Vacancies
Head of Early Years Foundation Stage
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Contract: Full time / Permanent
Salary: Competitive
At Woodford Green Preparatory School, we believe the early years matter deeply. They are where curiosity is nurtured, confidence is built, and the foundations for lifelong learning are laid.
We are seeking an outstanding Head of EYFS to lead and develop our Early Years provision from September 2026. This is a senior leadership role for an experienced Early Years practitioner who combines excellent pedagogy with confident leadership, high expectations and a deep understanding of children’s needs.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team to shape the strategic direction of the EYFS, while remaining firmly rooted in day-to-day practice and strong partnerships with staff and families.
Why Woodford Green Preparatory School?
Woodford Green Preparatory School is a thriving, values-led independent school where children are known as individuals and learning is taken seriously from the very beginning.
As Head of EYFS, you will join a supportive and ambitious leadership team that values professional expertise, reflection and continuous improvement. This is an opportunity to lead a phase that is central to the life of the school and to shape the earliest experiences of learning in a nurturing, high-achieving environment.
Our Early Years classrooms are language-rich, purposeful and enabling, with learning shaped through high-quality adult interaction, play and exploration.
About the Role
The role includes leading and developing the EYFS team; monitoring the quality of teaching, learning and assessment; overseeing transition into Key Stage 1; ensuring statutory and regulatory requirements are met; and building strong, trusting partnerships with parents. You will also contribute to wider whole-school priorities as part of the Senior Leadership Team, ensuring children make excellent progress through playful, purposeful learning and high-quality teaching.
About You
We are looking for a warm, ambitious and highly organised Early Years leader who combines strong pedagogy with confident, practical leadership, and who is deeply committed to high-quality, child-centred learning.
You will bring:
- Qualified Teacher Status and a good degree (or equivalent).
- Substantial EYFS teaching experience (minimum 6 years) with a secure understanding of the EYFS statutory framework.
- A clear, well-articulated Early Years pedagogy rooted in curiosity, talk, play and exploration, with skilled adult interaction and high expectations, securing strong foundations in communication and language, early reading, writing, number and personal development.
- Confident in using observation to guide next steps and shape responsive provision.
- Proven experience of leading and developing an EYFS team, including coaching colleagues and securing consistency of practice.
- Strong skills in monitoring teaching and learning, assessment and transition, including effective use of EYFS Profile information.
- The ability to build excellent relationships with parents through clear, professional and warm communication.
- A commitment to safeguarding and sound systems, recognising that calm routines, clarity and consistency underpin children’s wellbeing, independence and learning.
- The confidence to contribute at Senior Leadership Team level and support whole-school improvement.
Desirable:
- Experience of teaching in KS1.
- Experience of presenting to governors or contributing to strategic reporting.
- Further professional study (e.g. NPQ, MA) or leadership experience in the independent sector.
About the School
Woodford Green Preparatory School is a thriving independent day school on the border of Essex and within the London Borough of Redbridge, educating 370 boys and girls aged 3–11.
Our pupils are happy, confident and ambitious learners, supported by a dedicated staff team that places strong emphasis on pastoral care, creativity and academic excellence. We foster a nurturing and inclusive culture in which every child is known as an individual and encouraged to develop the confidence, curiosity and learning behaviours needed to thrive without limits.
How to Apply
To apply, please download our Recruitment Application form, and complete and return to Miss Anita Hollis - Head’s PA at a.hollis@wgprep.co.uk If you are interested or would like to discuss the position further, please contact Jenny Maslen, Head of School, via head@wgprep.co.uk
At Woodford Green Preparatory School, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is central to everything we do. We follow robust safer recruitment practices, and this post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Recruitment Process
Deadline for applications: 12 noon on Monday 16 March.
Interviews: First-round interviews will be held online on Thursday 19 March, with final face-to-face interviews taking place on Thursday 23 March.
Part-Time Music Teacher
Start Date: 1 September 2026 or sooner
Salary: Competitive
Are you passionate about music education and eager to inspire young learners? Do you have the vision, experience, and passion to support our Director of Music in a thriving Independent Preparatory School?
Woodford Green Preparatory School is seeking to appoint a Part-time Music Teacher to join our warm, welcoming, and forward-thinking school community to support our Director of Music. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Music Teacher to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our pupils, ensuring their well-being and success in an inclusive, nurturing environment.
About the Role
The successful candidate will be an experienced and suitably qualified Music teacher. This is a part-time post, currently 0.6 with a view to possibly increasing the hours over time. As a Part Time Music Teacher, you will:
- Deliver engaging and effective music lessons across the age range of the school.
- Lead hymn practice and choir rehearsals.
- Support the Director of Music and undertake appropriate administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of this very busy, high profile Music Department.
- Assist the Director of Music in liaising with the Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs), including supporting tasks such as timetabling and wider ongoing communication with class teachers and parents.
- Support the Director of Music in the preparations for Music events in the school calendar, such as the Christmas, Spring, Summer Concerts and Teatime concerts assisting in the logistics of these events.
- Produce end of year reports for every child.
- Support the Director of Music in continuing to drive a passion for music among all WGPS pupils and ensure the enthusiastic, all-inclusive, child centred musical ethos of WGPS is maintained while upholding the school’s proud record of excellence in Music.
About You
We are looking for an experienced Music Teacher who is deeply passionate about nurturing their pupils' musical development. The ideal candidate will have:
- Qualified Teacher Status - desirable but not essential
- A degree in Music
- ECT and Experience teachers encouraged
- Proficient piano skills, and ideally be an instrumentalist
- Experience of leading ensembles
- Experience of teaching Kodaly - desirable
- Excellent classroom management and subject knowledge
- Ability to inspire a love of learning and teach creatively
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to create a positive and inclusive learning environment
- Passion for teaching and inspiring students
- Experience of teaching in a primary setting - desirable
- Commitment to professional development and continuous improvement
About the School
Woodford Green Preparatory School is a thriving independent day school on the border of Essex and in the London Borough of Redbridge, providing an exceptional education for 380 boys and girls aged 3-11 years. Our pupils are happy, confident, and ambitious learners, supported by a dedicated staff team that prioritises pastoral care, creativity, and academic excellence.
We are known for our nurturing environment and excellence across all disciplines. We have a vibrant music department supported by a committed team of Visiting Music Teachers. Over 200 children are learning a musical instrument, and we currently have eleven ensembles running weekly, including an Orchestra, String Orchestra, Jazz Band, two Choirs, Brass group, Cello ensemble, Saxophone group, Guitar group, String Quartet and a Y6 Band.
We foster a culture of nurture, creativity, and excellence, where every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. Our pastoral care is at the heart of our ethos, ensuring that every pupil feels safe, supported, and ready to succeed in an ever-changing world.
How to Apply
To apply, please use the below link to access and complete our application form, please email your completed application for to Miss Anita Hollis - Head’s PA at a.hollis@wgprep.co.uk
If you would like to discuss the position further, please contact Sarah Henderson, Director of Music, via s.henderson@wgprep.co.uk
At Woodford Green Preparatory School, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. All staff, and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Recruitment Process
Deadline for all completed applications to be received is 12 noon Monday 23 February 2026
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 4th March 2026
