EARLY YEARS AND PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for an Early Years and Primary School Teacher at Preston International Nursery and Primary School, Akure. The Early Years and Primary School Teacher will be responsible for planning and delivering high-quality, engaging and age-appropriate learning experiences that support the academic, social, emotional, physical, moral and spiritual development of children.

The role will involve creating a safe, stimulating, inclusive and nurturing classroom environment in which children are encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity, independence, creativity and a lifelong love for learning. Depending on the level assigned, the teacher will deliver an appropriate curriculum for children in the Early Years or Primary School, using effective teaching strategies, assessment methods and learning resources suited to the developmental needs and abilities of pupils.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of School, academic leadership, other teachers, teaching assistants, parents and other relevant members of staff to ensure that every child receives appropriate support and opportunities to achieve their full potential.

As a Christian school, Preston International Nursery and Primary School expects the Early Years and Primary School Teacher to uphold and promote the school's Christian values and ethos. The successful candidate will serve as a positive role model, demonstrating integrity, kindness, respect, discipline, compassion and a genuine commitment to the spiritual, moral and character development of every child.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver engaging, effective and age-appropriate lessons in accordance with the school's approved curriculum and schemes of work.
• Teach and support children in the Early Years or Primary School, according to the class or year group assigned.
• Create a safe, stimulating, attractive and well-organised classroom environment that promotes learning, creativity, exploration and independence.
• Develop lesson plans, teaching materials, activities and learning resources that meet the needs of children with different abilities, learning styles and developmental stages.
• Use a range of effective teaching strategies to ensure that learning is practical, interactive, inclusive and enjoyable.
• Support the development of children's literacy, numeracy, communication, problem-solving, creativity and critical-thinking skills.
• For Early Years pupils, provide developmentally appropriate opportunities for play-based, exploratory and experiential learning.
• For Primary School pupils, deliver well-structured lessons that promote academic progress, independence, confidence and a strong foundation for future learning.
• Differentiate teaching and learning activities to meet the individual needs and abilities of pupils.
• Assess, monitor and record pupils' academic progress, development and attainment using appropriate formative and summative assessment methods.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of pupils' performance, progress, attendance and other relevant information.
• Identify pupils who may require additional academic, behavioural or pastoral support and refer concerns appropriately in line with school procedures.
• Provide constructive feedback to pupils and encourage them to take pride in their work and achievements.
• Prepare pupils appropriately for internal and external assessments, examinations or transition to the next stage of their education, where applicable.
• Maintain high expectations of pupils' behaviour, effort, appearance, punctuality and participation.
• Establish and maintain positive classroom routines that promote discipline, respect, responsibility and effective learning.
• Manage pupil behaviour firmly, fairly and consistently in accordance with the school's Behaviour and Discipline Policy.
• Promote the social, emotional, moral and spiritual development of pupils through daily interactions, classroom activities and pastoral support.
• Integrate appropriate Christian values and principles into teaching, learning and relationships with pupils.
• Encourage pupils to demonstrate honesty, kindness, respect, responsibility, self-discipline and consideration for others.
• Serve as a positive Christian role model through personal conduct, attitude, language and professional relationships.
• Foster a warm, caring, inclusive and respectful classroom atmosphere in which every child feels valued and supported.
• Take responsibility for the pastoral care and general welfare of pupils in the assigned class.
• Monitor pupils' wellbeing and report safeguarding, welfare or behavioural concerns promptly to the appropriate school leader.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and guardians regarding pupils' progress, achievements, behaviour and areas requiring support.
• Prepare high-quality pupil reports and contribute to parent-teacher meetings, open days and other school events.
• Work collaboratively with other teachers, teaching assistants and members of the academic team to ensure continuity and consistency in teaching and learning.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, departmental meetings, curriculum planning sessions, training programmes and other professional development activities.
• Contribute to the development, review and improvement of the school's curriculum, schemes of work, teaching resources and assessment practices.
• Maintain an orderly, attractive and well-resourced classroom and take reasonable care of school property and learning materials.
• Display pupils' work appropriately to celebrate achievement and create an inspiring learning environment.
• Organise and supervise appropriate educational activities, projects, clubs, excursions, assemblies, presentations and other enrichment opportunities.
• Participate in school assemblies, devotions, chapel services, Christian activities and other programmes that support the spiritual life of the school.
• Supervise pupils during lessons, break periods, assemblies, school activities and other assigned duties.
• Support school events, celebrations, competitions and community activities as required.
• Maintain professional confidentiality when dealing with pupils, parents, colleagues and school information.
• Keep up to date with developments in Early Years and Primary education, effective teaching practice, curriculum development and educational technology.
• Use appropriate digital tools and educational technology to enhance teaching, learning, assessment and communication.
• Maintain a safe learning environment and comply with all school health, safety and safeguarding requirements.
• Report accidents, injuries, safeguarding concerns, equipment faults or other matters affecting the welfare and safety of pupils promptly and appropriately.
• Comply with all school policies relating to safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, discipline, confidentiality, professional conduct and the use of information technology.
• Carry out other reasonable duties assigned by the Head of School or other authorised school leaders in support of the effective operation and development of Preston International Nursery and Primary School.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Primary Education or a relevant subject area, together with an appropriate teaching qualification.
• A Postgraduate Diploma in Education or other recognised professional teaching qualification will be an added advantage where applicable.
• Relevant professional registration or certification in education will be an added advantage.
• Previous teaching experience in an Early Years, Nursery or Primary School environment is desirable.
• Demonstrable knowledge of child development and age-appropriate teaching and learning practices.
• For Early Years Teachers, a good understanding of play-based learning and early childhood development is highly desirable.
• For Primary School Teachers, a sound knowledge of primary education curriculum content, pedagogy and assessment is required.
• Ability to plan and deliver engaging lessons that meet the needs of pupils with different abilities and learning styles.
• Good knowledge of assessment, pupil progress monitoring and record-keeping.
• Ability to manage a classroom effectively and maintain positive standards of behaviour and discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive and productive relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues and school leaders.
• Good organisational, planning and time-management skills.
• Ability to prepare high-quality teaching and learning resources.
• Competence in the use of Microsoft Office applications and other relevant educational technologies.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities within a school environment.
• Willingness to participate in continuous professional development and adopt improved teaching practices.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate should be:

• Passionate about teaching and the education, development and wellbeing of young children.
• Genuinely caring, patient, nurturing and supportive.
• Committed to helping every child achieve his or her full potential.
• Creative, enthusiastic and able to make learning enjoyable and meaningful.
• Able to create a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment.
• Well organised, responsible and able to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Able to maintain high expectations while remaining patient and supportive.
• Firm, fair and consistent in managing pupil behaviour.
• An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Approachable and able to build positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Observant and attentive to the academic, emotional and developmental needs of individual pupils.
• Flexible, adaptable and willing to embrace new ideas and effective educational practices.
• Digitally competent and willing to use technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• Professional, reliable, punctual and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Willing to participate fully in the wider life and activities of the school.
• A positive role model who demonstrates integrity, kindness, respect, discipline and responsibility.
• Respectful of the Christian ethos of Preston International Nursery and Primary School and committed to upholding and promoting its Christian values, standards and expectations.