Head of Foundation Phase Education

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Head of Foundation Phase Education for a respected independent school in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will oversee curriculum, pedagogy, and the overall development of Foundation Phase students from Grade R to Grade 3, leading a team of dedicated educators in a nurturing, stimulating learning environment.

The role requires deep early childhood development expertise, strategic planning, instructional leadership, and active engagement with parents to drive continuous

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• A recognised teaching qualification with a Foundation Phase specialisation.
• Minimum 7 years of teaching experience in the Foundation Phase, with at least 3 years in leadership/management.
• Proven experience in curriculum development and implementation for early years.
• Strong knowledge of child development theories and best practices in early childhood education.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with assessment strategies for young learners.
• Commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Foundation Phase teaching staff, providing guidance and support.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Foundation Phase curriculum.
• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning experiences for all students in the Foundation Phase.
• Monitor student progress, well-being, and development, implementing interventions as needed.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Collaborate with parents and guardians to build strong home‑school partnerships.
• Organize and lead professional development opportunities for Foundation Phase teachers.
• Manage departmental resources and budget effectively.
• Contribute to the overall strategic direction and leadership of the school.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant educational policies and standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Strategic planning

Parent engagement

Curriculum development

Assessment strategies

Education

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

Foundation Phase teaching qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected independent school situated in Polokwane, seeks an experienced and inspiring Head of Foundation Phase Education. This senior leadership role is responsible for overseeing the curriculum, pedagogy, and overall development of students from Grade R to Grade 3. The Head of Department will lead a team of dedicated Foundation Phase educators, fostering a nurturing, stimulating, and effective learning environment. This position requires a deep understanding of early childhood development and a passion for laying a strong educational foundation for young learners in Limpopo. You will play a crucial role in curriculum design, staff mentoring, parent engagement, and ensuring the school's commitment to excellence in early years education. We are looking for a dynamic leader who can inspire confidence and drive continuous improvement within the Foundation Phase. The role involves strategic planning, instructional leadership, and fostering a positive school culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Foundation Phase teaching staff, providing guidance and support.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Foundation Phase curriculum.
• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning experiences for all students in the Foundation Phase.
• Monitor student progress, well-being, and development, implementing interventions as needed.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Collaborate with parents and guardians to build strong home‑school partnerships.
• Organize and lead professional development opportunities for Foundation Phase teachers.
• Manage departmental resources and budget effectively.
• Contribute to the overall strategic direction and leadership of the school.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant educational policies and standards.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• A recognized teaching qualification with a specialization in Foundation Phase education.
• A minimum of 7 years of teaching experience in the Foundation Phase, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management capacity.
• Proven experience in curriculum development and implementation for early years.
• In-depth knowledge of child development theories and best practices in early childhood education.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support a team of educators.
• Experience with assessment strategies suitable for young learners.
• A passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning.
• Previous experience within the Limpopo province educational context is advantageous.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive salary package, reflecting leadership responsibilities and experience within the education sector, along with potential performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and a contributory pension fund are provided.
• The school strongly supports professional development, offering opportunities for further study, workshops, and attendance at educational conferences.
• This leadership position is based at our campus in Polokwane, within a supportive and collaborative school community.
• The hybrid working model allows for effective management and strategic planning while maintaining strong on‑site presence.
• Employees benefit from modern educational facilities and resources designed to support effective teaching and learning.
• The school fosters a positive and inspiring work culture.
• Additional benefits include generous annual leave, sick leave, and other statutory provisions.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the school's leadership structure exist.