Foundation Phase Teacher

Job Advert Summary

There is something rather special about teaching in the Foundation Phase.

It is where curiosity is still gloriously untamed, questions are plentiful, play is serious business, and a child’s early experiences of school begin to shape how she sees herself as a learner.

St Cyprian’s School is looking for an innovative, reflective and passionate Foundation Phase Teacher who understands both the joy and the significance of these formative years, to join us from January 2027.

We are looking for an excellent classroom practitioner with a strong understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practice — someone who knows that young children do not all develop according to the same timetable, and who can recognise what each child needs in order to take her next meaningful step.

Our ideal teacher understands that excellent Foundation Phase teaching is neither entirely child-led nor entirely teacher-directed. It is the thoughtful weaving together of explicit teaching, purposeful play, exploration, inquiry and intentional instruction.

You will create a classroom in which learning is practical, visual and hands-on before it becomes abstract; where curiosity and critical thinking are encouraged; and where girls experience both the challenge and the support they need to flourish.

Just as importantly, you will see the whole child.

You will notice when a learner is struggling before the gap becomes a chasm. You will understand the relationship between cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. You will build independence, confidence, collaboration, communication and resilience — not as lovely extras, but as essential parts of learning.

And because no child learns in isolation, you will build warm, respectful and meaningful relationships with learners, colleagues and families.

Minimum Requirements

What you will bring

You will have:

• A recognised Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase) degree or equivalent qualification.
• A minimum of three years’ Foundation Phase teaching experience.
• Current SACE registration and a PGCE.
• A sound understanding of early childhood development and play-based, child-centred pedagogy.
• A commitment to reflective practice, professional growth and innovation in education.

Additional qualifications and/or experience in Early Childhood Development (ECD) will be advantageous, as will experience within an independent and/or girls’ school environment.

And perhaps most importantly…

We are looking for someone who genuinely delights in young children and in the extraordinary business of helping them learn.

Someone who can hold both structure and play, challenge and nurture, the individual child and the needs of the group.

Someone who understands that the Foundation Phase is not simply preparation for the learning that comes later.

It is learning. It is development. And it is where so much begins.

How to Apply

Qualified, interested candidates are required to upload:

• A detailed CV which includes a brief covering letter and current contact details of three referees
• A copy of ID
• Qualifications
• SACE Certificate
• Answer the screening questions via our online application portal

Failure to meet the minimum requirements will result in disqualification. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further discussions.

Duties and Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Plan and deliver high-quality learning experiences aligned with CAPS and IEB requirements, incorporating inquiry-based approaches that develop curiosity and critical thinking.
• Create a dynamic classroom that thoughtfully balances explicit teaching, structured play, inquiry and exploration.
• Regularly assess learner progress and respond with appropriate support and intervention before learning gaps widen.
• Make learning practical, visual and hands-on, providing strong foundations before moving towards abstraction.
• Adapt teaching to learners’ developmental readiness and differentiate effectively for a variety of learning needs and styles.
• Use purposeful play to develop creativity, collaboration, communication, independence and resilience.
• Create a safe, inclusive and stimulating classroom in which every girl feels known, valued and able to participate fully.
• Collaborate generously with your Grade team and colleagues across the School to strengthen teaching and learning.
• Bring energy, thoughtfulness and an understanding of what it means to educate girls.
• Contribute enthusiastically to our co-curricular programme and the broader life of St Cyprian’s School.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with learners, parents, colleagues and other members of our community.
• Uphold and support the Anglican values and ethos of St Cyprian’s School.