Head of Early Years; HEYFS

Job Description Head of Early Years (HEYFS)

Required:

January / Easter 2026

Reporting to:
Head of Junior School

Hours:

Full Time

Closing date:
Tuesday 4th November, 12:00 noon

Interview date:
Wednesday 12th November

This is an exciting opportunity for an inspiring and experienced Early Years leader to shape the very first stage of our pupils’ educational journey. As Head of Early Years (HEYFS), you will lead a dynamic, creative and nurturing team at Little King’s, ensuring that every child experiences a joyful, ambitious and carefully tailored start to school life. With the autonomy to innovate across the Early Years curriculum and a close connection to the wider school community, this role offers the chance to make a profound and lasting impact on children’s learning, development and love of discovery.

The Head of Early Years at King's is a key leadership role within the Junior School Leadership Team (JSLT), responsible for the strategic, academic, and pastoral oversight of Little King's, and plays a critical role in pupil recruitment. This role reflects the latest UK EYFS Framework, emphasising inclusive, high-quality early education and smooth transitions into Reception and Year 1.

The King’s School is one of the dozen oldest schools in the country and has a proud heritage dating back to at least 1087, with a re-foundation in 1541. King’s is the Cathedral School in the city of Gloucester, whilst the surrounding county is home to many excellent grammar and state schools, as well as other independent schools. King’s is held in high regard amidst this competitive area;

our academic, co-curricular and pastoral attainment is second to none. As a result, the last three ISI reports for King’s have all been classified as ‘excellent’ in every area. Local media brand SoGlos has awarded King’s the title of ‘Independent School of the Year’ or ‘Highly Commended’ in every one of the last six years – a feat unmatched by any other local independent school – most recently winning the title in May 2025.

Despite the multiple national-scale challenges of recent years, King’s has seen its pupil roll growing steadily and parental satisfaction scoring very highly indeed. With careful investment in the campus and facilities, as well as a continuous focus on improving teaching and learning and developing our outstanding pastoral care, King’s is now seen as a dynamic, forward-thinking and impressive place to study and to work.

Little King’s is a vibrant, warm, and purposeful Early Years setting nested within The King’s School, Gloucester. From ages three to five, the department is driven by a philosophy that learning should be joyful, stimulating and rooted in strong, supportive relationships. Staff at Little King’s offer an individualised curriculum, responsive to children’s needs and interests, where early learning goals are enriched by outdoor opportunities – Forest School, trips to places like Crickley Hill and the Forest of Dean, and use of the School’s own secret garden and pond.

Parents are partners in the journey: through excellent home-school links, access to online learning journals, and regular, honest communication, the child’s development is shared and celebrated together. The environment itself feels part of something bigger – Little King’s is physically within the Junior School, fostering a strong sense of belonging to the wider King’s community and aiding smooth transitions as children grow.

In Little King’s you’ll find a team of experienced, caring professionals who value resilience, confidence, independence and academic, emotional, and social growth equally. The culture is one of high expectations, mutual support, and creative freedom. If you’re seeking a department…