Head Teacher (BestStart Kaiapoi)

BestStart; Kaiapoi; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full pay parity

Discounted childcare

Health insurance

Free flu vaccinations

EAP counselling

Leadership programmes

Referral bonus

Additional leave after 10 years

Job summary

BestStart Kaiapoi is seeking a passionate and experienced Qualified and Registered Early Childhood Teacher to join our close-knit team as Head Teacher of the Under Twos room. This permanent role offers 35-40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, in our split nursery with infant and toddler spaces.

You will lead a dedicated team, mentor staff, and partner with whānau to deliver high-quality learning experiences in line with Te Whāriki and ECE regulations, while fostering responsive care and a

Qualifications

• Be a qualified and registered Early Childhood Teacher.
• Have experience working with children under two years.
• Demonstrate leadership or a genuine desire to develop as a leader.
• Support mentoring, quality teaching practice and a positive team culture.
• Understand programme planning, Te Whāriki and current ECE regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Head Teacher team and support staff.
• Plan and assess programmes for under-twos.
• Foster responsive care and strong tamariki relationships.
• Collaborate with whānau and local schools.
• Contribute to staff mentoring and professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Under-two experience

Relationship building

Mentoring ability

Education

Qualified and registered ECE teacher

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

BestStart Kaiapoi is seeking a passionate and experienced Qualified and Registered Teacher to join our energetic, close-knit team as Head Teacher of our Under Twos room.

You’ll be part of a long-standing teaching team with strong connections to our local community and nearby schools. Our purposefully designed split nursery provides a dedicated infant space and a separate toddler room, enabling our mobile tamariki to explore and be adventurous while our younger infants enjoy a calm, safe and secure environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for either:

• An experienced Head Teacher ready to lead a dedicated team; or
• A confident, experienced teacher preparing to step into a leadership role, with guidance and support to grow into the position.

You’ll join a caring team that values responsive care, respectful relationships and meaningful learning experiences. We work closely with tamariki, whānau and each other to create a nurturing environment where everyone can thrive.

About you

You will:

• Be a qualified and registered Early Childhood Teacher
• Have experience working with children under two years of age
• Build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau and colleagues
• Demonstrate leadership capability or a genuine desire to develop as a leader
• Support mentoring, quality teaching practice and a positive team culture
• Understand programme planning, assessment, Te Whāriki and current ECE regulations

Why work for BestStart?

At BestStart, teachers are recognised for the important difference they make in children’s lives. We offer:

• Full pay parity
• Discounted childcare
• Subsidised health insurance, where eligibility criteria apply
• Free flu vaccinations and confidential EAP counselling
• Leadership programmes and career pathways with wraparound support
• A $2,000 referral bonus for recommending a qualified teacher*
• One week additional leave after 10 years' service

This is a permanent position working 35-40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Bring your ideas, passion and unique strengths to BestStart Kaiapoi. If you are an experienced Head Teacher or ready to take the next step towards leadership, we would love to hear from you.