Early Years Leader

About the School – St Andrews Sathorn

Overview:

St. Andrews International School, Sathorn, is a vibrant and inclusive community focused on fostering academic success and holistic development. We are seeking a talented and passionate Early Years Leader to strengthen our leadership team. This pivotal role is essential in shaping the educational journey of our youngest learners, creating an atmosphere that promotes curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning.

We are thrilled to offer an opportunity for an experienced Early Years Leader to join our outstanding team.

About Cognita:

Cognita is a well-respected entity in global independent education. Founded in 2004, our expanding network includes over 100 schools in 21 countries—across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East—serving more than 100,000 students. Each school maintains its distinct character, yet we share a unified mission: to create a setting where everyone can "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world."

At Cognita, we appreciate that every student is unique. We celebrate their individual traits and strengths, offering academic, social, and emotional support no matter where they are located. Although our schools differ in identity, they benefit from shared insights, opportunities, and best practices, ensuring that each child receives a truly exceptional education.

Our customized approach enables every school, educator, and student to excel in their specific strengths.

About the Role:

Position Objective

The main goals for the Early Years Leader at St Andrews International Schools include:

- Ensuring the smooth daily operation of the early years program
- Leading by example, embodying our core values of Care, Success, Innovation, and Inclusion
- Enhancing the Primary curriculum through outstanding and adaptable teaching and learning practices
- Building relationships with faculty, students, staff, and parents

What you will be doing:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Teaching

- Implementing high-quality teaching practices within the Early Years framework, consistent with the English National Curriculum
- Crafting and facilitating engaging learning environments
- Nurturing strong connections with students, staff, and parents

2. Leadership

- Acting as a positive role model for the entire Sathorn community
- Contributing to the Senior Leadership Team, advancing school-wide priorities and continuous enhancement
- Overseeing the daily functioning of the Early Years program
- Managing Early Years Teachers and Teaching Assistants
- Working with the DSL, LS Coordinator, and KS1 Coordinator to ensure seamless transitions to KS1

3. Communication

- Maintaining ongoing communication with Early Years parents through platforms such as Seesaw, family-friendly mornings, and newsletters
- Leading parent engagement initiatives for Early Years, including workshops, coffee mornings, and meetings with parent representatives
- Planning and supervising larger Early Years events
- Ensuring effective internal communication for staff through regular meetings, weekly updates, and policy revisions
- Assisting parents with escalated concerns

4. Professional Development

- Coordinating the induction and training of new Early Years staff members
- Leading continuous professional development for Early Years staff in line with the overall school development strategy, focusing on high-quality teaching and learning
- Implementing CPD and coaching cycles to enhance teaching and learning in the Early Years

5. Curriculum & Teaching

- Managing and overseeing the Early Years curriculum, leading regular review cycles
- Ensuring the curriculum has the necessary resources
- Collaborating with subject and phase leaders to maintain consistent curriculum delivery
- Partnering with the Head of School to ensure alignment with the school's vision and priorities

6. Operational

- Assisting in the management of staffing and recruitment strategies
- Overseeing budget allocation and management for the Early Years program
- Collaborating with the admissions team to support new students and manage enrollment numbers alongside staffing considerations

7. Safeguarding & Pastoral

- Serving as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) for Early Years, working with the broader Safeguarding team to address any concerns
- Managing significant or ongoing behavioral issues in Early Years in conjunction with the Pastoral Care Coordinator and Head of School
- Ensuring the promotion and safeguarding of children's welfare, in compliance with Cognita's Safeguarding and Child Protection policies. Any concerns regarding a child's safety must be reported to the School’s Child Protection Officer or the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Who we are looking for:

Qualifications and Experience:

- A relevant teaching certificate or license
- At least a four-year recognized teaching qualification, which includes a Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Diploma or a Bachelor of Education
- Experience in an international school environment is highly preferred
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to multitask and manage time effectively
- Ability to lead and collaborate within a team while being willing to engage in broader school events
- Excellent communication skills, multitasking abilities, and time management

Working Conditions:

- Working hours are from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, five days a week
- Attendance at meetings as required
- Participation in school functions, meetings, events, and professional development days, which may occur outside of standard hours

Term of Employment:

- Fixed Term
- Full-time position
- Paid leave during designated school holidays
- Paid sick leave and hospitalization leave
- Additional benefits, including relocation assistance, subject to employment terms

Benefits at Cognita:

- Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience
- Allowances for school and public holidays
- Discount on school fees
- Opportunities for professional development

How to Apply:

Please submit your application prior to the deadline. The application closing date is: 30 April 2026.

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers, and other third parties to uphold this commitment. Our recruitment process includes safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks before confirming any appointments.

We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our capacity to be better, smarter, and happier, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds, genders, and races. We are committed to fairness and equity within our recruitment process.

Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and appoint candidates before the closing date if the right applicant is identified.

If you do not hear back from us by the closing date, please assume your application was not successful this time.