Area Manager (Early Years & Key Stage 1)
Fred Nicholson School, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1JB24 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
16 March 2026 at 12am (midnight)
Date listed
20 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- MPS/UPS + SEN Allowance + TLR2b
Area Manager (Early Years & Key Stage 1) job summary
Tel: 01362 693915
Email: hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk
Web: www.frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk
Headteacher: Heidi Philpott
- Salary: MPS/UPS + SEN Allowance + TLR2b
- Permanent
- Full Time
- Start date: September 2026
The Opportunity
Are you an inspirational leader ready to shape a brand-new provision? Fred Nicholson School is entering an exciting new chapter. In April 2026, we are relocating to a state-of-the-art facility in Swaffham and expanding our offer to include Early Years and Key Stage 1.
We are seeking an outstanding Middle Leader to head this new area. As Area Manager, you will be a pivotal member of our Wider Leadership Team, driving excellence in a nurturing environment where the "whole child" comes first.
Our New Environment
Our purpose-built site on Lynn Road is designed to meet the complex needs of our pupils (ages 4–18), featuring:
- Bespoke, sensory-designed learning spaces.
- Dedicated soft play and independence classrooms.
- A curriculum adapted from the National Curriculum, ranging from early developmental levels to Functional Skills.
The Role: What You Will Do
- Lead & Shape: Launch and lead our new EYFS and KS1 provision, building a team and a culture from the ground up.
- Drive Excellence: Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure every pupil is safe, engaged, and making meaningful progress.
- Develop Talent: Mentor and develop staff practice, ensuring the delivery of purposeful, high-quality provision.
- Collaborate: Work as part of a dynamic management team consisting of four Area Managers.
About You:
We are looking for a practitioner who brings:
- Expertise: A strong background in EYFS and the Primary curriculum.
- Passion: A commitment to inclusive, innovative practice for pupils with complex needs (SLD, MLD, and communication difficulties).
- Leadership: The ability to inspire a team and create a confident, successful learning environment.
- Vision: The drive to help both our pupils and our staff reach their full potential.
Why Join Fred Nicholson School?
- Supportive Culture: Join a positive, energetic team that thrives on problem-solving and collaboration.
- Professional Growth: Access extensive CPD opportunities and a robust induction program.
- Innovation: Be at the forefront of specialist education in a brand-new, modern facility.
Ready to make a difference? We welcome applications from visionary teachers eager to lead this exciting expansion.
If you have any questions about our school or would like more information on this vacancy please contact Claire Townly, HR assistant by emailing hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk who will be happy to discuss this with you.
It is also possible to arrange a meeting with Heidi Philpott, Headteacher to discuss the role further should you wish. We will be happy to show prospective candidates around the school, please contact Claire Townly on the email above to arrange this.
How to apply:
Please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button to access the application form. Please complete the Application Form with as much information as possible, ensuring that you include a Personal Statement in Section 10 Supporting Information.
Please return your completed application form to Claire Townly via email to hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk
Closing date: 16 March 2026, 9am
Interview date: w/c 23 March 2026
We will be reviewing applications as they come in, and promising candidates may be invited for interview before the closing date.
The Governors at Fred Nicholson School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and to providing equal opportunities in employment. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment and to be DBS checked at the enhanced level.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Fred Nicholson School
- School type
- Special school, ages 3 to 19
- School size
- 197 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 3 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Fred Nicholson School website
School location
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