Assistant Head of Primary / Head of EYFS - August 2024 or sooner

Dubai Heights Academy

Dubai Heights Academy is a warm and welcoming place to work. Located in the Al Barsha South area of Dubai, this is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and inspirational Primary Teacher to join our team. This is a non-class based role but may involve some teaching when coaching and mentoring or supporting cover and student interventions.

We opened in 2017 and offer an inclusive, exciting and outstanding education to an international community of students from FS1 to Year 10 and will continue to grow organically to Year 13.

The campus is state-of-the-art with separate buildings for each phase as well as a 380 seat auditorium. There are three temperature controlled swimming pools, fully equipped science and computer labs, specialist rooms for art, DT, music, and drama, a library, two multipurpose sports halls, a full size football pitch, a variety of outdoor play areas and a spacious canteen. The academic year 2024- 2025 will see the opening of a brand new secondary building, significantly enhancing the current facilities.

Dubai Heights Academy provides a curriculum that meets the needs of all of our students and follows the National Curriculum for England as the basis of its curriculum. This has been tailored to comply with local requirements and supplemented with Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Moral Education and Social Studies. In addition, Dubai Heights Academy has partnered with MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to develop and deliver a bespoke AI (artificial intelligence) project-based programme for Secondary students, to further enrich our broad and balanced curriculum.

We are driven by an underlying philosophy captured by our school ethos of ‘Every Child, Every Mind and Everybody Matters’ and believe that every student deserves the best possible education, regardless of background and ability.

Job Overview

Dubai Heights Academy is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Assistant Head of Primary / Head of Early Years to support the Head of Primary in leading our Primary department. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the day-to-day operations of the Primary section, ensuring that high-quality education is delivered to our students. As Assistant Head of Primary, you will work closely with the Head of Primary and other members of the senior management team to develop and implement strategies that align with our overall vision and mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Head of Primary in providing effective leadership to the Primary section, ensuring that all staff are motivated, engaged, and committed to delivering high-quality education
• Support the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure the smooth running of the Primary section
• Assist in monitoring and evaluating the quality of teaching and learning in the Primary section, and take action to address any areas of concern
• Support Quality Assurance and Performance Management in the Primary department.
• Work with the senior management team to develop and implement strategies that align with the overall vision and mission of the school
• Ensure that the Primary section is compliant with all relevant regulations and guidelines
• Support the development and maintenance of effective relationships with parents, students, staff, and external stakeholders
• Assist in managing the budget for the Primary section, ensuring that resources are used effectively and efficiently
• Step in to perform the duties of the Head of Primary in their absence

The successful applicant will be required to have the following: 

• A B.Ed or degree and PGCE / PGDE or equivalent with exceptional subject knowledge especially in the core subjects       
• At least 5 years experience of the National Curriculum for England  
• Knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Framework, Early Learning Goals and best practice in Early Years.
• At least 3 years experience in a leadership position, preferably in an international school setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills.
• Proven track record of delivering outstanding academic results.
• Understanding of the needs of the international student body and a commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
• Ability to manage change and inspire staff to achieve excellence.
• Experience in curriculum development and implementation
• Knowledge of relevant regulations and guidelines in the education sector
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other members of the senior management team

In return we can offer you: 

• A positive and innovative learning culture supported by students, staff, parents and governors        
• A collaborative and supportive attitude amongst staff which promotes a sense of teamwork and unity        
• A Senior Leadership team who is committed to promoting the best environment and outcomes for staff and students

Our Compensation and Benefits package includes (where applicable): 

• Competitive tax-free salary        
• Accommodation allowance        
• Annual flight allowance        
• Medical Insurance coverage        
• Discounted tuition fees for up to two children     
• End of service gratuity in line with UAE Labour Law

Interviews will take place at Dubai Heights Academy or via Zoom, should a face to face interview not be possible. Closing date for applications is Friday 19th April 2024, however interviews may take place ahead of this date so an early application is advantageous.

Whilst we thank all applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Successful applicants will be required to begin the position as early as possible.

Safeguarding Statement:

Dubai Heights Academy is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and as such expects all its employees to share this commitment. All new staff will be subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance including identity checks, criminal background checks (from your home country/country of residence), qualification checks (attestation) and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment and at least two satisfactory professional references, which will be verified. Applicants may also be required to provide other applicable personal documents e.g. degree, marriage certificate etc. A full checklist will be provided to successful candidates.