Head Teacher (BestStart Halswell Junction)
BestStart Education
Listing Description
Description
BestStart Halswell Junction is seeking a passionate, inspiring, and Registered Head Teacher to lead our 3–5 year old tamariki alongside our well-established, experienced teaching team. This is a permanent, full-time role (40 hours, Monday–Friday) in a centre where a strong, shared vision guides everything we do.
Our Centre
At BestStart Halswell Junction, Where Heroes Come to Play is the foundation of our curriculum across all five classrooms. We believe every child is a hero with unique “super powers” to share with the world, and it is our role as educators to nurture and grow those strengths.
Our programme is guided by four core Superpowers, aligned with Te Whāriki:
- The Power of Friendship Building strong relationships, empathy, cooperation, and tuakana–teina connections, helping children value friendships for life.
- The Power of Self Supporting resilience, confidence, independence, communication, wellbeing, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of culture and identity.
- The Power of Environment Encouraging respect, sustainability, exploration, and connection to both our immediate and wider world.
These super powers shape our teaching practice and the way we document and celebrate children's learning journeys.
About the Role
As Head Teacher, you will provide professional leadership within the preschool space, supporting high-quality programme planning, assessment, and pedagogy. This role is ideally suited to an experienced teacher who enjoys mentoring others, driving growth, and bringing a shared vision to life for children and whānau.
What We're Looking For
You will be a natural leader who aligns with our values and vision, with a genuine passion for teaching and learning. You will also bring:
- BEd / Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE) and current NZ Teacher Certification
- Strong understanding of programme planning, pedagogy, and curriculum
- Sound knowledge of ECE Regulations and Te Whāriki, with compliance held in high regard
- A commitment to quality, reflective practice, and continuous improvement
Why Work for BestStart?
When you join BestStart, you join a supportive whānau where innovation is encouraged and successes are celebrated – big and small. We offer:
- Full Pay Parity
- Discounted childcare
- Subsidised health insurance
- Free flu vaccinations
- Confidential EAP counselling
- Leadership programmes for current and aspiring leaders
- Multiple career pathways with wrap-around support
- $2,000 referral bonus for Qualified Teachers*
- One extra week of leave after 10 years' service
Ready to Make a Difference? Bring your unique self to work and help us provide the highest quality care and education for our tamariki.
How to apply: Click Apply Now or contact your local Talent Specialist, Emma Poole, for a confidential chat on 027 1800 1747.
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.
