Experienced EYFS Leader | Available Immediately | Seeking Long-Term or Permanent Role
Sonja is an accomplished Early Years educator and leader with over 18 years of experience, including nearly a decade in senior leadership across UK and international schools. Passionate about early childhood education and school improvement, she thrives on creating ambitious, nurturing EYFS environments where children flourish.
Since returning to the UK, she has successfully led the Reception phase in a South East London primary school. Now available immediately, Sonja is seeking a full-time, long-term or permanent EYFS Teacher or Leader role where she can make a sustained impact and contribute meaningfully to a school's journey over time.
Education & Qualifications
- Bachelor of Education (Early Years Foundation Phase): University of South Africa - Distinction
- QTS: Qualified Teacher Status - UK
- Leadership Development: Ahead Partnership Future Academy
- CPD: Advanced Safeguarding for Designated Safeguarding Leads
- CPD: Safer Recruitment, Paediatric First Aid, and Prevent Duty training
- CPD: Extensive Local Authority and in-school CPD including RWI, EY Assessment, Oracy, and Inclusion
Experience Summary
Sonja brings a deep well of EYFS expertise and a proven track record of driving improvement in diverse school contexts—from new school start-ups to established settings in need of transformation. She has held roles as Head of School internationally, Assistant Headteacher in London, and EYFS Leader in multiple UK schools, consistently achieving excellent pupil outcomes and staff development.
- Led an international early years school in Bali, managing six grades and 43 staff, improving curriculum delivery and operational efficiency.
- Drove significant improvement in GLD outcomes as Interim AHT at Leopold Primary, with 2023 results the highest in a decade.
- Played a foundational role in establishing an Outstanding-rated EYFS department at East Lane Primary, achieving top borough results.
- Developed and led targeted CPD, mentoring, and performance management to build confident and capable EYFS teams.
- Strong track record in safeguarding, SEN inclusion, and family engagement, underpinned by a values-driven leadership approach.
Key Strengths
- Visionary and strategic EYFS leadership
- Deep understanding of early childhood pedagogy and curriculum
- Proven success in raising attainment and improving teaching
- Skilled in mentoring, coaching, and staff development
- Warm, professional communicator who builds trust with children, families, and colleagues
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience as DSL