Early Years Leader - Full-time

Lady Joanna Thornhill (Endowed) Primary School, Ashford

• Ref:KCC886-3284-203L
• Posted:27/03/2026
• Pay:UP3
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:30/04/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:Friday, 8th May 2026

Advert

We are looking for an exceptional Early Years Leader to join our school. You will be someone who not only exemplifies excellence in the classroom, but who believes deeply in the power of education to shape lives.

This is more than a leadership role. It is an opportunity to be part of a school community that cares profoundly about its children, its families and one another. We are committed to an expansive education — one that develops the Head, the Heart and the Hand — and we are looking for someone who shares that belief.

Who you might be

You may already be a leader seeking your next challenge, or an experienced teacher ready to step into leadership. You might even be an existing leader looking to grow your experience in a different context.

What matters most to us is not the title you currently hold, but your mindset.

We are looking for someone who is:

• An exemplary classroom teacher.
• Passionate about learning and deeply curious about how children develop
• Reflective, open-minded, and excited by the idea that there are always different ways to achieve excellence
• Committed to continual growth, both personally and professionally
• Able to inspire those around them; children, colleagues and parents alike

About the role

• As our Early Years Leader and a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape and champion high-quality provision at the very start of children’s educational journey.

You will:

• Exemplify excellent classroom practice and be able to coach others in your team.
• Have a strong understanding of Early Years development, particularly in early reading and writing
• Bring secure knowledge of both the Early Years and Year 1 curriculum, ensuring strong continuity and transition
• Be passionate about purposeful play and how it underpins deep learning
• Thrive on adapting learning so that every child succeeds

You will be energised by pedagogy and will be someone who thinks deeply about teaching and learning and relishes the opportunity to keep improving their craft.

How we work

Collaboration is at the heart of our school.

We work in teams, and our approach to subject leadership reflects this. Professional development is through shared thinking, reflection and collective responsibility.

We are looking for someone who will embrace this fully, someone who values teamwork, contributes generously, and grows alongside others.

As part of your application, we would love to hear about your subject specialism or your passions and how you could lead this across the school.

Join us

If you believe you can bring learning alive, inspire others, and contribute meaningfully to our community, we would love to hear from you.

We strongly encourage you to arrange a visit with the Headteacher with one of the following available dates:

• Friday, 24th April @9:30am
• Monday, 27th April @ 10:45am

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 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
• Child Protection Policy incorporating Online Safety
• Recruitment Pack