Position Summary
The Head of Early Years provides strategic, operational and pedagogical leadership across Pre‑Nursery, Nursery and Reception. As a key member of the Primary School leadership team, the postholder ensures exceptional standards in teaching, learning, safeguarding, wellbeing and behaviour, while driving the school’s DOVE values: Discovery, Opportunity, Values and Excellence. The role is critical to school growth, parent engagement, retention and the development of high-quality EYFS provision that is attractive, competitive and contextually relevant to Cambodian and international families.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Management
• Lead and inspire the EYFS team to deliver outstanding practice rooted in play-based learning and child development.
• Actively support school enrolment and retention targets through strong parent engagement, tours, assessments and high-quality communication.
• Collaborate closely with Admissions and Marketing to ensure consistent messaging regarding EYFS provision.
• Contribute to school-wide strategic planning, improvement initiatives and policy development.
• Ensure smooth and effective transition from EYFS to Key Stage 1, with strong curriculum and assessment alignment.
• Lead curriculum development to ensure programmes are competitive and attractive for the Cambodian market while aligned with the British EYFS framework.
• Monitor attendance, family concerns and early indicators of withdrawal, ensuring early intervention.
• Provide line management, coaching and professional development for EYFS teachers and TAs.
• Drive continuous improvement through reflective practice, monitoring, data review and quality assurance.
2. Teaching & Learning
• Ensure the EYFS curriculum is broad, balanced, culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate.
• Oversee planning, assessment and continuous provision, ensuring high-quality indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Support teachers in developing strong pedagogy, early literacy, early numeracy and communication-rich practice.
• Promote inquiry-based learning, outdoor experiences and sustained shared thinking.
• Use assessment insights to guide intervention planning, curriculum adjustments and communication with parents.
• Ensure the integration of technology for learning, documentation and communication.
• Model outstanding EYFS classroom practice.
3. Pupil Development & Wellbeing
• Ensure exemplary pastoral care, safeguarding, wellbeing and behaviour approaches rooted in positive relationships.
• Serve as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), ensuring compliance with safeguarding procedures.
• Collaborate with the SENCO and EAL specialists to support children with additional needs.
• Promote a nurturing, inclusive culture where all children feel safe, valued and supported.
• Monitor progress and development closely, ensuring timely intervention for emerging concerns.
4. Operational Oversight
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of EYFS, including routines, events, transitions and parent engagement activities.
• Ensure all learning environments meet high standards of hygiene, safety and compliance through regular audits and follow-up.
• Work closely with operations, facilities and procurement teams to ensure timely delivery and effective use of resources.
• Support whole-school operational systems such as duty schedules, crisis management, supervision and emergency procedures.
5. Financial Responsibility & Budget Oversight
• Contribute to annual EYFS budget planning, monitoring and forecasting.
• Ensure cost-effective use of resources, consumables and learning materials.
• Advise on procurement needs linked to curriculum priorities and learning environment improvements.
Safeguarding Statement
RGS Phnom Penh is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks with previous employers and enhanced background checks.
Equal Opportunities
Reigate Grammar School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from appropriately qualified persons from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and diversity, fostering perseverance, tolerance, and integrity. Candidates will be assessed against relevant criteria only (i.e., skills, qualifications, abilities, experience) in selection and recruitment.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
An RGSPP application form, including a full work history and professional references.
A covering letter outlining your vision for the role and relevant experience.
Copies of qualifications and certifications.
Applications should be sent to recruit@reigategrammar-pp.edu.kh