Nursery Head Teacher (BestStart Taita)

Lead with Heart – Head Teacher (Infants Room) Are you an experienced and passionate kaiako with a deep love for infants and leadership? Are you ready to step into a role where you can shape a learning environment filled with calm, connection, and curiosity? We are looking for a Head Teacher for our Infants! About the Role We are seeking a Head Teacher to lead our Infants Room — someone with vision, empathy, and the ability to build trust with pēpi, whānau, and colleagues alike. You'll be guiding a team who values peaceful, intentional teaching, and helping to create a calm and connected space where our youngest learners thrive. This is a full-time, permanent position working 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday. What Makes Our Centre Special * A respectful, inclusive culture that honours every tamaiti and every kaiako * A calm, wonder-filled space where tamariki learn through connection, movement, and sensory exploration * A team-first environment where collaboration, support, and shared leadership are highly valued * A philosophy-rich setting where your ideas, voice, and leadership are appreciated * A curriculum grounded in Te Whāriki, inspired by the Curiosity Approach, and shaped by love, trust, and meaningful relationships Your Role as Head Teacher As Head Teacher, you will: * Create a safe, responsive, and respectful environment for pēpi * Model intentional, attachment-based caregiving and respectful routines * Inspire your team to deliver calm, rhythmic, and attuned care * Build strong partnerships with whānau, valuing home languages and routines * Lead curriculum planning, documentation, and assessment for holistic learning * Uphold regulatory compliance and ensure excellence in health and safety * Support ongoing reflection, mentoring, and professional growth within your team What You'll Bring * A Level 7 ECE qualification and current Teaching Certification * In-depth knowledge of infant development, primary caregiving, and attachment theory * Strong understanding of Te Whāriki and ECE regulations * Leadership experience grounded in empathy, clarity, and professionalism * Confidence in curriculum planning, documentation, and compliance * A collaborative, heart-led approach that uplifts and inspires others Why Choose BestStart? We're committed to being a progressive and responsive leader in early childhood education. Our teachers are valued for the meaningful difference they make. Here's what we offer: * Full Pay Parity * Discounted childcare * Subsidised health insurance * Free annual flu vaccinations * Confidential counselling support (EAP) * Leadership development programmes for current and aspiring leaders * Fully funded Teacher Certification * $2,000 referral bonus when you refer a qualified teacher * One week of additional leave after 10 years of service Ready to Lead With Purpose? If you're ready to step into a leadership role where care is the curriculum, relationships come first, and every day is an opportunity to inspire — we'd love to hear from you. Click the Apply Now button or contact Emma Poole, our Talent Specialist, for a confidential chat on 027 1800 1747.