Reception Class Teacher

Job Ref No. ECC2429-191	Position Start Date: 02/01/2027	Application Close: 02/10/2026 Midday
Position Type: Teacher	Contract Type: Full-time	Date of Interviews: W/c 5th October 2026
Pay Range: MPS+Fringe	Contract Term: Permanent

Job Description

Location: Somers Heath Primary School

Salary: Within the pay range: M1 £34,729 - M6 £47,289- Pending pay award

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Start Date: January 2027

Closing date: Friday 2nd October 2026 at midday

Interview date: W/c 5th October 2026

Are you an inspirational educator ready to shape the brightest beginnings?

At Somers Heath Primary School, we believe that a child's first year in school sets the foundation for a lifetime of learning. We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and dedicated Reception Class Teacher to join our vibrant Early Years team.

Whether you are an experienced teacher looking for a new challenge or an Early Career Teacher (ECT) eager to make your mark, we want to hear from you.

What You Will Do

Create a warm, safe, and stimulating classroom environment where every child feels valued and excited to learn.
Design and deliver a creative, play-based EYFS curriculum that sparks curiosity and supports diverse learning needs.
Form strong, positive partnerships with parents and carers to support children's transition and ongoing development.
Use ongoing assessments to track progress and plan tailored next steps for every child.

The ideal candidate will:

Be a confident practitioner, able to inspire and lead successful learning
Enjoy working in a supportive network of professionals
Be an excellent communicator who is committed to working in partnership with children, staff, and parents
Be able to challenge and motivate all children to succeed
Be keen to become a part of the school community and participate in the wider school life
Have a love of learning and be committed to their own development
Be an adaptable team player with a good sense of humour
Have a good understanding of teaching phonics
Have high expectations for all pupils

What We Are Looking For

A qualified teacher (QTS) with a deep understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.
A passion for early childhood development and a belief in the power of child-initiated learning.
Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
A warm, resilient, and patient nature

We set high standards for the quality of teaching and will support you to become an outstanding teacher through the provision of outstanding professional development. As part of Catalyst Academies Trust, a high performing local MAT of five primary schools, you will benefit from support and shared planning. This will also provide the right candidate with opportunities for career development, including outreach work and ITT support work.

In return, we offer:

Excellent professional development opportunities
A supportive and friendly community
Outstanding, collaborative partnerships with other local schools
Recognition of continuous service
An employee assistance programme
Access to our "Catalyst Employee Perks" platform where you will be able to access a range of discounts from regular supermarkets, numerous retailers, family days out, restaurants and more.

Catalyst Academies Trust is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England & Wales (Company Number 8407989)

A £1,000 Catalyst welcome payment for successful candidates (teachers paid on Main Scale) if you are appointed through a direct application to a Catalyst school (i.e. avoiding agency costs). The first £500 payment will be made 1 term after working in a Catalyst school.

Visits to our school are encouraged. Please contact the Headteacher, Martin Curtis, via the school office - admin.shps@catrust.org.uk

Catalyst Academies Trust are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people. We expect all our staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be made a conditional offer subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical check, and references. Applicants will also be required to complete a 'Disqualification by Association' declaration.

Information about the School

Visits to the school are both positively encouraged and warmly welcomed. Also, you are very welcome to have an informal, confidential discussion with Martin Curtis, our Headteacher, about this vacancy.

Please contact our school office on 01708 853397 or admin.shps@catrust.org.uk to arrange these.

We are proud of our children and our facilities and confident that you will want to work here.

This is an exciting time to join our school. We have amazing children, a great team, excellent facilities and spacious classrooms.

Our collaboration with the other schools within Catalyst Academies Trust supports teachers, and we hope you would like to be part of our aim to provide outstanding education for all children.

Somers Heath is situated close to the M25 and A13 road links, near The Dartford Crossing and Lakeside Shopping Centre.

Catalyst Academies Trust are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of children and young people.

We expect all our staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be made a conditional offer subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical check, and references. Applicants will also be required to complete a 'Disqualification by Association' declaration.

Contact Information

Martin Curtis,
Somers Heath Primary School,
Foyle Drive, South Ockendon,
Essex, RM15 5LX

Telephone: 01708 853397
Email: admin.shps@catrust.org.uk