Head of Pre-prep

The Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery is a key member of the senior leadership team (SLT) leading on all aspects of the Pre-Prep and Nursery with support from the curriculum coordinators. The Head of Pre-Prep & Nursery will have proven strategic planning experience, will be a capable leader with exceptional relationship and communication skills. Success of the role is measured against the following criteria:

- Maintaining positive pupil numbers.
- Ensuring a high standard of teaching and learning and quality pastoral care.
- Fostering strong relationships with current and prospective parents.
- Building and leading a high performing team.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Strategic planning**
- Contribute to the strategic planning of the whole school to ensure we are striving towards achieving our vision.
- Accountable for creating and implementing the vision and strategy for the Pre-Prep & Nursery, in line with the wider school vision and strategic plan.
- Accountable for the Pre-Prep & Nursery budget including resourcing the department adequately.
- Create and manage resource plans for the department in liaison with HR and the Bursar.

**Teaching & Learning**
- Oversee the departmental curriculum plan with support from the Coordinators and Nursery Manager, that is innovative and inclusive and reflects the ethos, mission and values of Copthorne Prep School.
- Demonstrate a commitment to CPD for staff, supporting development plans and maintaining best practice.
- Prepare for inspections and oversee ‘self-evaluation’ plans for the department.
- Accountable for the parent consultation schedule and report writing a regular flow of meaningful communication between home and school.
- Ensure that parents are given regular information about the school curriculum, the progress of their children and other matters affecting the Pre-Prep and Nursery.
- Demonstrate high quality teaching on a reduced timetable.

**Management**
- Responsible for the direct line management of the Nursery Manager, EYFS and year 1 and 2 Coordinators, Pre-Prep & Nursery Administrator and teaching and learning staff.
- Deliver lesson observations, performance appraisals and monitor development plans for staff.
- Ensure the expected standard of pupil behaviour is clearly embedded into routines and managed in line with the wider school policy.
- Ensure staff adhere to the staff code of conduct and manage day-to-day performance issues with the support of HR.
- Advise and support staff when dealing with matters involving parents, pupils or colleagues.
- Deal with complaints sensitively and according to the Copthorne Preparatory School’s complaints procedure.
- Build and nurture positive relationships with parents.
- Support the delivery of key school events such as parent consultation evenings, open mornings, information evenings and parent workshops.
- Attend meetings of the Copthorne Preparatory School Year Representatives Committee and support the Pre-Prep and Nursery representatives.
- Oversee the transition through the school in particular the nursery to reception and year 2 to year 3 transition with both parents and children.
- Attend any Governors meeting as and when it is deemed appropriate by the Governing Body.
- In conjunction with the Head, provide a written report to the Governors on developments in the Pre-Prep and Nursery.
- Assist with admissions of children into the department in conjunction with the registrar.
- Develop opportunities to raise the profile and enhance the reputation of the Pre-Prep and Nursery at Copthorne Preparatory School.
- Support partnership work with the local community and schools as well as other independent schools within the West Sussex cluster.

**Pastoral care**
- Undertake the roles of Deputy DSL and main EYFS DSL.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including safeguarding to ensure a safe environment for pupils, parents and staff.
- Continuously work with other DSLs to review the safeguarding culture and implement plans for improvement.
- Undertake relevant training and provide information to other staff.
- Lead pastoral meetings with the Pre-Prep staff and coordinate with the Nursery Manager about any pastoral concerns.
- Work with the SENDCO staff to ensure early monitoring of children so that any difficulty/problem is identified and dealt with at all levels and in a timely fashion.

**Person Specification**
- Qualified teacher with experience of leadership and management in a similar sized school or role.
- Passionate, inspirational, and committed professional that has sound knowledge and experience of EYFS and the needs of pupils across the Pre-Prep age range.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proven experience of building and leading a high performing team.
- Sound understanding of the commercial and financial aspects of schools.
- Proficient IT skills such as outlook, word, excel.
- Acts as a role model for our school values.
- Works collaboratively and supportive