Teacher - Head of Nursery Unit

Teacher – Nursery

Position:
Teacher – Nursery

Reports to:

Principal

• Lead, manage and develop the Nursery Unit in line with the school ethos, policies and the Northern Ireland Pre‑School Curriculum Guidance.
• Prepare, implement and evaluate a high‑quality play‑based early years curriculum; monitor and assess children’s progress using appropriate strategies.
• Plan and coordinate the transition of pupils to Primary 1; maintain accurate records.
• Provide pastoral care, promote wellbeing and oversee health and safety of all pupils.
• Serve as Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection; coordinate health and safety and risk assessments.
• Maintain positive relationships with parents/carers; organise meetings, workshops and communications (including Seesaw and nursery newsletter).
• Collaborate with the SENCo, external agencies and parents to support pupils with special educational needs.
• Support the Principal and Senior Leadership Team with whole‑school improvement planning and staff development.
• Participate in staff development schemes, training and professional reviews; review teaching methods and programmes.
• Assist in curriculum planning, assessment and reporting, and preparing pupils for public examinations.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned by board, principal or school governing body.

• Registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) prior to appointment.
• Valid teaching qualification recognised in Northern Ireland.
• Minimum five years paid teaching experience in a Principal‑led nursery school or teacher‑led nursery unit attached to a primary school in the past ten years.
• Early years as main subject of teacher training or speciality in training.
• Experience in whole‑school provision as part of a Senior Leadership Team.
• Experience using digital media/technology to enhance teaching, learning and communication with parents/carers.
• Experience supporting pupils of all abilities, including those with special educational needs.

• Teaching qualification meeting Northern Ireland recognition requirements.
• Registration with GTCNI.
• Five years of paid nursery experience.
• Proof of early years training or emphasis.
• Evidence of whole‑school leadership contribution.
• Digital media/technology experience.
• Working with pupils of varying ability, including SEN.

• Knowledge of Northern Ireland Curriculum, safeguarding, SEND Code of Practice, IT systems and current assessment methods.
• Effective teaching and classroom management; supportive and inclusive learning environment.
• Initiative, problem‑solving and flexibility.
• Collaboration and teamwork with pupils, staff, parents and community.
• Values that reflect the school’s ethos.

• Designated Teacher for Child Protection or Deputy Designated Teacher experience.
• Two years of nursery experience within the past seven years.
• Experience with transition arrangements to primary school.
• Experience promoting links with parents, carers and families.
• Co‑ordination of Health and Safety, risk assessments.
• Leadership of an after school club.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer, providing employment opportunities to all suitable applicants irrespective of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or age.