Head of Early Years

at; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent girls' school in Adelaide is seeking a Head of Early Years to lead the educational programs and support a high-quality environment for children's learning. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, experience in leadership roles, and a track record of driving collaborative teams. This position involves strategic development, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives, offering a structured workplace with annual leave benefits.

Benefits

Opportunities for Professional Development

Access to Discounts in the Education Sector

Access to Free Confidential Counselling

16 weeks Paid Parental Leave

Onsite Canteen

Free Annual Flu Vaccination Program

Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role guiding collaborative teams in Early Learning.
• Ability to develop and implement Quality Improvement Planning.
• Track record of driving positive change and results.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an Early Year’s philosophy attracting enrolments.
• Ensure compliance with National Quality Standards and curriculum.
• Lead pedagogy and continuous improvement of the service.

Skills

Educational leadership

Collaborative team building

Budget management

Continuous improvement

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

South Australian Teaching Registration

Job description

Seymour College is a leading independent girls’ school with an established reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to helping students reach their potential. Our vision is to foster young women of strength, optimism and justice, confident for the future. Our aim is to inspire within each student a passion for life‑long learning, a celebration of community and a quest for personal excellence.

About the role

The College is seeking to appoint a Head of Early Years, commencing January 2026.

The Head of Early Years is responsible for the educational leadership and administration of all aspects of the Early Learning program to ensure it contributes to a high‑quality environment for children’s learning, wellbeing and development. Reporting to the Head of Junior Years, this role leads and supports teaching and learning outcomes for students and staff.

As an integral member of Seymour College, this role plays a vital role in building strong community relationships and providing educational direction by building collaborative working relationships, creating a strong culture of quality and developing a highly engaged team.

Responsibilities

This role has specific responsibility to:

• Develop and implement an Early year’s philosophy that reflects the College strategy, best practice and attracts and sustains enrolments in the Early Years through to the Junior Years.
• Ensure the Early Years develops and implements processes, practices and curriculum that reflect the standards defined in the National Quality Standards, the Education Standards Board and the Early Years Learning Framework.
• Lead pedagogy, culture and continuous improvement of the service.
• Coach, mentor and work alongside Early Learning educators in the classroom ensuring they build capability and deliver ongoing positive improvements to learning outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with College leadership as well as the community ensuring they are well informed and connected.
• Manage rosters, daily organisation, recruitment, policy development, compliance, risk assessment and the budget.

The role is supported with an Early Years Manager, a team of teaching staff and Co‑educators. The role also works across 46 weeks of the year with 6 weeks annual leave.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and South Australian Teaching Registration.
• Experience in a leadership role in an Early Learning and/or Junior School environment guiding high performing, collaborative teams.
• Experience in the development and implementation of Quality Improvement Planning and an Early Years Learning Framework.
• Demonstrated experience guiding teams and/or projects including the development and implementation of processes, delivering results and measuring qualitative and quantitative performance.
• Experience managing financials and budgets.
• A high degree of professional judgment, drive, and the ability to build a culture of continuous improvement, professional learning and collaboration.
• A proven track record of driving positive change and achieving results.

How to Apply

Applications for this role closeonMonday 24 November 2025, however early applications are encouraged. Please provide the following addressed to Mrs Vanessa Browning, Principal:

• Resume
• Covering letter responding to the key areas of responsibility

To discuss this role please contact Sarah Davidson, People and Culture Administrator, on08 8303 9043.

Information provided by applicants will be subject to the Seymour College Privacy Policy which is available to view on the College website. Seymour College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people through the prevention, identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect. All candidates are subject to thorough screening and assessment to determine suitability and support of child safety. All employees, volunteers and visitors are expected to model and encourage behaviour that upholds the dignity and protection of students from harm. In applying for this role, you are asserting the accuracy and integrity of your application, including the complete disclosure of any matter that may be inconsistent with the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, or bring the College into disrepute.

Your application will include the following questions:

• Are you legally entitled to work in Australia?
• Do you have unlimited work rights in Australia?

At Seymour, our girls are at the heart of everything we do. Our purpose is to deliver the highest quality education, to ensure every student gains the self‑assurance, confidence and determination they need to succeed in life.

Perks and benefits Opportunities for Professional Development Access to Discounts in the Education Sector Access to Free Confidential Counselling Early Career Teacher Program 16 weeks Paid Parental Leave Onsite Canteen Salary Packaging and Other Financial Advice Free Annual Flu Vaccination Program