Head of Early Years - Foundation Stage 0 (2 years) to Year 1

St Louis School in Milan is a private international school which caters for 1,700 children from the ages of 2 to 18. The Early Years, Primary School and Middle School offer a curriculum based on the British National Curriculum. The Middle School ends with the Cambridge Checkpoint examinations in Year 9 leading into the IGCSE and IBDP examinations in the High School. The High School has an exceptional average IB Diploma score which has placed St Louis School as the highest scoring school in continental Europe for the last six years running (www.stlouisschool.com) The school is part of the prestigious INSPIRED school network (www.inspirededu.co.uk).

We are currently seeking to appoint a Head of Early Years for our Colonna Campus, in the North West of the city, who will be able to adapt quickly to a new and exciting learning environment, someone with strong empathy skills and who is willing to use relational strategies in a stimulating learning environment with students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The number of students in the Early Years is approximately 220 across Foundation Stage 0 (2 years) to Year 1, with scope for continued growth.

A strong commitment to purposeful learning and teaching, collaborative planning and open communication is essential. We pride ourselves on the commitment offered by our friendly and professional staff who go above and beyond. Applicants must be willing to be active, flexible participants in a hard-working team of teachers. Proven experience within international, bilingual or multilingual contexts would also be useful.

This position is a part of whole school Senior Leadership Team and we are looking for an experienced, creative, resilient and dynamic professional of the highest calibre to join us from 22nd August 2024. 

Potential teachers must possess the following experience, skills and knowledge:

* Degree Level Qualification in Early Years Education or beyond

* Hold “Qualified Teacher Status” or an equivalent qualification

* Established experience in teaching within the Early Years Foundation Stage and Year 1 (experience in the Primary School age range would also be an asset)

* Have a track record of success in working with children, colleagues and parents of this age group

* Have a solid working knowledge of current pedagogy in the Early Years and be ready to work with the wider Inspired Team to deepen learning and teaching across the school

* Have a clear understanding of early childhood development needs and a skillset that is rooted in pastoral care and educating the individual within a strong PSHE framework

* Be a fluent user of English with excellent communication and teamwork skills

* Demonstrate an ability in engaging with young students and the teaching staff alike maintaining the highest standard of work at all times

* Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills

* Demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism at all times

* Have a positive and flexible approach to school life and a well-developed ability to work in teams

* The ability to create a happy, challenging and engaging learning environment

* A minimum of eight years’ teaching experience and previous leadership experience is essential

* Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Year 1 is essential

The first round of interviews will take place by Skype/Zoom. Where possible, the second round will be conducted in person.

Flights, baggage allowance and support for an apartment search are provided by the school.

Candidates should upload their letter of presentation, Curriculum Vitae and a recent photograph when submitting their application.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the students and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. We ensure that safe recruitment practices are followed and hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards. All appointments will be subject to an interview, criminal record checks and two successful references.