Head of Department - Foundation Phase

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Leadership development

Professional growth opportunities

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting for a Head of Department for the Foundation Phase at a prominent Soweto primary school in Gauteng. The role leads the Foundation Phase (Grades R-3), shapes the curriculum, mentors teachers, and supports learner development in early literacy and numeracy. The ideal candidate holds a B.Ed.

or equivalent, at least 5 years in Foundation Phase teaching, and proven leadership. On-site position with a commitment to creating an inclusive, high-quality learning environment for

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Education or equivalent qualification.
• Specialization or significant experience in Foundation Phase/ECD.
• Minimum of 5 years teaching experience in Foundation Phase.
• Proven leadership experience or leadership potential.
• Strong CAPS knowledge for Foundation Phase.
• Excellent classroom management and pedagogical skills.
• Effective communication and organizational abilities.
• Passion for early childhood education and student success.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Foundation Phase teaching team with mentorship and development support.
• Oversee development, implementation, and review of the Foundation Phase curriculum.
• Maintain high teaching and learning standards across Foundation Phase classrooms.
• Monitor student progress and implement strategies to support learning needs.
• Collaborate with parents to foster home-school partnerships.
• Manage departmental resources, including materials and equipment.
• Conduct regular observations and provide constructive feedback to staff.
• Participate in school-wide planning and decision-making processes.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for young children.
• Ensure compliance with relevant educational policies and regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Mentorship

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

B.Ed. or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established primary school in Soweto, Gauteng, ZA , is looking for a dedicated and inspiring leader to take on the role of Head of Department for the Foundation Phase . This leadership position is responsible for overseeing the curriculum, teaching staff, and student development within the Foundation Phase (Grades R-3). You will play a crucial role in setting the educational tone, mentoring teachers, and ensuring a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for our youngest learners. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of early childhood education principles, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for fostering foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Join our committed team and contribute significantly to the educational journey of children in the Soweto community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Foundation Phase teaching team, providing mentorship and professional development support.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of the Foundation Phase curriculum.
• Ensure high standards of teaching and learning are maintained across all Foundation Phase classrooms.
• Monitor student progress and implement strategies to support individual learning needs.
• Collaborate with parents to foster strong home-school partnerships.
• Manage departmental resources, including classroom materials and equipment.
• Conduct regular observations and provide constructive feedback to teaching staff.
• Participate in school-wide planning and decision-making processes.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for young children.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant educational policies and regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree or equivalent qualification.
• Specialization or significant experience in Early Childhood Development or Foundation Phase teaching.
• Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in the Foundation Phase.
• Proven leadership experience or demonstrated leadership potential.
• Strong knowledge of the CAPS curriculum for the Foundation Phase.
• Excellent classroom management and pedagogical skills.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.
• Passion for early childhood education and a commitment to student success.
• Ability to inspire and motivate young children and teaching staff.
• Must be willing to work on-site in Soweto, Gauteng, ZA .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth and leadership development, and a supportive and collaborative work environment. Staff benefit from access to a wide range of teaching resources and ongoing training opportunities. The school is committed to the well-being of its staff and students, promoting a positive work-life balance. Join a school that values its educators and is dedicated to providing a high-quality education for the children of Soweto .