Head Teacher (BestStart Riccarton)

Tangram; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading early childhood education provider is seeking a passionate Head Teacher to lead their Nursery and Toddler spaces. This role involves guiding a dedicated team, ensuring compliance with ECE regulations, and nurturing young learners in a supportive environment. The position offers competitive salary, full pay parity, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Full Pay Parity

Discounted childcare

Subsidised health insurance

Free flu vaccinations

Confidential support through EAP

Leadership development programmes

Fully funded Teacher Certification

$2000 Refer-a-Teacher bonus

Long service leave after 10 years

Qualifications

• Natural leader who shares values and vision.
• Strong knowledge of ECE regulations and Te Whāriki.
• Passion for nurturing young children.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of educators working with infants and toddlers.
• Guide and inspire teaching practice.
• Foster a warm, nurturing environment.

Skills

Leadership

Empathy

Planning and Assessment

Curriculum Delivery

Compliance Knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Education or Diploma of Teaching (Level 7) in ECE or Primary

Current NZ Teacher Certification

Job description

Due to an exciting internal promotion, BestStart Riccarton is looking for a passionate and dedicated Qualified and Registered Teacher to join our close-knit, energetic team as the Head Teacher in our Tahi Building, leading our Nursery and Toddler spaces.

Our centre is located in the heart of Riccarton and is home to a vibrant teaching team that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and fun. We value intentional play and enjoy friendly competitions that showcase our imagination. Our outdoor environment is spacious and purposefully designed to inspire curiosity and exploration in our tamariki.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a well-established team, guiding and inspiring teaching practice while fostering a warm, nurturing environment for our youngest learners.

Why Choose BestStart?

At BestStart, we are proud to be a progressive and responsive leader in early childhood education. We value our teachers and the positive impact they make in the lives of children. When you join us, you'll receive:

• Full Pay Parity – We have opted into the full pay parity scheme
• Discounted childcare
• Subsidised health insurance and free flu vaccinations
• Confidential support – Access to free counselling through EAP
• Leadership development – Dedicated programmes for current and aspiring leaders
• Career pathways – With personalised support to help you achieve your goals
• Fully funded Teacher Certification
• $2000 Refer-a-Teacher bonus – When you refer a qualified teacher
• Long service leave – One week of additional leave after 10 years of service

About the Role

As our new Head Teacher in the Tahi Building, you will lead a team of dedicated educators working with infants and toddlers. We're looking for someone who is empathetic, fair, and inspiring—someone who leads by example, has strong planning and assessment skills, and a clear understanding of compliance. A great sense of humour is also key, as our team enjoys a good laugh while working together to provide the very best for our children.

What We're Looking For:

• We are seeking a natural leader who shares our values and vision and brings:
• A Bachelor of Education or Diploma of Teaching (Level 7) in ECE or Primary
• Current NZ Teacher Certification
• Strong knowledge of ECE regulations, Te Whāriki, and a commitment to compliance
• Expertise in programme planning, assessment, and curriculum delivery
• A passion for nurturing young children and delivering high-quality learning experiences

At BestStart, you'll find more than just a workplace—you'll find a community. We celebrate innovation, encourage individual strengths, and recognise both big and small wins. No matter who you are, if you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of tamariki, you belong here.

Ready to Apply? Click 'Apply Now' or contact our Talent Acquisition Specialist Emma Poole for a confidential chat on 027 1800 1747.

Applications Close: 19/06/2025Apply online for this role or contact BestStart Educare Limited for more information.

At BestStart, we are at the forefront of early childhood education, dedicated to making a positive impact and passionate about our work. We offer exceptional early education and award-winning childcare services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Our primary goal isto deliver high-quality education to the children in our community, and we are activelyengaged in groundbreaking research focused on children's oral language development and self-regulation, known as Kia Tīmata Pai. This research initiative involves approximately 1,600 BestStart preschoolers, highlighting our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

BestStart is committed to being a progressive and adaptable leader in the early childhood education sector. Our educators are highly valued for the transformative role they play in shaping children's lives. We are proud to announce that BestStart has implemented Full pay parity, underscoring our dedication to fairness and equity within our organisation.

At BestStart, we prioritise the support and growth of our teams through tailored professional development pathways. We believe in nurturing talent and empowering our employees to reach their full potential.