Lead Teacher

Acquired by HEI UAE in August 2024, this Reggio Emilia inspired nursery extends a pedagogical approach that is deeply rooted in Scandinavian early childhood education. The Nursery now also benefits from the HEI School concept and pedagogical excellence through its renowned curriculum and teacher training. Children thrive in the freedom to express themselves, while exploring, sharing, investigating, researching and creating in ways that they see fit. Art Village Nursery places a strong focus on the “Forest School approach, where “nature serves as the greatest teacher”.

JOB SUMMARY

The lead teacher will be responsible for the daily activities and have responsibility for the design and implementation of the daily educational program of the class. Lead Teacher will be supervising the teaching assistants and nannies. The Lead Teacher will implement learning experiences that advance the intellectual, emotional, social and physical development of the children within a safe and healthy learning environment.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• To ensure a high standard of physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for the children placed in the school.

• Support the development of the children’s listening, language and communication skills whilst encouraging their interest in literature and imaginative play.

• Encourage the children’s mathematical knowledge in a practical and play based way.

• Broaden children’s experience and knowledge through computer technology and science.

• Develop children’s physical awareness through games and play based activities.

• To organize and lead activities to promote all areas of development, such as arts and design, song and music, dance and movement, drama and theatre, storytelling, imaginative play, games etc.

• To supervise, evaluate and instruct teaching assistants and nannies.

• Ensure the safety of children at all times.

• To encourage children to use a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use, both in learning activities and imaginative play.

• To be responsible for taking a daily register of children in attendance.

• To teach basic personal hygiene, proper eating habits and social skills.

• Establish and re-enforce rules for acceptable behavior and procedures for maintaining order.

• Adhere to the class timetable.

• Prepare weekly lesson plan based on school topics and curriculum.

• Prepare materials, class activities and classroom for daily activities.

• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet children’s varying needs and interests. Giving them opportunity to observe, question and investigate.

• Establish clear objectives for all lessons and projects and communicate those objectives to children. Demonstrate activities to children.

• Observe and evaluate children’s performance, behavior, social development and physical health.

• Prepare reports on students plus a portfolio of children’s work each term.

• Prepare adequate material and information for teaching assistant or substitute teacher in case of illness. Lessons must be planned weekly and a copy given to the principal and Teacher’s assistant to ensure the smooth running of the class for any unplanned absences.

• Identify children showing signs of emotional, development, or health problems and discuss them initially with principal or nurse and further with parents or guardians. If required also with Child Development specialist.

• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children’s progress and needs, determine their priorities for their children and suggest ways they can promote learning and development. Teachers will be required to communicate with parents over the telephone if necessary.

• Organize and label displays and student work.

• Supervise indoor and outdoor play to facilitate creative play, motor skills activities and safety.

• Attend weekly staff meetings and any training workshops.

• Confer with other staff members to plan weekly activities to promote learning based on the topics and curriculum.

• Participate in staff teamwork.

• Work alongside the principal and staff team to ensure that the school’s policies and philosophy is fulfilled.

• Attend special functions if required outside of the normal school day.

Education

Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field OR NCFE Cache Level 3 certificate

Desired: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Experience

Minimum: At least 2 years working with children in a nursery or early learning setting

Desired: 3–5 years in a similar role with experience supervising others

Skills & Abilities

• Fluency in English; knowledge of the Swedish curriculum and child-centered education philosophy; child safety protocols; creative mindset; problem-solving skills; strong classroom management and multitasking; confidentiality and understanding of child information sharing; collaborative team player; lesson planning and scheduling; flexibility and resilience under pressure
• Leadership, emotional intelligence, proactive communication, and optimistic approach to daily challenges

Accountabilities

Financial

• Ensure cost-effective use of classroom supplies and learning resources.

• Monitor and report any classroom material losses or damages.

• Support budget adherence for classroom and activity planning.

• Maintain inventory records of teaching tools and educational materials.

• Recommend resource needs based on curriculum plans within allocated budgets.

Non-Financial

• Ensure children's safety and wellbeing at all times.

• Support consistent implementation of curriculum and educational philosophy.

• Maintain accurate student records and reports.

• Supervise and mentor teaching assistants and nannies.

• Foster positive relationships with children, parents, and staff.