Head of EYFS

Head of EYFS

Downe House Riyadh is seeking a passionate, experienced, and committed Head of EYFS to join our thriving school community from August 2026. This role will lead and shape early childhood education within our world‑class British curriculum school.

The Head of EYFS will foster a phase culture that fully reflects the school’s values and ethos, promote and secure high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, pupil progress and achievement across EYFS, ensure a first‑class well‑rounded curriculum, coordinate lesson delivery and extra‑curricular activities, and support the Principal in admissions.

• Serve as a positive role model in leadership, teaching and behaviour.
• Lead and manage day‑to‑day operations within EYFS.
• Ensure all children receive an outstanding education.
• Coordinate lesson delivery, activities and learning opportunities.
• Plan and deliver coherent lesson, weekly and medium term plans.
• Maintain documentation, evidence and tracking systems to demonstrate pupil progress.
• Oversee pastoral care, discipline and pastoral programme within EYFS.
• Plan and deliver weekly assemblies with the EYFS team.
• Support Principal in admissions, tours, assessments and marketing events.
• Drive parent engagement and keep families well informed.
• Lead department meetings and report to the Principal.
• Support staff wellbeing by providing pastoral support.
• Keep updated with educational developments and recommend best practices.
• Participate in school development planning and quality assurance.
• Fulfil the expectations of an excellent teacher at Downe House Riyadh.
• Act as a role model in classroom practice.
• Support teachers to deliver high‑quality learning experiences.
• Lead CPD and mentor new teachers.
• Monitor planning, assessment, moderation and pupil progress.
• Ensure strong transition arrangements across phases.
• Oversee homework, prep tasks and extra‑curricular provision.
• Ensure high‑quality learning displays and visibility of EYFS across the school.
• Ensure effective communication among teachers and assistants.
• Audit and manage departmental resources within budget.
• Lead the organisation of events, productions, assemblies and curriculum trips.
• Ensure correct procedures for risk assessments and school policies.
• Support parent meetings and reporting cycles.

• Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate a strong personal commitment to child protection and wellbeing.
• Fully participate in mandatory safeguarding training.

• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, QTS, PGCE or equivalent.
• Minimum five years of relevant teaching experience.
• Minimum two years of proven leadership experience within EYFS.
• Experience of working in a British curriculum school.
• Experience in curriculum development.
• Knowledge of educational developments and best practices.
• A passion for working with children and a commitment to fostering their academic and personal growth.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience of adding value to a reputable educational organisation.
• Experience of working as a team member in a school environment.
• Experience of maintaining confidentiality.
• Experience of working in a multi‑cultural setting.

The successful candidate will benefit from an attractive tax‑free salary and a commitment to supporting the development and career goals of the applicant.

Downe House Riyadh School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect the same from employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre‑employment clearance including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks including an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last ten years.