Head of Preschool

The postholder will provide strategic, pedagogical and operational leadership across the preschool, holding overall accountability for educational excellence, inclusive provision, safeguarding, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement. This senior role requires specialist expertise in Early Years leadership, bespoke curriculum authorship, strategic SEN coordination and child protection. The postholder will translate the school’s educational vision into consistently high-quality, play-based practice and positive outcomes for children.

Summary of Duties

Head of Preschool Lead the design, authorship, implementation and continuous refinement of the school’s bespoke, Reggio- inspired, play-based curriculum, including its pedagogical principles, developmental progressions, planning expectations and assessment systems. Secure excellence through self-evaluation, quality assurance, staff coaching, professional development and performance management. Author, review and amend all policies and procedures; oversee staffing, operations, resources, health and safety, community partnerships and school improvement. Maintain expert knowledge of the Cayman Islands Early Years Curriculum Framework, Office of Education Standards inspection framework, Education Council Guidelines and licensing requirements. Critically evaluate global Early Years research and innovation, adapting relevant practice to the school’s context. Early Years SENCO Lead a graduated whole-school approach to early identification, assessment, intervention and review. Coordinate individual support plans, targeted interventions, reasonable adjustments, referrals and transitions. Analyze patterns of need; evaluate the impact of provision; coach staff in inclusive pedagogy, communication, sensory regulation and behavior as communication; and lead multidisciplinary collaboration with families, specialists and government agencies. Designated Safeguarding Lead Lead the preschool’s safeguarding culture, child-protection practice, policies and reporting systems. Train and advise staff; assess and manage concerns; make referrals; liaise with statutory authorities; maintain confidential records; and oversee safer recruitment, staff suitability and allegation-management procedures. The postholder will ensure that every child receives ambitious, inclusive, nurturing and developmentally appropriate Early Years education.

Qualifications and Experience for the position

• Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education or a related field required and must qualify for a license to teach in the Cayman Islands;
• Post graduate qualification in early years educational leadership required;
• Qualification in Special Educational Needs leadership required.
• Minimum five years’ experience in a leadership role in an early years setting required.
• Curriculum development and implementation experience across Early Years Centers.
• Experience as a designated safeguarding lead in an early years setting required.

Preferred Aptitudes

• Genuine respect and appreciation for young children
• Dedication and commitment to providing developmentally appropriate care and enriched learning experiences that prioritize children’s wellbeing and happiness
• Highly fluent and personable communicator
• Possesses excellent educational judgement; growth mindset, analytical ability, and solution focused
• Highly developed and effective leadership skills and ability to inspire and lead the teaching team and school community

Benefits: SHIC Health Insurance (premium paid by employer) & pension in accordance with the law. 25 days annual holiday allowance. Hours per month: 180 hours, full-time, weekdays between 7:30am and 4:30pm and occasional weekends and evenings for school events. Applications to be received by October 13 2026.