Head of EYFS

Are you a fully qualified, dynamic and enthusiastic Early years teacher with previous leadership experience, seeking an exciting new role? If so, you will be interested by this fantastic opportunity to join our successful and growing International School in Quito as a Head of EYFS.

About the School

British School Quito (BSQ) https://britishschoolquito.edu.ec is Ecuador's only truly British international school, where the EYFS and English National Curriculum is taught with strong links to local language and culture. In our Secondary department students study iGCSEs and the follow the IB Diploma programme. 

We are proud of our joint British-Ecuadorian roots and have a very strong reputation in the local and

international community resulting in growing numbers and opportunities for expansion.

BSQ is a foundation, with the sole purpose of providing education. We are an IB World School, accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools. We are licensed and accredited by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education.

The school is located in the beautiful Cumbaya valley to the East of Quito and 20 minutes from the airport.

The school has an ICT lab, science laboratories, art and music facilities, a cafeteria, playgrounds, swimming pool and a sports field. We have a central library with an auditorium area for assemblies and productions and rich opportunities for outside play. Academic standards are high with many graduates going on to study in the world’s top universities.

About the Opportunity

The role is due to start from August 2024 and involve teaching in either nursery or reception, whilst leading the Early Years function through the next stage of development. Having made significant improvements to the external and internal learning areas, it is a perfect opportunity for an outstanding, creative and effective EYFS practitioner to lead a team and provide a world class education for the community in Quito.

BSQ has already built its reputation on high quality and high standards and as such it has similar high expectations of its staff.  The school therefore welcomes fully qualified, flexible, child-centred practitioners who will further enhance the quality of teaching and learning, play a leading role in school development and policy, and be a determined leader with a warm and welcoming approach in line with our values. Applicants are invited from leaders currently working in the UK maintained or independent school sectors as well as from those already posted overseas.

Applicants must have a relevant Bachelor degree and UK Qualified Teacher Status, a minimum of 5 years teaching experience in a UK maintained or independent school or an international British school, and experience of leadership at middle or senior level. 

Interested candidates should also download the job profile and person specification for greater detail.

Benefits of working at an Orbital Education School      

The school also forms part of the Orbital Education group, an expanding group of acclaimed international schools, which currently educates over 5,000 students from 114 nationalities providing them with skills and qualifications to access high quality universities. We are a group of Internationally acclaimed schools, focused upon delivering outstanding education to a large and diverse student population. Our schools are spread globally from Latin America, through Europe and the Middle East to Asia, with exciting plans to develop new schools across the world.  

Key reasons to work at an Orbital Education School include:

1. Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and students on an international scale.
2. Enhanced professional development opportunities, through partnerships with specialist learning providers to offer recognised and accredited professional development programmes.
3. Enhanced opportunities for future career development and movement within the group, providing opportunity to see the world whilst progressing an attractive and rewarding career.

Living and working in Quito

Quito, its Ecuador’s capital city. At 2,850m above sea level it is the highest official capital city in the world and is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in South America. It’s stunning architecture that serves as a reminder of Ecuador’s history, sits alongside it’s beautiful landscape, nestled between the mountains of the Andes.

The city has a relaxed, welcoming, and friendly environment, and a pleasant climate all-year-round because of its elevation and proximity to the equator. Average afternoon temperatures are approximately 21 °C and average night-time lows of approximately 10 °C.

Quito is located within 20 kilometres of an International airport with regular flights to Europe, the US, and wider region. 

Click here to learn more about living and working in Ecuador.

The Process and how to apply

Your application should be submitted by email and should include a CV along with a letter of application, detailing how you feel your skills and experience meet those contained within the role profile. You should also include the names and email contacts of three referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer.

Applications should be submitted to recruitment@britishschoolquito.edu.ec, quoting “Head of EYFS” in the subject line.

Closing date for applications is 26th April 2023 - However early applications are encouraged to avoid disappointment as we anticipate significant interest in this position.

Initial selection interviews with qualified candidates will take place virtually on a rolling basis as applications are received. Arrangements for final stage interview will be shared with individuals ahead of final stage.

Due to anticipated levels of interest, we regret that we will not be able to feedback to all candidates. Therefore, if you have not heard from us prior to 15th May 2024, please assume that on this occasion your application has not been successful.

Safeguarding – British School of Quito is committed to safeguarding children and young people. As part of the school’s commitment to safeguarding, all post-holders are subject to background checks and will be required to present either a DBS certificate alongside a current update from the DBS service, or an International Child Protection Certificate administered by ACRO https://www.acro.police.uk/icpc/ (if ever worked or lived in the UK).

Prohibition Checks will also be required where appropriate and/or Criminal Records (Police Check) disclosure from their most recent country of residence. The successful applicant will also be required to present the background checks outlined below, along with original and notarised copies of their qualifications.

The British School, Quito is an Equal Opportunities employer.