Class Teacher – Preschool

MPS/UPS (England & Wales) + Teacher Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.

Are you an enthusiastic EYFS specialist looking for your next rewarding role? Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard is looking for a passionate Class Teacher – Preschool to lead our vibrant early years provision and give our youngest learners the very best start in life!

What You’ll Be Doing

Oversee the smooth running, staffing, and high standards of care and education in our preschool setting.
Manage and mentor our Deputy Managers and Preschool Assistants, creating a warm, family-friendly environment.
Deliver a rich early years curriculum, ensuring statutory EYFS principles are met while supporting SEN identification and early interventions alongside our SENCO.
Build brilliant relationships with parents, carers, and external agencies to keep our preschool thriving.

What We’re Looking For

DfE-recognised Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent, plus a degree in a relevant subject.
Strong background in a primary or early years setting (experience with SEN is a fantastic bonus!).
Boundless energy, strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and a genuine passion for inclusive education.
A collaborative team player who stays calm under pressure and loves bringing fresh, creative ideas to the room.

Why Join Leigh Academies Trust?

Access to leading CPD and training via The Leigh Institute and Thames Gateway Teaching School Hub.
Enjoy a world-class digital strategy where every staff member receives their own device.
Generous wellbeing initiatives, staff discounts, and continuous career progression across our network of Thames Corridor academies.

If you’re a teacher who’s excited to inspire, develop, and help shape the future of education, then we’d love to hear from you!

Working with us at Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard
Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard opened in September 2017, it has since grown to full capacity with children up to Year 6 as of September 2021. The academy is located in Ebbsfleet Garden City and features new facilities, including a nursery and a centre for children with speech, communication, and language needs.

The academy’s core mission is to inspire children, deliver an inclusive education, create a safe and happy environment, and ensure all students feel valued. It focuses on challenging learning experiences to build resilient students and maintains a consistent approach to behaviour, safeguarding, and pastoral support.

Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard received an ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted in its November 2021 inspection, achieving the highest mark in all five areas: Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Early Years Provision.

Please click here to view our website and find out more!
 
Applying for this Opportunity
Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Charlotte Herberts (Recruitment Advisor): charlotte.herberts@latrust.org.uk / 01634 412 245.

To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.

Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity
Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role involves regulated activity relevant to children, and it is a criminal offence for anyone barred from engaging in regulated activity with children to apply for this position.

We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates, and you can read more about our approach on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role, regardless of any protected characteristics, which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices, and not discriminating on any grounds.