Head Teacher

LilChamps Drury; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

LilChamps Drury is opening a new Early Childhood Education Centre in Drury, South Auckland, seeking an experienced Head Teacher to join the leadership team. You will lead and support educators, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and care, and align curriculum with Te Whāriki while meeting 2026 licensing criteria.

As Head Teacher you will mentor staff, promote a positive team culture, ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment, and contribute to centre systems, policies, and

Qualifications

• Proven leadership or senior teaching experience in an ECE setting.
• Strong understanding of Te Whāriki and ERO expectations.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide pedagogical leadership and guidance to teaching staff
• Support the development and implementation of an emergent curriculum
• Foster strong, respectful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the community
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment
• Support internal evaluation, planning, and assessment practices
• Assist in establishing centre systems, policies, and routines
• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements, ratios, and health & safety standards

Skills

Leadership experience

Te Whāriki knowledge

Communication

Team-building

Bicultural practice

Education

EC(E) Qualified and registered teacher NZ

Job description

We are excited to announce the opening of a new Early Childhood Education Centre in the Drury area (South Auckland) and are seeking an experienced, passionate, and dedicatedHead Teacherto join our leadership team. Working alongside the Centre Manager, you will play a key role in establishing a high-quality learning environment that reflects our vision of nurturing confident, capable learners.

About the Role:
As Head Teacher, you will lead and support a team of educators, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and care. You will contribute to building a positive team culture, support curriculum development aligned with Te Whāriki, and ensure compliance with the 2026 ECE Licensing Criteria.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide pedagogical leadership and guidance to teaching staff
• Support the development and implementation of an emergent curriculum
• Foster strong, respectful relationships with tamariki, whānau, and the community
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment
• Support internal evaluation, planning, and assessment practices
• Assist in establishing centre systems, policies, and routines
• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements, ratios, and health & safety standards

Key Requirements:

• ECEqualified and registered teacher in New Zealand
• Proven leadership or senior teaching experience in an ECE setting
• Strong understanding of Te Whāriki, and ERO expectations.
• Montessori knowledgewill bebeneficial.
• Excellent communication and team-building skills
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and bicultural practice
• Ability to mentor and support teacher growth and development
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. This includes New Zealand citizens, residents, or holders of a valid work visa. Evidence of work eligibility will be required before appointment.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to be part of establishing a new centre from the ground up
• Supportive leadership and collaborative team environment
• A centre culture that values relationships, respect, and continuous learning
• Competitive salary aligned with pay parity

If you are a motivated leader who is passionate about making a difference in early childhood education, we would love to hear from you.