Head of Foundation Stage 2 - August 2026

GEMS Wellington International School, located in Dubai, provides exceptional educational experiences for students ranging from 3 to 18 years old. Our school follows the Foundation Stage curriculum during The Early Years, the National Curriculum for England up to Year 11, and the International Baccalaureate for Years 12 and 13. In our vibrant school environment, students benefit from a wide array of enriching learning experiences that empower them to achieve and aspire at every stage of their educational journey. Our diverse school community is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating each individual's strengths, fostering lifelong learners, and nurturing future leaders.

Job Purpose: The primary aim of this role is to deliver strong leadership that enhances the pastoral care and support for children within the designated year group. The position requires a commitment to upholding and monitoring high standards and expectations in learning, teaching, and assessment to improve student attainment and progress.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
● Establishing a positive and approachable relationship with students, parents, and staff.
● Setting expectations for the start and end of the day, welcoming parents and children, and addressing immediate queries and concerns.
● Promoting innovative and high-quality practices across all facets of learning and teaching, including planning, learning environments, learning skills, and effective use of specialist teachers and release time to enhance student outcomes.
● Fostering a culture of optimism, motivation, and inspiration, with all team members believing in the school's and department's ability to achieve set goals and targets.
● Holding teachers accountable for the attainment and progress of students in the year group.
● Collaborating with the Head of School, AHTs, and Lower School Curriculum Leaders to ensure a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Review (MER) process for learning and teaching standards within the year group.
● Planning, executing, and reporting within the year group's Monitoring, Evaluation, and Review cycle, including creating targeted action plans aligned with the School Development Plan.
● Providing regular and relevant professional development opportunities for team members to identify and cultivate potential.
● Setting ambitious targets for Performance Management that are consistently monitored.
● Facilitating core intervention groups within the year group to promote rapid progress and positive outcomes for targeted learners.
● Leading the Parents as Partners initiative, which includes organizing high-quality termly parental engagement activities, workshops, communications, and year group events and visits.
● Ensuring good attendance and effectively intervening to improve student lateness and attendance when it falls below 96%.
● Managing effective and purposeful transitions between lessons and during breaks.
● Planning and facilitating a comprehensive transition program for all stakeholders.
● Overseeing the line management of teachers and TAs in your year group.

Other specific duties:
● Actively participating in the future development of the school and its community.
● Promoting the school’s policies as appropriate.
● Undertaking any other professional duties that are required and defined as a leader at GEMS Wellington International School.