Head of Teaching and Learning Development (English)- Early Years

Job Title: Head of Teaching and Learning Development (English)

Location: EPG Head Office with strategic visits across all EPG branches

Reports To: Early Years Director

Job Purpose

The Head of Teaching and Learning Development (English) plays a crucial role in providing strategic leadership for delivering high-quality early years education throughout all EPG early years settings. This position is responsible for designing and executing exemplary EYFS-aligned curriculum frameworks, leading instructional coaching initiatives, ensuring consistent academic standards, and driving ongoing improvements in teaching practices. Collaboration with the Head of Pastoral Care is key to offering integrated academic and wellbeing support, as well as coordination with the Head of Teaching and Learning (Arabic) to facilitate cohesive bilingual education.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Curriculum Leadership

• Curriculum Strategy: Formulate an all-encompassing curriculum strategy that aligns with EYFS standards across five early years levels (Tiny Tots through FS2); set learning objectives and assessment frameworks; evaluate effectiveness and student outcomes across the system.

• Bilingual Coordination: Work alongside the Head of Teaching and Learning (Arabic) to create integrated bilingual methodologies; ensure seamless transitions between English and Arabic components; coordinate cross-curricular initiatives; support effective bilingual education strategies.

• Innovation & Compliance: Drive innovation while ensuring adherence to EYFS compliance and international accreditation standards; create culturally responsive strategies for diverse communities.

Leadership Development & Instructional Coaching

• Instructional Coach Management: Offer strategic leadership to all Instructional Coaches; design comprehensive professional development programs that incorporate early years education excellence and pastoral care competencies; coordinate deployment strategies across branches.

• Performance & Development: Conduct joint performance evaluations for Instructional Coaches with the Head of Pastoral Care; deliver balanced training in coaching methodologies, curriculum expertise, and student wellbeing; foster networks for best practice sharing among Instructional Coaches.

• Academic Administrator Oversight: Oversee the development of comprehensive training programs for Academic Administrators and Lead Teachers; establish competency frameworks and career progression pathways; assist with succession planning.

Quality Assurance & Assessment

• Standards Monitoring: Establish and monitor teaching quality standards across all branches; systematically evaluate curriculum implementation and teaching effectiveness; coordinate quality assurance visits and assessments, delegating evidence collection to Academic Administrators and Central Academic Admin.

• Assessment Framework: Create an extensive assessment system aligned with EYFS and EPG standards; manage the monitoring of student progress; analyze system-wide learning data to pinpoint trends and areas for improvement.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Examine data related to curriculum outcomes, student achievements, and teaching quality metrics; implement improvement strategies for areas that are underperforming; prepare detailed reports for the Early Years Director.

Professional Development & Resource Management

• Training Leadership: Develop a thorough professional development framework for the delivery of the EPG curriculum; lead system-wide training for teachers, Academic Administrators, Lead Teachers, and Instructional Coaches; manage external partnerships and evaluate their effectiveness.

• Resource Development: Supervise the creation and procurement of English curriculum resources; establish a central repository for teaching materials; oversee the integration of educational technology; develop collaborations with publishers and service providers.

• Professional Development: Design internal expertise programs across leadership levels; create mentoring frameworks; support teacher certification requirements and resource accessibility.

Family Engagement & External Relations

• Parent Education: Direct curriculum-focused family engagement initiatives by creating academic content and resources for parent sessions, while Academic Administrators and Branch Managers handle logistics and delivery. Collaborate with the Head of Pastoral Care on communications with parents regarding pastoral matters.

• External Partnerships: Represent EPG within educational networks; foster partnerships with international schools; coordinate curriculum transitions with EPG Primary Schools; engage with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance; participate in research initiatives.

• Community Relations: Advocate for inclusive learning environments that celebrate diversity; support culturally responsive curriculum approaches; uphold EPG’s reputation for excellence in early years education.

Strategic Planning & Crisis Management

• Innovation & Planning: Contribute to the strategic planning and long-term curriculum development at EPG; lead research and pilot initiatives; identify emerging trends; formulate proposals for curriculum enhancement; nurture a culture of continuous improvement.

• Crisis Leadership: Provide leadership during educational crises impacting curriculum delivery; coordinate responses to ensure curriculum continuity; assist branches in addressing urgent challenges; ensure that business continuity planning includes curriculum provisions.

• Professional Growth: Engage in ongoing professional development in educational leadership and curriculum; stay updated on international best practices; participate in senior leadership programs; represent EPG at conferences and professional events.

Experience, Qualifications & Skills Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

• At least 8 years of successful early years teaching experience demonstrating excellence.

• Minimum of 5 years in educational leadership roles, including curriculum coordination, teacher development, or instructional coaching.

• Proven track record in managing and nurturing educational leaders and coaching staff.

Essential Expertise

• In-depth knowledge of the EYFS framework and principles of early childhood development.

• Extensive experience in English curriculum design, assessment methodologies, and instructional strategies.

• Familiarity with bilingual education approaches and cross-cultural educational environments.

• Strong leadership and management capabilities, along with experience in strategic planning and change management.

Key Competencies

• Experience in collaborative leadership and matrix management with shared authority.

• Exceptional coaching, mentoring, and professional development design abilities.

• Proficient in utilizing educational technology and data analysis to enhance curriculum.

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills suited for diverse, multilingual environments.

• Familiarity with quality assurance, educational inspection, and compliance management.

Personal Attributes

• Cultural awareness and adaptability, particularly within Middle Eastern educational contexts.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

• A passion for educational excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement in early childhood education.

• Knowledge of international educational standards and accreditation requirements.

Additional Responsibilities

The Head of Teaching and Learning Development (English) may receive additional Positions of Responsibility (PORs) aligned with their role as a Senior Leadership Team member, as determined by the Early Years Director. Other reasonable duties may also be assigned by management.