Job Description
About the School – Downsend is an independent day school in Leatherhead, Ashtead and Epsom, Surrey, for children aged 6 months-16 years, offering a broad-based curriculum leading to outstanding academic success. Younger children aged 6 months-6 years attend one of the school’s three pre-preparatory departments situated on each site, and children aged 6-16 years attend the main, preparatory school site in Leatherhead.
Little Downsend Leatherhead, located just a 5 minute walk from the Junior and Senior School, possesses its own special character, with large bright, well equipped classrooms, brimming with interactive activities. Little Downsend Leatherhead has the largest outdoor area of the three schools, with over an acre of garden space including playgrounds, astro turfed sports area and a magnificent forest school zone.
This is a full time Teaching role (Maternity cover), 5 days a week. Working hours are 8.30am - 4.00pm with a 30-minute unpaid break.
About Cognita
Launched in 2004, Cognita is an extraordinary community of diverse yet connected schools, spanning seventeen different countries. We share one common purpose: to deliver an outstanding holistic education that will enable our students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. With over 100 schools in Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and the United States, we employ 18,000 teaching and support staff in the care and education of more than 90,000 students.
Our schools provide a truly holistic education based on rich and varied experiences that focus on social, emotional, physical and cognitive learning. This results in excellent academic outcomes for our students, who are also equipped with the agency, adaptability and positive attitudes to set them up for success in our fast changing world.
About the role
We are looking for a qualified EYT/EYPS/L6/QTS practitioner to teach a First Steps (2-3 year old) class during term time. Our teacher will have experience with this age range and understand the compliance and learning and development needs and requirements of working with EYFS children.
Key Responsibilities will include, (but not limited to):
- To be responsible for the education, welfare and personal care of pupils, having regard to the aims and objectives of Downsend and Little Downsend School Policies
- To maintain good order and discipline among pupils both on and off the school premises, to share in the responsibility for pastoral care of the pupils, including the safeguarding and promoting of children’s welfare
- To support the Head of Little Downsend, Senior Leadership Team, staff and other professionals in the preparation of schemes of work, lesson plans and School Policies
- To create and maintain a safe, organised, tidy and stimulating class environment
- To participate in meetings at the School which relate to the curriculum and organisation of the school and the pastoral care of the pupils
For more details, please email michaela.abraham@downsend.co.uk for the full Job Description.
Who we are looking for:
To be considered for this role you will be a Qualified EYT/ EYPS/ NVQ6/ QTS practitioner and have a Teaching degree with Early Years Specialism or equivalent. We would also expect;
- A thorough understanding of the EYFS
- Excellent communication skills (oral, written and use of ICT);
- Good organisational and administrative skills;
- Ability to take the lead in supervising other supporting adults with the classroom.
- Awareness of Health & Safety requirements and a thorough understanding of safeguarding.
Benefits at Cognita
- Competitive salary
- Pension
- Cognita Care First - Employee Assistance Programme
- School fees discount (conditions apply)
- Lunch available
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- My Staff Shop - discounts for staff across a range of companies
Apply now
Please send a cover letter and completed application form to: michaela.abraham@downsend.co.uk. Please note we do not accept CVs without a fully completed application form.
EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW AND APPOINT PRIOR TO CLOSING DATE FOR THE RIGHT APPLICANT.
Applicants who have not heard from us by the closing date must assume that, on this occasion, their application has been unsuccessful.
Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.
We believe having a diverse workforce makes us better, smarter and happier and so welcome applicants from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We have an unwavering commitment to being fair and equitable in our recruitment process.