Lead Teacher - Junior Nursery

About the job

About The Ivy School

At Ivy, we believe the earliest years are the most profound. Our Junior Nursery is not a daycare—it is a thoughtfully curated learning space rooted in care, curiosity, and connection. Our educators are not only teachers but guides, nurturers, and co-learners in a child’s unfolding world.

Role Overview

We are seeking warm, confident, and highly competent Junior Nursery Teachers to lead learning for our youngest group—children aged 1.6 to 2.4 years. This role demands deep presence, patience, and professionalism. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in EYFS principles, a commitment to child-led learning, and an openness to evolve with The Curiosity Approach, which celebrates simplicity, inquiry, and wonder.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Curriculum

* Lead the creation of short-, medium-, and long-term plans based on EYFS learning goals, aligned with Ivy’s progressive curriculum.

* Develop engaging, age-appropriate invitations to play and exploratory learning environments.

* Integrate principles of the Curiosity Approach into classroom routines and design—emphasizing natural materials, open-ended resources, and child-initiated discovery.

* Collaborate with the Early Years team to co-plan thematic learning modules that evolve from the children’s interests.

Observation & Documentation

* Conduct regular observations to understand each child’s development, needs, and interests.

* Maintain detailed and accurate records of learning journeys, including photographs, anecdotal notes, and progress assessments.

* Use observations to inform planning and share insights with parents through both formal and informal communication.

* Participate in termly assessment meetings and contribute to individualized learning targets.

Childcare & Wellbeing

* Establish a safe, nurturing, and emotionally secure environment for toddlers, many of whom may be separating from parents for the first time.

* Promote positive behavior, self-regulation, and independence through consistent routines, empathy, and language-rich interactions.

* Take full responsibility for health, hygiene, and safety protocols, including nappy changing, feeding, and toileting support in a dignified and developmentally appropriate way.

* Develop strong, trusting relationships with each child and family, recognizing their unique backgrounds and needs.

Professionalism & Team Collaboration

* Be a role model of professionalism, warmth, and reflective practice within the Early Years team.

* Mentor and guide Junior Nursery assistants and interns.

* Participate in ongoing professional development, including in-house workshops on the Curiosity Approach and reflective practice.

* Engage in weekly team meetings, curriculum reviews, and CPD sessions with a growth mindset and willingness to learn.

Family Partnership

* Build and sustain strong partnerships with parents, offering regular communication, guidance, and support.

* Lead parent-teacher conferences and contribute to the child's profile in term reports.

* Involve families in classroom life through open mornings, showcases, and home learning extensions.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications & Attributes

* A degree or diploma in Early Years Education or relevant field (CACHE Level 3, Montessori, Reggio, or EYFS-aligned qualifications).

* Strong command of English (spoken and written).

* Minimum 3 years’ experience working with children under age 3.

* A warm, calm and caring disposition with the ability to manage toddlers with love and clarity.

* Clear understanding of developmental milestones from 18–30 months and ability to scaffold accordingly.

* Strong planning, organization, and time-management skills.

Why Join Ivy?

* Be part of Pakistan’s first Curiosity Approach Acceedited setting - a progressive, child-centered school that celebrates early childhood as a powerful stage of learning.

* Receive regular professional development, mentoring, and time for reflection and planning.

* Work in thoughtfully designed spaces that respect children's capabilities and encourage educators' creativity.

* Join a collaborative team where your voice and expertise are valued.

To Apply

Please email your resume and a short statement of interest to [email protected]. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a classroom observation and panel interview.