Head of EYFS - August 2026

We are looking to appoint an outstanding Head of EYFS to join the team immediately or for August 2026. The post holder will be responsible for supporting the schools Vision and Mission as well as all policies, academic standards and pastoral support in the Primary school.Key PurposeWorking alongside the Principal and Head of Primary, the Head of EYFS will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day and strategic management of the Primary school.The post holder will lead, manage, and be responsible for tracking progress, considering curriculum planning, supporting the Behaviour for Learning, and communicating with parents to promote the realisation of the school’s vision.Main purposeThe Head of EYFS, will take a significant role in:Embracing and encouraging the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values.Ensuring high academic standards in the Early Years school with the school's desire for all students to be the best they can, as well as a commitment to the UAE National Agenda targets.Formulating the aims and objectives of the schoolEstablishing policies for achieving these aims and objectivesManaging staff and resources to that endMonitoring progress towards the achievement of the school’s aims and objectivesManaging budgets and undertaking teaching and other professional duties as reasonably delegated by the Principal.Assist in shaping & implementing the educational strategy for the school.QualitiesUphold public trust in school leadership and maintain high standards of ethics, behaviour and professional conductBuild positive and respectful relationships across the school and the Parent communityServe in the best interests of the school’s studentsBe an effective role model who demonstrates consistently the positive attitudes, values and behaviour which is expected of pupilsMake a positive contribution to the broader life and ethos of the school.Treat students and staff with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and always observing proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher’s professional positionDuties and responsibilitiesSchool culture and behaviourEmbrace and encourage the ethos and standards of excellence as defined in the GEMS Core Values.Work closely with the Head of Primary to establish practical and globally relevant practices of learning & teaching. Implement the school's vision for quality aligned with the GEMS expectation of excellent education.Create a culture where students experience a positive and enriching school lifeUphold educational standards to prepare students from all backgrounds for their next phase of education and lifeEnsure a culture of staff professionalismEncourage high standards of behaviour from students, built on rules and routines that are understood by staff and students and demonstrated by all adults in schoolUse consistent and fair approaches to managing behaviour, in line with the school’s behaviour policyTeaching, curriculum and assessmentEstablish and sustain high-quality teaching across all subjects and phases, based on evidenceEnsure teaching is underpinned by subject expertiseDevelop monitoring and evaluation systems to assess teaching and learning standards, and implement any necessary improvement strategies.Ensure the teaching of a broad, structured and coherent curriculumEstablish curriculum leadership, including subject leaders with relevant expertise and access to professional networks and communitiesUse valid, reliable and proportionate approaches to assessing students’ knowledge and understanding of the curriculumAdditional and special educational needs (SEN) and disabilitiesPromote a culture and practices that enable all students to access the curriculumHave ambitious expectations for all students with SEN and disabilitiesMake sure the school works effectively with the parents to identify additional needs and provide support and adaptation where appropriateOrganisational management and school improvementEstablish and sustain the school’s ethos and strategic direction together with the governing board, and through consultation with the school communityEstablish and oversee systems, processes and policies so the school can operate effectivelyEnsure staff and students’ safety and welfare through practical approaches to safeguarding, as part of the duty of careManage staff and student wellbeingEnsure rigorous approaches to identifying, managing and mitigating riskIdentify problems and barriers to school effectiveness, and develop strategies for school improvement that are realistic, timely and suited to the school’s contextLead on school improvement areas and ensure strategies are effectively monitored, implemented and reviewedStaff management and Professional developmentPerformance manages allocated staff, including carrying out appraisals and holding staff to account for their performanceEnsure staff have access to appropriate, high‑standard professional development opportunitiesKeep up to date with developments