Reception Teacher, option to lead Early Years and Year 1 (Maternity Cover)

Queen Emma Primary School, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 8QY

2 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 January 2027

• Closing date

  18 September 2026 at 3pm

• Date listed

  16 September 2026

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Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher or lecturer
  • Suitable for early career teachers (504)
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Early years
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Fixed term - From January 2027 - Maternity or parental leave cover
• Pay scale: Main Pay Scale 1 – 6, with a TLR for leadership for the right candidate

What skills and experience we're looking for

The successful candidate will:

• Be an excellent classroom practitioner with a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
• Have high expectations for children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Demonstrate creativity, enthusiasm and a commitment to inclusive practice.
• Work effectively as part of a supportive and collaborative team.
• Have excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Be committed to maintaining high standards of teaching and learning.

The Early Years & Year 1 Leader role (where applicable) will include:

• Leading and developing the Early Years and Year 1 curriculum and provision.
• Supporting and mentoring colleagues within the Early Years and Year 1 team.
• Monitoring standards and driving continuous improvement.
• Working closely with senior leaders to promote excellence across the phase.
• Leading phonics.

What the school offers its staff

We offer:

• A welcoming and supportive school community.
• Enthusiastic and engaged children who enjoy learning.
• Dedicated and friendly colleagues.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership experience.
• A well-resourced and inspiring learning environment.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative and committed Reception Teacher to join our Early Years team from January 2027 at Queen Emma, to cover a period of maternity leave.

This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding practitioner who is passionate about providing high-quality early years education and creating a nurturing, stimulating environment in which every child can thrive. The successful candidate will be dedicated to fostering children’s curiosity, independence and love of learning during these important formative years.

For candidates with the appropriate experience and leadership aspirations, there is also the opportunity to undertake the role of Early Years and Year 1 phase leader role, providing strategic leadership across the Early Years provision and working closely with colleagues to ensure excellent outcomes for all pupils. Please indicate on your application if you are interested in this additional leadership experience. This additional responsibility attracts a TLR payment.

Commitment to safeguarding

The Queens’ Federation (comprising Queen Edith and Queen Emma Primary Schools) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Applying for the job

This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Class Teacher Job Description.pdf - 461 KB (opens in new tab)

Person Specification.pdf - 442 KB (opens in new tab)

About Queen Emma Primary School

• Organisation type: Local authority maintained school, ages 4 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 391 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Queen Emma Primary School website
• Email address: mjeeps@queenemma.cambs.sch.uk
• Phone number: 01223 714300
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/queen-emma-primary-school

Queen Emma Primary School opened its doors to our first Reception Classes in September 2011. Since then it has become a thriving community school with all year groups from Reception to Year 6. Queen Emma also caters for nursery children from aged two. Our school catchment area covers the Queen Edith, Morley and Ridgefield areas and our community comprises families from around the World with 42 languages spoken in the school at the last count!
Queen Emma is in federation with Queen Edith Primary School just a 5 minute walk away. The Federation is led by one Executive Headteacher, senior leadership team and governing body with representation from both schools.
We want the children who attend Queen Emma to have a purposeful and satisfying experience, a sense of well-being, a positive self-image and to become independent and enthusiastic learners.

Arranging a visit to Queen Emma Primary School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email mjeeps@queenemma.cambs.sch.uk.

School location

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