Nursery Mentor (AY 2026–2027) / Citizens School, Dubai, UAE

At Citizens School, we are redefining education through a forward-thinking approach to school, where learners are empowered through our distinctive vision to "Inspire, Empower, Thrive." Our core values and unique approach revolve around four pillars: nurturing entrepreneurial mindsets, implementing inquiry-based learning, promoting transdisciplinary project-based learning, and ensuring that every learner is known and valued as an individual. We are dedicated to preparing learners for the challenges of the future by embedding real-world applications into every subject and encouraging each individual to explore and grow in a supportive and inclusive setting. 

Role Overview:

Citizens School Dubai is an exciting and innovative place to work. The successful candidate will work closely with the Nursery Manager, Managing Director of Operations and the SLT, playing a crucial role in supporting, guiding, and inspiring our youngest learners.

The Nursery Mentor is responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment that promotes curiosity, creativity, and confidence. They will help shape and implement high-quality early years provision, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

At Citizens School, our focus is on Inspiring, Empowering, and enabling all learners to Thrive.

Your role will be to bring this vision to life – guiding learners to discover their potential, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning, and supporting them in thriving in their own unique ways.

Your role is to embed and develop this vision in everything that you do. It is about guiding learners to discover their own potential and pathways, empowering them to take ownership of their learning and thrive in their unique ways. 

Our Early Years Approach

Within the nursery, we incorporate the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, focusing on the seven areas of learning alongside our personalised Citizens Future Framework. Our curriculum in the nursery centres around four key pillars:

1.      Entrepreneurship
We nurture creativity, imagination, and initiative from the earliest years. Learners are encouraged to explore ideas, solve problems, and take small, calculated risks through play and discovery. This cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset, helping them develop resilience and adaptability.

2. Project-Based and Inquiry-Led Learning
   In nursery, project-based learning is woven into age-appropriate, play-centred experiences. Through themed projects, learners develop collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills while making meaningful connections to the world around them.

3. Everyone Known and Known Well
   Every learner is valued as an individual. Through strong, trusting relationships with mentors, we ensure each learner’s strengths, interests, and needs are understood and nurtured. This personal connection creates a supportive and inclusive learning community.

4. An Inquiry-Based Mindset
   Curiosity is encouraged at every step. Learners are supported to ask questions, explore, and investigate. This hands-on approach develops critical thinking, deepens understanding, and instils a love of lifelong learning.

 Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or CACHE 3.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar role within a nursery or early years setting.

• Strong knowledge of child development, curriculum planning, and early years teaching methodologies.

• Experience in data analysis and report development is highly desirable.

Core Responsibilities:

Subject Knowledge:

• Stay updated on best practices in early years education, implementing innovative teaching strategies.

• Understand early childhood development and create learning experiences suited to individual needs.

• Promote high standards of communication, collaboration, curiosity, and creativity.

• Develop literacy and numeracy skills through age-appropriate activities.

Curriculum Design and Adaptation:

• Plan and implement engaging learning experiences aligned with the nursery curriculum.

• Ensure lessons cater to diverse learning abilities, providing necessary support or challenge.

• Integrate digital resources and hands-on learning tools.

• Use assessment data to track progress and inform instruction.

• Maintain regular communication with parents on their child’s learning and well-being.

Learning and Teaching:

• Create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment.

• Foster a love for learning through imaginative play and meaningful interactions.

• Adapt lessons to suit individual interests and learning paces.

• Support and encourage learners in developing positive behaviour, empathy and social skills.

Collaboration and Community Engagement:

• Engage in continuous professional development, seeking opportunities to enhance skills.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to create a strong learning culture.

• Build positive relationships with parents and carers, supporting learning at home.

• Contribute to the wider school community and extracurricular programs.

Safeguarding, Inclusion, and Well-Being:

• Ensure all learners feel safe, supported, and included.

• Follow school policies on safeguarding and child protection.

• Promote the holistic development of all learners, catering to their emotional and social needs.

• Model professional behaviour and maintain high personal standards in attendance and punctuality.

Other Responsibilities:

• Support smooth transitions between nursery and primary school.

• Participate in school initiatives and events that enhance the early years’ experience.

• Take on additional responsibilities as required by the Nursery Leader or school administration.
  

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit the following documents:

• Completed Citizens TES Application Form

• Up-to-date CV with a recent photograph

• Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.

• Start Date: August 2026

Safeguarding Commitment:

• Citizens School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

• Diversity & Inclusion Statement:

• Citizens School is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment. We value applications from all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and perspectives, and strive to build a team where diversity is respected and celebrated.