Head of Early Years
Imperial Wharf (Hammersmith & Fulham), London
Vacancy listed 15/10/2026
Application deadline 27/11/2026
Details
Head of Early Years 

Location: Imperial Wharf, Chelsea (Hammersmith & Fulham), London
Salary: £45,000–£55,000, depending on experience
Contract: Full-time, permanent, Monday to Friday

About First Bridge School
First Bridge School is a DfE-registered specialist SEND school in Chelsea, supporting children aged 2 to 11 with autism and complex developmental needs.

Our Early Years provision is where many of our pupils begin their educational journey. We provide a structured, nurturing and specialist environment designed around the individual developmental, communication and learning needs of young autistic children.

Our approach brings together education, therapy and behaviour support. Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Behaviour Specialists work collaboratively to provide integrated, child-centred provision.

 We are now looking for an experienced and motivated Head of Early Years to lead our Early Years provision and be part of the safeguarding team across the school. 

The Role
This is a senior position combining leadership of Early Years education with responsibility for safeguarding and child protection.

We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), child development and high-quality early education, alongside substantial safeguarding knowledge. You may already be an experienced DSL/DDSL or an established Early Years leader with the safeguarding expertise and experience needed to take on this responsibility.

You will lead the development and delivery of our Early Years provision for children aged 2 to 5, ensuring practice is consistent, developmentally appropriate and responsive to the needs of pupils with autism and complex developmental needs.

As DDSL, you will support the school's safeguarding and child protection arrangements, working closely with DSL, school leadership, staff, families and external agencies to ensure concerns are identified, recorded, escalated and managed appropriately.

This is an opportunity to combine educational leadership with meaningful safeguarding responsibility in a specialist setting where both are central to children's safety, development and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

Early Years Leadership
  • Lead and develop the school's Early Years provision, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, care and developmental support.
  • Oversee EYFS planning, assessment, observation and tracking of children's progress.
  • Ensure provision is aligned with EYFS principles, individual needs and relevant EHCP outcomes.
  • Support staff to deliver structured, play-based learning that promotes communication, independence, emotional regulation and early developmental skills.
  • Lead, support and develop the Early Years team, modelling effective practice and maintaining consistent expectations. Work collaboratively with teachers, Teaching Assistants and therapists to deliver integrated, individualised provision.Maintain positive and professional relationships with parents and carers, supporting communication and partnership working.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement, quality assurance and the development of Early Years practice across the school.

Safeguarding and Child Protection
  • Act as the school's Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), providing leadership and oversight of safeguarding and child protection arrangements.
  • Receive, assess, record and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring timely escalation and referrals to relevant external agencies where required.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential safeguarding records and ensure information is shared appropriately and securely.
  • Provide guidance and support to staff on safeguarding concerns, professional boundaries, reporting procedures and child protection responsibilities.
  • Support safeguarding induction, staff training and ongoing awareness across the school.
  • Work with school leadership and external agencies to ensure appropriate action is taken to protect children.
  • Contribute to safer recruitment, safeguarding audits and ongoing monitoring of safeguarding practice.
  • Ensure safeguarding arrangements reflect the needs and vulnerabilities of children with SEND, including those who may have communication difficulties or be unable to articulate concerns.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant safeguarding guidance, statutory requirements and best practice.

Essential Requirements
  • EYTS, QTS, EYPS or an equivalent higher-level qualification relevant to Early Years education.
  • Proven experience in Early Years leadership, management or responsibility for the quality of provision.
  • Strong knowledge of EYFS principles, child development, observation and assessment.
  • Strong safeguarding and child protection knowledge, with previous DSL experience or demonstrable experience and expertise appropriate to taking on the DSL role.
  • Understanding of safeguarding procedures, record keeping, referrals, information sharing and multi-agency working.
  • Experience supporting, guiding or developing colleagues and maintaining high professional standards.
  • Strong communication, organisational and decision-making skills.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities, respond calmly to sensitive situations and exercise sound professional judgement.
  • A commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality and the welfare of children.
  • A collaborative, proactive and accountable approach to leadership.

Desirable Experience
  • Previous experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL.
  • Experience working in a specialist SEND school, autism provision or other setting supporting children with complex developmental needs.
  • Experience leading safeguarding arrangements within an educational setting.
  • Experience working with children with communication differences, including pre-verbal or minimally verbal pupils.
  • Knowledge of autism-specific approaches and positive behaviour support.
  • Experience working alongside Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and other clinical professionals.
  • Relevant safeguarding leadership training and current DSL training.

What We Offer
  • 34 days of holidays (inclusive of bank holidays)
  • Chance to be part of a friendly, supportive and collaborative team.
  • Competitive pay scales, performance-linked pay and bonuses, and monthly recognition awards.
  • Opportunities for high-quality ongoing professional development and career progression.
  • Up to 100% financial support towards relevant professional qualifications.
  • For some roles, a laptop to use in work and at home.
  •  Complimentary breakfasts and drinks, including Nespresso coffee.
  • Funded celebratory events, including summer and Christmas parties. 

Who This Role Is For
This role will suit an established Early Years leader who wants to combine educational leadership with safeguarding responsibility.

You may already be a Head of Early Years, Head of EYFS, Nursery Manager, Early Years Manager, Deputy Headteacher or another experienced education professional with relevant leadership and safeguarding experience.

We are particularly interested in candidates who understand that safeguarding and educational quality are inseparable, can lead and support a team, and are confident taking responsibility for sensitive and complex matters.

Experience in specialist SEND or autism provision would be valuable, but we are equally interested in candidates with transferable leadership and safeguarding experience who can demonstrate the knowledge, judgement and commitment required for this role.

Safeguarding
We expect everybody to share our commitment to safeguarding.
Our vacancies are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Pre-employment checks are carried out, professional references sought and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks.

We comply with the DBS code of practice. As such, having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us; the nature of the position and the circumstances and context of your offences will be considered.

Online Searches
An online search is carried out on all shortlisted candidates.

Share An Initial Interest
Please submit your CV and a brief statement outlining why you would like to work at FBS and how you feel your experience makes you a suitable candidate for this role.

Apply
After expressing an initial interest and reviewing the information on our website, suitable applicants will be invited to an initial screening phone call and to complete our application form.

Click the links to download the forms.
FBS Application form
FBS Self-disclosure form

Trial Visit & Formal Interview
Applicants who are shortlisted will be required to attend an in-person interview day.

Referral Awards
We offer referral awards to existing colleagues for recommending people who come to work with us. 
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