Head of Year - EYFS

Aldar Education LLC; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 460,000; Full time

Job summary

Yasmina British Academy in Abu Dhabi seeks a Head of Year - EYFS to provide educational leadership across the Early Years Foundation Stage for the 2027/2028 academic year. The role focuses on curriculum delivery, teaching quality, student achievement, inclusion, and pastoral care within a high-performing team.

The successful candidate will have strong leadership experience, a proven classroom record, and a commitment to the academy's values of excellence, respect, collaboration and creativity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of teaching experience.
• Minimum 1 year in the same leadership role.
• Broad experience in middle leadership with impact on teaching and school improvement.
• Experience leading school initiatives that improved educational standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide educational leadership across the EYFS phase and align with the academy's priorities.
• Lead monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning quality in EYFS.
• Oversee assessment, inclusion, and student progress within EYFS.
• Lead and develop staff through CPD and recruitment in EYFS.
• Collaborate with SLT to drive whole-school improvement in UAE context.

Skills

Educational leadership

School improvement

Curriculum planning

Staff development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or BSc with PGCE (or equivalent teaching qualification)

Job description

Head of Year - EYFS Job Snapshot - Role: Head of Year - Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Industry: Primary-Secondary Education - Function: Education Management - Experience: Minimum 3 years of teaching experience, including at least 1 year in the same leadership role - Job Type: Full Time - Work Arrangement: On-site

Aldar Education is seeking an outstanding Head of Year - Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to join Yasmina British Academy in Abu Dhabi for the 2027/2028 academic year. This leadership opportunity is suited to an experienced educator who is passionate about early years education, academic excellence, and developing high-performing teaching teams. Yasmina British Academy is an English Curriculum school recognised for its commitment to outstanding teaching and learning. The Academy has achieved an Outstanding rating across all six performance standards in its ADEK inspection and maintains a strong record of academic achievement. The successful candidate will provide educational leadership across the EYFS phase, ensuring high standards of curriculum delivery, teaching quality, student achievement, inclusion, and pastoral care. The role involves developing and implementing improvement strategies, monitoring educational performance, supporting teacher development, and contributing to the school 's wider strategic objectives. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Year will inspire and empower teachers, encourage reflective and innovative teaching practices, and create a positive learning environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Applicants should demonstrate a proven record of successful classroom teaching and middle leadership, the ability to lead educational improvement, and a genuine commitment to Yasmina British Academy 's values of excellence, respect, passion, collaboration, and creativity.

Job Details

• Country: United Arab Emirates
• City: Abu Dhabi
• Industry: Primary-Secondary Education
• Function: Education Management
• Salary: Not disclosed
• Gender: No Preference
• Candidate Nationality: Not specified
• Job Type: Full Time
• Work Arrangement: On-site

Key Responsibilities

• EYFS Leadership and Strategic Development
  • Provide effective educational leadership across the Early Years Foundation Stage, ensuring that teaching and learning reflect the school 's vision, values, and strategic priorities.
  • Lead the development of a clear vision and direction for the EYFS phase, establishing high expectations for educational quality, student achievement, and professional practice.
  • Support the implementation of school policies and improvement priorities to achieve positive outcomes for all students.
  • Contribute to the achievement of the school 's strategic objectives by developing motivated, reflective, and innovative teaching professionals.
  • Promote a culture of educational excellence, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the phase.
  • Encourage the adoption of research-informed teaching approaches and effective educational practices.
  • Identify opportunities to introduce and develop teaching strategies that strengthen learning experiences and student outcomes.
  • Inspire, motivate, and empower teachers and students through the school 's leadership ethos of Everyone a Leader.
  • Demonstrate professional leadership and serve as a positive role model for staff and students.
  • Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure phase priorities remain aligned with the Academy 's wider educational objectives.
• Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Quality
  • Lead the monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning quality across the EYFS phase.
  • Ensure curriculum planning and delivery meet the school 's established educational standards and expectations.
  • Review the effectiveness of teaching approaches, learning activities, classroom environments, and educational resources.
  • Promote high-quality educational provision that responds to children 's individual learning and developmental needs.
  • Support teachers in implementing effective strategies that improve learning standards and student achievement.
  • Encourage reflective teaching practices and the regular evaluation of classroom provision.
  • Lead the development, sharing, and implementation of innovative pedagogy and effective instructional approaches across the phase.
  • Monitor the impact of teaching strategies and recommend improvements where necessary.
  • Promote consistency in curriculum expectations, educational standards, and teaching practices.
  • Support the development of stimulating, inclusive, and effective learning environments that encourage student engagement and achievement.

• Assessment, Inclusion and Student Achievement
  • Oversee the effectiveness of assessment and student progress monitoring within the EYFS phase.
  • Ensure assessment information is used appropriately to identify student achievement, learning needs, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Support teachers in using educational evidence to inform planning and improve student outcomes.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of inclusive education practices across the phase.
  • Promote appropriate learning provision for children with different abilities, backgrounds, and educational needs.
  • Review the quality of pastoral care and its contribution to student wellbeing and development.
  • Identify areas requiring additional educational support and work collaboratively with relevant colleagues to implement improvements.
  • Maintain high expectations for student progress, educational achievement, and personal development.
  • Contribute to a supportive learning environment that values every child 's potential and individual development.
• School Improvement and Quality Assurance
  • Play a significant role in implementing, reviewing, and evaluating the whole School Development Plan within the EYFS phase.
  • Support the application of the School Evaluation Framework and monitor progress against agreed improvement priorities.
  • Lead continuous reviews of curriculum standards, teaching effectiveness, assessment practices, learning environments, inclusion, and pastoral provision.
  • Identify strengths and areas for development through structured monitoring and evaluation.
  • Develop appropriate improvement strategies and support their implementation across the phase.
  • Evaluate the impact of educational initiatives on teaching quality and student achievement.
  • Work collaboratively with school leadership to maintain high standards and promote sustained improvement.
  • Contribute to school-wide strategic planning and educational development activities.
  • Support the Academy 's commitment to research-informed practice and ongoing educational innovation.
• Staff Leadership and Professional Development
  • Lead, inspire, and support teaching professionals within the EYFS phase.
  • Foster a collaborative working environment that encourages professional reflection, innovation, and shared responsibility.
  • Identify professional development needs and support staff in strengthening their teaching and leadership capabilities.
  • Make a significant contribution to the Academy 's continuing professional development (CPD) programme.
  • Plan and deliver relevant professional learning activities that support teaching quality and school improvement.
  • Work with individual teachers and teams to develop effective educational practices.
  • Promote professional collaboration and the sharing of successful teaching approaches.
  • Support the development of confident, motivated, and accountable practitioners.
  • Lead effective recruitment activities within the EYFS phase and contribute to recruitment across the wider primary school.
  • Encourage positive professional behaviours and uphold the Academy 's expectations for staff performance and conduct.
• Collaboration and Whole-School Responsibilities
  • Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and teaching colleagues to support the Academy 's strategic and operational priorities.
  • Lead an assigned area of whole-school responsibility and contribute to the wider strategic management of the primary school.
  • Establish constructive professional relationships with teachers, students, parents, and other members of the school community.
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders regarding educational priorities, developments, and improvement initiatives.
  • Work collaboratively with parents and external agencies to support student learning, development, and wellbeing.
  • Promote the Academy 's values and educational ethos throughout professional interactions and daily responsibilities.
  • Contribute positively to school leadership discussions, improvement planning, and wider educational initiatives.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and sound professional judgement when responding to changing school requirements.
  • Undertake additional leadership and professional responsibilities as directed by the Senior Leadership Team.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor 's degree in Education or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
• Minimum Experience
  • At least 3 years of teaching experience.
  • A record of performance exceeding standards and expectations for 3 consecutive years, supported by performance appraisal evidence.
  • Minimum 1 year of experience in the same leadership role.
  • Broad experience in middle leadership with demonstrated positive impact on teaching, learning, and school improvement.
  • Proven experience leading school initiatives that have improved educational standards and student achievement.
  • Previous experience working with parents and external agencies.
  • Experience working with students whose first language is not English.
  • Recent and consistent involvement in extracurricular activities.

Job-Specific Knowledge and Skills

• Educational Leadership and School Improvement
  • Proven record of excellence as a classroom teacher and school leader.
  • Strong understanding of effective teaching, learning, assessment, and educational improvement practices.
  • Ability to establish a clear educational vision and translate strategic priorities into practical improvement initiatives.
  • Demonstrated success in implementing effective strategies that raise teaching standards and student achievement.
  • Experience leading educational change and supporting school development.
  • Ability to motivate, influence, and develop teaching professionals.
  • Strong understanding of professional development and its contribution to improved educational outcomes.
  • Commitment to maximising student achievement through high-quality teaching and learning.
  • Ability to lead diverse teams and work successfully with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Communication and Professional Attributes
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to establish positive professional relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
  • High professional standards and a strong commitment to the school 's educational vision.
  • Dynamic, proactive, and solution-focused approach to leadership and problem-solving.
  • Ability to organise responsibilities, manage competing priorities, and work effectively under pressure.
  • Sound professional judgement and the ability to lead improvements in a collaborative environment.
  • Demonstrated positive professional behaviours and commitment to the values of the school.
  • Genuine consideration for the welfare and wellbeing of children, staff, and other stakeholders.
  • Respect for all members of the school community, regardless of position, gender, age, or ethnic background.
  • Commitment to inclusive education and the personal development of every student.
  • Appreciation of the cultural traditions, expectations, and values of the UAE.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must be able to provide a clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or police clearance.
• Appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references and safeguarding requirements.
• The successful candidate will join for the 2027/2028 academic year, as specified by the employer.

About Yasmina British Academy

Yasmina British Academy is an English Curriculum school in Abu Dhabi and part of the Aldar Education family of schools. The Academy offers a diverse and progressive learning community supported by dedicated educators, high academic expectations, and a strong commitment to teaching excellence. Yasmina British Academy has achieved outstanding I/GCSE and A Level examination results and received an Outstanding rating across all six performance standards in its ADEK inspection. The school 's educational culture is guided by five core values: excellence, respect, passion, collaboration, and creativity. These values support an inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to develop academically, socially, and personally. The Academy promotes professional collaboration, innovative educational practices, and continuous improvement to maintain high standards of teaching and learning.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Aldar Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment and follow established safeguarding and child protection procedures. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and police clearance.