Head of Foundation Stage 2 - August 2026

GEMS Wellington International School, an exceptional institution located in Dubai, provides outstanding educational experiences for students between the ages of 3 and 18. Our school follows the Foundation Stage curriculum in The Early Years, the National Curriculum for England through Year 11, and the International Baccalaureate for Years 12 and 13. The vibrant environment coupled with a diverse array of enriching learning opportunities equips students to excel and aspire throughout their educational journey. Our international school community is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating individual strengths while fostering lifelong learners and nurturing future leaders.

Job Purpose:
The primary objective of this role is to deliver strong leadership aimed at enhancing pastoral care and support for children within the designated year group. The focus will be on ensuring consistently high standards and expectations in learning, teaching, and assessment, thereby improving student attainment and progress.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
● Fostering a warm and approachable relationship with students, parents, and staff.
● Upholding expectations for the start and end of the school day, welcoming parents and children, and addressing immediate inquiries and concerns.
● Encouraging high-quality and innovative practices across various areas including learning and teaching, planning, the learning environment, learning skills, and effective use of specialist teachers, while maximizing release time to enhance student outcomes.
● Cultivating a culture of optimism, motivation, and inspiration, with all team members believing in the school and department's ability to achieve set goals and targets.
● Holding teachers accountable for the progress and attainment of learners in the year group.
● Collaborating with the Head of School, Assistant Heads of Teaching and Learning, and Lower School Curriculum Leaders to ensure a thorough Monitoring, Evaluation, and Review (MER) process for Standards in Learning and Teaching within the year group.
● Effectively planning, executing, and reporting on the year group's Monitoring, Evaluation, and Review cycle, including creating targeted action plans aligned with the School Development plan.
● Offering regular and relevant professional development opportunities for team members to identify and cultivate potential.
● Setting ambitious targets for Performance Management that are regularly assessed.
● Facilitating rapid progress and positive outcomes for key learners through intervention groups within the year group.
● Leading the Parents as Partners initiative, which includes organizing high-quality termly parental engagement, workshops, communication, and events for the year group.
● Ensuring good attendance and taking proactive measures to improve student lateness and attendance when it falls below 96%.
● Managing effective and purposeful transitions between lessons and during break times.
● Planning and implementing a seamless transition program for all stakeholders.
● Overseeing the line management of teachers and teaching assistants within the year group.

Other Specific Duties:
● Actively participating in the future development of the school and its community.
● Advocating for the school’s policies when appropriate.
● Undertaking any other professional responsibilities as required and outlined in your leadership role at GEMS Wellington International School.