Over 2's Head Teacher

BestStart Parkside; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full pay parity

Discounted childcare

Subsidised health insurance

Free flu vaccinations

EAP counselling

Career growth

Referral bonus

Additional leave

Job summary

BestStart Parkside in Canterbury is seeking an experienced Head Teacher for our Preschool room (2–6 years). You will lead the teaching team, shape a high-quality curriculum, and support tamariki's holistic development.

You will mentor staff, build strong relationships with whānau and community, and maintain organised systems to sustain a calm, engaging learning environment. This permanent role is 35 hours/week, Monday to Friday.

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher with current certification.
• Experience leading early years teams.
• Strong knowledge of Te Whāriki and ECE regulations.
• Ability to plan and assess child-centred learning.

Responsibilities

• Leading and mentoring the teaching team
• Building a collaborative, positive team culture
• Driving teaching inquiry and continuous improvement
• Developing strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the community
• Maintaining organised systems that support a calm and engaging learning environment

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Curriculum planning

Relationship building

Education

BEd/Dip Teaching (ECE)

Job description

Early learning / kōhanga reo, Head teacher
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts, Belonging / Mana Whenua, Contribution / Mana Tangata, Communication / Mana Reo, Exploration / Mana Aotūroa, Well-being / Mana Atua

BestStart Parkside is looking for a passionate, qualified, and registered ECE Teacher to join our close-knit team as Head Teacher in our Preschool (2–6 years) room.

This leadership role is ideal for someone who leads through excellent teaching practice and enjoys supporting others to grow. You'll guide your team to deliver a responsive, high-quality curriculum that supports the holistic development of tamariki.

Key responsibilities include

• Leading and mentoring the teaching team
• Building a collaborative, positive team culture
• Driving teaching inquiry and continuous improvement
• Developing strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the community
• Maintaining organised systems that support a calm and engaging learning environment

This is a permanent position, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

About us

Located opposite Hagley Park and close to Christchurch Hospital, BestStart Parkside is a warm, inclusive centre licensed for 50 children across two rooms. Our stable, experienced team prides itself on strong relationships, shared responsibility, and a supportive culture.

What we offer

• Full pay parity
• Discounted childcare
• Subsidised health insurance and free flu vaccinations
• EAP counselling services
• Career growth pathways and ongoing support
• $2,000 qualified teacher referral bonus*
• Additional leave after 10 years' service

About you

You'll hold a BEd/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE) and current teacher certification, with strong knowledge of Te Whāriki, programme planning, assessment, and ECE regulations. Most importantly, you'll bring a passion for quality teaching, leadership, and building meaningful relationships.

At BestStart, you'll be part of a supportive whānau where your ideas, strengths, and contributions are valued. Join us and make a lasting difference in the lives of tamariki.