Assistant Headteacher

Manor Park Primary School is seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to lead our Early Years Foundation Stage, and to provide strategic leadership for phonics and early reading across the school.

This is a key role within the Senior Leadership Team, with significant influence over teaching, learning and outcomes for our youngest pupils. Early Years and early reading are central to our school improvement priorities, and this post offers genuine opportunity to shape practice at scale.

Why Manor Park?

Manor Park is a large, vibrant and inclusive primary school with:

• A 78-place Nursery and three Reception classes
• A supportive and experienced senior leadership team
• A culture of collaboration, trust and professional respect
• A strong commitment to early reading and inclusive practice

If you are passionate about Early Years, committed to high-quality phonics teaching, and ready to take on a meaningful senior leadership role, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We are incredibly proud of our school and the children who come here to learn and soar to success. Our school, built in 1950, is a well established part of the community and has a heritage which sees ex pupils returning as parents and even grandparents. Our core mission is to offer our wonderful children outstanding teaching and learning experiences and the very best opportunities, in and beyond the classroom. Learning at Manor Park is innovative, fun and exciting, capturing pupils’ interests and extending their knowledge and skills. We aim to raise aspirations, inspire a life-long love of learning and create memories to last a lifetime. As you explore the website, you will see the range of opportunities that our children have, and the local, national and global links we have forged. We are particularly proud of our Manor Park University which extends and enriches our curriculum offer. In addition, our excellent pastoral care ensures that all children are nurtured and thrive in a supportive and caring environment.

You will:

• Lead and develop a large EYFS provision, including a 78-place Nursery and three Reception classes
• Be the strategic lead for phonics and early reading, using Read Write Inc. across EYFS and Key Stage 1
• Ensure consistency, fidelity and impact in phonics teaching and early reading intervention
• Secure high-quality provision, assessment and transition from Nursery to Reception and into Year 1
• Inspire, support and challenge staff through coaching and professional leadership
• Play a full role in senior leadership, safeguarding and school improvement

Teaching Commitment
The role includes a teaching commitment, proportionate to whole-school leadership responsibilities and determined annually in line with school priorities.

We are open to flexible working arrangements, and applications are welcome from candidates who may not wish to work full time.

• Is an excellent EYFS practitioner with strong leadership credibility
• Has experience of leading or developing provision in EYFS
• Has secure, practical knowledge of Read Write Inc. and early reading development
• Can lead teams with clarity, warmth and high expectations
• Is inclusive, child-centred and values-driven
• Is ready to step into (or further develop within) senior leadership

Previous assistant headship experience is welcome but not essential — strong phase leaders or middle leaders ready for the next step are encouraged to apply.

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. Please contact admin@manorpark.coventry.sch.uk to arrange a time and date.

Our workforce data shows that men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented, we encourage applicants from these backgrounds to apply.  This does not prevent individuals with or without other protected characteristics as set out within the Equality Act 2010 from applying for this post.  

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS, all relevant safeguarding and pre-employment clearances, and the receipt of two satisfactory references.

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre-employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note that an online search may form part of this recruitment process.