fixed-term basis, to cover a maternity leave. In the first instance, the fixed term contract will run from the beginning of Term 5 until August 2027.

We are looking for someone that exemplifies excellence in the classroom. You will have good knowledge of the Early Years curriculum and of where this leads into Year 1.   You will be passionate about purposeful play, energised and excited by pedagogy and you will have a thirst for personal development. You will be positive and thrive on adapting learning for all learners in the classroom.

You will be a team-player and enjoy collaborative working. This is at the heart of our CPD and an important aspect of our subject leadership model which is based in teams.

This is your chance to contribute to a remarkable community that cares deeply about the children. We can offer an environment that promotes an expansive education and one which supports learning for The Head, The Heart and the Hand. 

The successful candidate may be an existing teacher, a newcomer or returner. What matters is the mindset. We are looking for someone who is passionate about learning, a curious, reflective thinker who knows there are different ways to achieve outcomes. We would like to know as part of your application what your subject specialism is and what skills you have to lead this across the school.

If you are interested and think you can bring learning alive for our community, please get in touch to have an informal conversation and find out more. School visits will be held by appointment only with the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher. Please call the school office on 01233 812781 or email s.swan@ladyj.kent.sch.uk to book a place on a tour.

Tour dates:

Friday 9^th January – 9.30 am

Friday 16^th January – 9.30 am

Information about the school

Lady Joanna is a two-form entry endowed primary school, in the centre of the idyllic village of Wye. It is set in amazing grounds and the outside area is being further developed into a really special and exciting space for the children.

At Lady Joanna, we aim to provide a stable, caring, learning environment in which children are happy to attend, are stimulated, keen to learn and flourish. We provide for a wide range of ability and are committed to providing equal opportunities and extra support to those who are vulnerable or have special needs. Our curriculum is for the Head, Heart and Hand and this means we want to provide an expansive education.

Lady Joanna is a Gold UNICEF Rights Respecting School, which empowers the children to learn more about their rights and how they work in practice. The school also supports children to become courageous advocates through the School Council and we are proud of our environment and promote environmental issues.

Lady Joanna is a member of CARE Foundation Trust which is a group of 10 local primary schools. This provides support and shared learning opportunities across the trust.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore posts are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Lady Joanna Thornhill will carry out an online search as part of their due diligence on any shortlisted candidates. This may help identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which we might want to explore with an applicant at interview. This information will be kept on file for 6 months, in line with data protection procedures. The panel will ensure we meet our duty under the Equality Act, 2010.

The School reserves the right to close applications, should we find a suitable applicant prior to the closing date being met, it is therefore advised that applications are submitted as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We will also consider part time applications. Please indicate as part of your written application whether you would like to work part time.

We do not use Agencies for our recruitment process - please do not contact us regarding this advertisement.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mrs R Foster
• Address:Bridge Street, Wye, Ashford, Kent, TN25 5EA
• Telephone: (01233) 812781
• Email: s.swan@ladyj.kent.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job description
• Person Specification