Head of EYFS - August 2026

Job Description

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Head of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to join our team either immediately or for August 2026. The individual in this role will be pivotal in supporting the school's Vision and Mission, as well as ensuring adherence to all policies, academic standards, and pastoral support within the Primary school.

Key Purpose

In collaboration with the Principal and Head of Primary, the Head of EYFS will hold overall responsibility for both the daily operations and strategic management of the Primary school. This role involves leading, managing, and monitoring progress while considering curriculum planning, supporting Behaviour for Learning, and engaging with parents to promote the school’s vision.

Main Purpose

The Head of EYFS will play a crucial role in:

- Promoting and upholding the ethos and standards of excellence as outlined in the GEMS Core Values.
- Ensuring high academic standards within the Early Years school, consistent with the school's commitment for all students to achieve their best and meet UAE National Agenda targets.
- Developing the school’s aims and objectives.
- Establishing policies that facilitate the achievement of these aims and objectives.
- Managing staff and resources effectively to support these objectives.
- Monitoring progress towards the school's aims and objectives.
- Overseeing budgets and undertaking teaching and other professional responsibilities as delegated by the Principal.
- Assisting in shaping and executing the educational strategy for the school.

Qualities

- Maintain public trust in school leadership and uphold high standards of ethics, behavior, and professionalism.
- Foster positive and respectful relationships throughout the school community and with parents.
- Act in the best interests of the students.
- Serve as an effective role model, consistently demonstrating the positive attitudes, values, and behaviors expected of students.
- Contribute positively to the broader life and ethos of the school.
- Treat students and staff with dignity, fostering relationships based on mutual respect while maintaining professional boundaries.

Duties and Responsibilities

School Culture and Behaviour

- Embrace and promote the ethos and standards of excellence defined in the GEMS Core Values.
- Collaborate closely with the Head of Primary to establish effective and globally relevant learning and teaching practices.
- Implement the school’s vision for quality education in line with GEMS expectations for excellence.
- Create an environment where students enjoy a positive and enriching school experience.
- Uphold educational standards to prepare students from diverse backgrounds for their next educational phase and life.
- Ensure a culture of professionalism among staff.
- Encourage high standards of behavior among students, underpinned by clear rules and routines understood by staff and students, and exemplified by all adults in the school.
- Employ consistent and fair behavior management strategies in accordance with the school’s behavior policy.

Teaching, Curriculum, and Assessment

- Establish and maintain high-quality teaching across all subjects and phases, grounded in evidence.
- Ensure teaching is supported by subject matter expertise.
- Develop monitoring and evaluation systems to assess teaching and learning standards, implementing necessary improvement strategies.
- Ensure a broad, structured, and coherent curriculum is delivered.
- Establish curriculum leadership, including subject leaders with relevant expertise and access to professional networks.
- Use valid and reliable methods to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the curriculum.

Additional and Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disabilities

- Foster a culture and practices that allow all students to engage with the curriculum.
- Set high expectations for all students with SEN and disabilities.
- Ensure effective collaboration with parents to identify additional needs and provide appropriate support and adaptations.

Organizational Management and School Improvement

- Establish and sustain the school’s ethos and strategic direction in partnership with the governing board and through community consultation.
- Oversee systems, processes, and policies to ensure effective school operation.
- Safeguard the safety and welfare of staff and students through practical safeguarding measures as part of the duty of care.
- Manage both staff and student wellbeing.
- Identify challenges and barriers to school effectiveness, developing realistic and timely strategies for improvement suited to the school's context.
- Lead on areas of school improvement, ensuring strategies are monitored, implemented, and reviewed effectively.

Staff Management and Professional Development

- Performance manage assigned staff, including conducting appraisals and holding staff accountable for their performance.
- Provide staff access to high-quality professional development opportunities.
- Stay informed about educational developments.
- Pursue training and continuous professional development to address personal needs.

Governance, Accountability, and Partnership

- Understand and embrace the role of effective governance and accept responsibility.
- Ensure staff comprehend their professional responsibilities and are held accountable.
- Lead the school effectively to operate efficiently within regulatory frameworks, meeting all statutory duties.
- Collaborate successfully with other schools and organizations as appropriate.
- Maintain productive relationships with fellow professionals and colleagues to enhance educational outcomes for all students.

Skills

The ideal candidate will be:

- A fully qualified teacher with a B.Ed, PGCE, PGDE, or equivalent.
- Passionate about providing outstanding teaching and learning experiences.
- Highly skilled in the National Curriculum for England.
- Proficient in developing people and possess proven leadership and communication skills.
- Equipped with a minimum of 3 years of experience.
- May require a minimum of IELTS 6 or equivalent.

GEMS Education is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a prerequisite for all appointments.

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