Assistant Headteacher - Early Years and Pre-Prep

Taaleem; Dubai; On-site; AED 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrow Dubai is seeking an Assistant Headteacher (Early Years and Pre- Prep) to provide strategic and operational leadership of provision from EYFS to Year 2. Reporting to the Head of Junior School, the post-holder will secure high standards of curriculum, teaching, learning and care, and lead the development of this phase as Harrow Dubai grows.

The post-holder will line-manage EYFS to Year 2 staff and establish a coherent educational experience that respects early childhood development while

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development of EYFS and Pre-Prep, establishing ambitious priorities, measurable success criteria and a clear improvement plan aligned with the School Improvement Plan.
• Oversee daily organisation across EYFS to Year 2, ensuring consistent routines, effective deployment of staff and Learning Assistants, and high standards of care and learning.
• Evaluate provision through evidence, pupil learning, staff reflection and parent feedback; report progress and priorities to the Head of Junior School.
• Plan for growth in pupil numbers, staffing and resources, advising on learning environments and developmentally appropriate facilities.

Job description

Safeguarding Statement

Taaleem is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment.

All successful applicants must be willing to undergo enhanced child protection screening appropriate to the post, including various background checks including, receipt of high-quality references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification and police checks, including overseas checks. No member of staff will be able to start until these checks are complete and this process takes, on average, a month.

Job Purpose

The Assistant Headteacher (Early Years and Pre - Prep) will provide strategic and operational leadership of provision from EYFS to Year 2. Reporting to the Head of Junior School, the post-holder will secure high standards of curriculum, teaching, learning and care, and lead the continuing development of this phase as Harrow Dubai grows.

The post-holder will line-manage EYFS to Year 2 staff and establish a coherent educational experience that respects early childhood development while preparing pupils confidently for subsequent learning. Particular priorities will include language and communication, early literacy and mathematics, purposeful play, independence, and effective transitions into school, between year groups and into Year 3.

Working within the curriculum and assessment framework established by the Assistant Headteacher responsible for Curriculum and Assessment, the post-holder will lead its phase-specific implementation, evaluation and improvement. They will model Harrow’s values of Courage, Honour, Humility and Fellowship, build strong partnerships with parents, and contribute fully to the leadership and wider life of the Junior School.

Key Relationships

Head Master, Head of Junior School, Junior School Leadership Team, Assistant Headteacher responsible for Curriculum and Assessment, Assistant Headteacher responsible for Pastoral, phase and subject leaders, Beaks, Learning Assistants, inclusion staff, Admissions, pupils and parents.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership and Phase Development

• Lead the strategic development of EYFS and Pre-Prep, establishing ambitious priorities, measurable success criteria and a clear improvement plan aligned with the School Improvement Plan.
• Oversee daily organisation across EYFS to Year 2, ensuring consistent routines, effective deployment of staff and Learning Assistants, and high standards of care and learning.
• Evaluate provision through first-hand evidence, pupil learning, staff reflection and parent feedback; report progress and priorities to the Head of Junior School.
• Plan for growth in pupil numbers, staffing and resources, advising on learning environments, indoor and outdoor provision, and developmentally appropriate facilities.

Curriculum and Assessment

• Lead a broad, balanced and progressive curriculum across EYFS to Year 2, drawing on the EYFS framework and the National Curriculum for England, alongside applicable UAE requirements and school expectations.
• Ensure continuity between EYFS and Pre-Prep, balancing child-initiated learning, purposeful play and carefully sequenced adult-led teaching as pupils develop.
• Secure strong foundations in communication and language, systematic phonics, early reading, writing and mathematics, alongside physical, personal, social and emotional development.
• Work with subject leaders, including Arabic and Islamic Education, to ensure specialist provision connects appropriately with pupils’ developmental needs and wider learning.
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