Nursery Head Teacher (BestStart Taita)
Lead with Heart – Head Teacher (Infants Room)
Are you an experienced and passionate kaiako with a deep love for infants and leadership? Are you ready to step into a role where you can shape a learning environment filled with calm, connection, and curiosity? We are looking for a Head Teacher for our Infants!
About the Role
We are seeking a Head Teacher to lead our Infants Room — someone with vision, empathy, and the ability to build trust with pēpi, whānau, and colleagues alike. You’ll be guiding a team who values peaceful, intentional teaching, and helping to create a calm and connected space where our youngest learners thrive.
This is a full-time, permanent position working 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday.
What Makes Our Centre Special
- A respectful, inclusive culture that honours every tamaiti and every kaiako
- A calm, wonder-filled space where tamariki learn through connection, movement, and sensory exploration
- A team-first environment where collaboration, support, and shared leadership are highly valued
- A philosophy-rich setting where your ideas, voice, and leadership are appreciated
- A curriculum grounded in Te Whāriki, inspired by the Curiosity Approach, and shaped by love, trust, and meaningful relationships
Your Role as Head Teacher
As Head Teacher, you will:
- Create a safe, responsive, and respectful environment for pēpi
- Model intentional, attachment-based caregiving and respectful routines
- Inspire your team to deliver calm, rhythmic, and attuned care
- Build strong partnerships with whānau, valuing home languages and routines
- Lead curriculum planning, documentation, and assessment for holistic learning
- Uphold regulatory compliance and ensure excellence in health and safety
- Support ongoing reflection, mentoring, and professional growth within your team
What You’ll Bring
- A Level 7 ECE qualification and current Teaching Certification
- In-depth knowledge of infant development, primary caregiving, and attachment theory
- Strong understanding of Te Whāriki and ECE regulations
- Leadership experience grounded in empathy, clarity, and professionalism
- Confidence in curriculum planning, documentation, and compliance
- A collaborative, heart-led approach that uplifts and inspires others
Why Choose BestStart?
We’re committed to being a progressive and responsive leader in early childhood education. Our teachers are valued for the meaningful difference they make. Here’s what we offer:
- Full Pay Parity
- Discounted childcare
- Subsidised health insurance
- Free annual flu vaccinations
- Confidential counselling support (EAP)
- Leadership development programmes for current and aspiring leaders
- Fully funded Teacher Certification
- $2,000 referral bonus when you refer a qualified teacher
- One week of additional leave after 10 years of service
Ready to Lead With Purpose? If you're ready to step into a leadership role where care is the curriculum, relationships come first, and every day is an opportunity to inspire — we’d love to hear from you. Click the Apply Now button or contact Emma Poole, our Talent Specialist, for a confidential chat on 027 1800 1747.