Toddlers Head Teacher (BestStart Birkdale)
BestStart Education
Listing Description
Description
About the Role
An exciting leadership opportunity has become available for an experienced and passionate Toddler Head Teacher to join our modern, purpose-built early learning centre at BestStart Birkdale.
We are seeking a strong, confident leader who is experienced with toddlers and aligned with a child-led philosophy Our approach reflects ToiToi Tamaiti – Nurture the Child, where relationships, belonging, and respect are at the heart of everything we do.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will guide practice, mentor kaiako, and lead the vision for the room. You will take responsibility for programme quality, team development, and creating a nurturing, responsive environment that supports toddlers to explore, grow, and thrive.
This role is ideal for a confident and compassionate Head Teacher with a strong growth mindset, someone who thrives on mentoring others, building connected and capable teams, and leading with intention. We're seeking a leader who can inspire and empower their team, and consistently role-model exceptional toddler practice.
This is a permanent, full-time role (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday).
What We're Looking For:
- A fully registered and certified ECE teacher (Level 7)
- Proven Head Teacher experience, ideally within a toddler setting
- Deep understanding of toddler development and responsive, relationship-based practice
- Strong mentoring skills and the ability to develop and empower a teaching team
- A growth mindset and confidence in leading vision and practice
- Sound knowledge of Te Whāriki, ECE regulations, and compliance
- A collaborative, team-focused leader who leads with warmth and strength
Why Join BestStart Birkdale?
At BestStart, we value our leaders and the impact they have on children, whānau, and teams. We offer:
- Full Pay Parity
- Leadership development programmes and clear career pathways
- Discounted childcare and access to discounted after-school care in selected locations
- Subsidised health insurance, free flu vaccinations, and EAP support
- $2000 referral bonus for qualified teachers
- One week of additional leave after 10 years' service
Ready to Lead With Purpose?
If you are an experienced toddler leader who believes in nurturing, empowering, and meeting children where they are, we would love to hear from you.
Click Apply Now to take the next step in your leadership journey with BestStart Birkdale.
Application details
Applications Close: 15/02/2026 Apply online for this role or contact BestStart Educare Limited for more information.
BestStart Education
At BestStart, we are at the forefront of early childhood education, dedicated to making a positive impact and passionate about our work. We offer exceptional early education and award-winning childcare services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Our primary goal isto deliver high-quality education to the children in our community, and we are actively engaged in groundbreaking research focused on children's oral language development and self-regulation, known as Kia Tīmata Pai. This research initiative involves approximately 1,600 BestStart preschoolers, highlighting our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
BestStart is committed to being a progressive and adaptable leader in the early childhood education sector. Our educators are highly valued for the transformative role they play in shaping children's lives. We are proud to announce that BestStart has implemented Full pay parity, underscoring our dedication to fairness and equity within our organisation.
At BestStart, we prioritise the support and growth of our teams through tailored professional development pathways. We believe in nurturing talent and empowering our employees to reach their full potential.
