EYFS Lead

Job Title: EYFS Lead

This role will be class based in the EYFS but PPA and additional leadership planning time per week will be given.

E‑ACT Merchants’ Academy – Ambition, Community, Opportunity

E‑ACT Merchants’ Academy is a welcoming, ambitious all‑through school serving the heart of South Bristol. Spanning Nursery to Sixth Form, the academy provides a strong sense of continuity and community, offering children and young people a supportive, inclusive environment in which to learn and grow.

With a dedicated Primary and Secondary phase, our academy provides a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment where students are encouraged to work hard, embrace challenges, and develop the confidence they need to succeed. Our staff team is committed to delivering a broad and aspirational curriculum, enriched by strong pastoral care and a focus on personal development.

Want to make a difference to young people?

Joining Merchants’ Academy means becoming part of a collaborative, values‑driven educational community. As an E‑ACT colleague, you’ll also have access to excellent professional development, supportive

networks, and the chance to help shape the future of a school committed to raising aspirations and celebrating excellence.

If you are ready to support and inspire children and young people across a diverse and vibrant school community, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for an EYFS Lead to lead inspiring early learning at Merchants’ Academy Primary, shaping high‑quality, inclusive EYFS provision within a warm, values‑driven community. Drive outstanding teaching, nurture the whole child, and empower pupils to ‘Work Hard, Be Kind, Have Courage’ as they confidently progress.

Key responsibilities:

Provide day‑to‑day leadership of the EYFS phase, ensuring high‑quality teaching and learning in line with academy strategy.

Develop, monitor and evaluate EYFS schemes of work, ensuring curriculum coverage, progression and appropriate differentiation for all learners.

Monitor and evaluate pupil progress, using assessment information to set challenging targets and shape high‑impact interventions.

Support staff in planning and delivering high-quality EYFS provision, ensuring excellent learning environments both indoors and outdoors.

Oversee EYFS support and intervention strategies, working with colleagues to ensure all children—including those with SEND—flourish.

Pay range:

M1 - M6 plus TLR 2A £3,527.00

£36,443.00 - £48,879.00

Full Time, Permanent

Qualifications and Skills:

QTS

Ability to plan, prepare and deliver a curriculum suited to the age and ability of EYFS pupils

Ability to lead a team effectively to secure strong outcomes for children

Strong skills in assessing and recording progress, using data and formative assessment to raise standards

Ability to create a stimulating, safe learning environment tailored to early childhood development

What are we about?

At E-ACT, we believe every child deserves opportunity. Our ‘Opening Minds, Opening Doors’ strategy breaks down barriers and builds pathways to success; driven by purposeful leadership, collaboration, and innovation. We champion diversity, encourage a people-first culture, and ensure every voice is heard.

We are proud to lead system-wide change both locally and national - providing sector-wide support while transforming futures. Our achievements are recognised through winning MAT of the Year 2023 at the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, and also the TES Trust Leadership Award 2024. E-ACT is recognised for shaping bold educational outcomes. Most recently, two of our Birmingham academies were selected by the Department for Education as RISE Regional Hubs, in recognition of their outstanding work on inclusion and behaviour, a testament to the impact of our people-first culture and relentless drive for excellence.

With 38 academies and over 25,000 pupils, our dedicated staff make excellence possible. We prioritise wellbeing, tackle workload, and continuously raise the bar. We don’t just educate, we inspire ambition and empower every child to thrive.

Benefits: 

Financial and Lifestyle

We offer a strong financial package including access to defined benefit pension schemes (LGPS or TPS), life cover at three times pensionable pay, and 31 days of annual leave for year-round employees. Staff can also benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme, promoting healthy and sustainable commuting.

Professional Growth and Development

We invest heavily in staff development through tailored INSET days and high-quality CPD opportunities. Teaching staff benefit from automatic TLR progression, a structured 9-point pay scale (M1 to UPS3), and full TLR payments for part-time colleagues fulfilling full responsibilities.

Culture and Wellbeing

Our people-first culture values every colleague. We support wellbeing through the Wisdom app and a free Employee Assistance Programme offering counselling and financial advice. Collaboration is at the heart of our Trust, encouraging shared learning and collective success.

Please look at our 'Work for Us' page and Recruitment Pack for more information.

How to apply:

Please read the supporting documentation carefully before completing your application.

E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.