Head of Early Years – FS1 & FS2 Leadership Role Dubai Job Vacancy in UAE Dubai
GEMS Royal Dubai School is seeking a visionary and dedicated Head of Early Years to lead the Foundation Stage (FS1 & FS2) beginning August 2025. This senior leadership opportunity is ideal for a dynamic educator who is passionate about early childhood education and eager to shape a nurturing, high-performing learning environment within a world-class British curriculum school.
Job Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Education
Function: Education – Academic Leadership (Early Years)
Salary: Negotiable
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Candidate Current Location: Any
What Does a Head of Early Years Do?
As the Head of Early Years, you will serve as the strategic leader for Foundation Stage 1 and 2, driving innovation, excellence, and student progress. This role involves overseeing the planning, teaching, and professional development of the EYFS team, ensuring exceptional outcomes and meaningful learning experiences that reflect GEMS Royal Dubai School’s #RoyalStandard.
What Are the Key Responsibilities?
- Lead, inspire, and manage a team of FS1 and FS2 educators to ensure outstanding teaching and learning
- Promote a culture of optimism, high expectations, and innovation across the Early Years phase
- Ensure curriculum excellence, skill progression, and inclusive, child-centered practices
- Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and review processes for Early Years learning and teaching
- Conduct regular lesson observations, team teaching, and coaching to build staff capacity
- Use internal and external assessment data to drive planning, differentiation, and attainment
- Design and manage effective intervention and enrichment programs for measurable student progress
- Build strong partnerships with parents through workshops, events, and ongoing communication
- Drive attendance, punctuality, and high-quality transitions from FS1 to Year 1
- Lead line management of teaching and support staff with clear accountability and professional development goals
- Support school-wide self-evaluation and improvement planning through data-driven analysis
- Actively contribute to the school’s strategic leadership and whole-school events
What Skills Are Needed for a Head of Early Years in Dubai?
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Education with PGCE/PGDE or equivalent, ideally with a specialization in Early Years
- Advanced leadership qualifications or Master’s in Educational Leadership are advantageous
Experience:
- Significant experience teaching and leading within Early Years Foundation Stage (FS1 and FS2)
- Proven success in raising outcomes and driving innovation in Early Childhood settings
- Experience in curriculum design, assessment, and professional development
Skills:
- Strong leadership and coaching skills to develop and inspire teams
- Excellent understanding of EYFS curriculum, pedagogy, and early child development
- Data-driven mindset with experience in monitoring progress and implementing interventions
- Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills for engaging parents and staff
- Ability to manage performance and lead school improvement projects
- High level of organisation, professionalism, and commitment to continuous development
What Benefits Come with This Position?
- Competitive tax-free salary
- Fully furnished accommodation or housing allowance
- Private medical insurance and annual return flights
- End-of-service gratuity in line with UAE Labour Law
- Tuition fee concessions for dependent children
- Free access to GEMS Rewards App with thousands of discounts across UAE
- Career advancement within the global GEMS Education network
- Access to bespoke leadership development and CPD programs
About the company
GEMS Education is one of the world’s largest and most established private K-12 education providers. Founded in the UAE in 1959, GEMS operates more than 47 schools across the Middle East and North Africa, serving over 115,000 students. Renowned for excellence in education, innovation, and diversity, GEMS offers dynamic career opportunities across a variety of international curricula.
With a strong focus on academic achievement, personal growth, and future-ready skills, GEMS empowers educators and leaders to shape lives and deliver transformative learning experiences in world-class school environments.