Niwa (?) means "garden" in Japanese a quiet, beautiful space where things grow in their own time. We are a purpose-built, child-led kindergarten in Nairobi for children aged 6 months to 6 years. Rooted in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the best ideas in early-years education worldwide, Niwa rests on three pillars: protecting childh...

The role

As an Assistant Teacher, you will work closely with the Lead Teacher to support the learning, care and day-to-day organisation of the classroom.

This is a hands-on role. You will spend much of your day alongside children: talking, playing, observing, supporting routines and helping them become increasingly confident and independent.

You will contribute to planning, share observations about children, help maintain purposeful learning environments and play an important role within the classroom team.

Key responsibilities

You will:

• Build warm, responsive and respectful relationships with children.
• Support high-quality, play-based learning throughout the day.
• Engage meaningfully in children’s play, conversations and investigations.
• Work with individual children and small groups when appropriate.
• Observe children and share useful information about their interests, development and wellbeing with the Lead Teacher.
• Help prepare, organise and maintain inviting indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Support children’s communication, social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
• Encourage children’s independence in play, learning and daily routines.
• Support children to manage emotions, relationships and conflict in a calm and respectful way.
• Support daily care routines, including meals, rest, toileting and personal care where appropriate.
• Prepare resources and help reset and organise the environment throughout the day.
• Support children during transitions, outdoor learning, trips and other nursery activities.
• Communicate warmly and professionally with families, referring significant questions or concerns to the Lead Teacher.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute positively to the wider NIWA team.
• Attend meetings, training and professional development as required.
• Support NIWA’s wider programme, including enrichment activities, extended-day provision and holiday programmes where required.
• Follow NIWA policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, inclusion, confidentiality and professional conduct.

Who we are looking for

You will ideally have:

• A recognised Early Childhood Education, Montessori, childcare or equivalent qualification, or currently working towards one.
• Experience working with young children in a nursery, preschool or Early Years setting.
• A basic understanding of child development and play-based learning.
• Good spoken and written English. Kiswahili would be an advantage.
• A warm, patient and respectful approach with children.
• The ability to work positively with a Lead Teacher and wider team.
• Good communication and organisation skills.
• The confidence to use initiative while understanding when to ask for guidance.
• A reflective and collaborative approach to practice.
• A willingness to observe, learn and continue developing your Early Years practice.
• A flexible attitude and willingness to contribute wherever needed.

Minimum requirements

• Diploma in ECDE or a related field (degree preferred)
• Minimum 3 years' experience working with young children
• TSC registration (preferred)
• Experience with EYFS or Reggio-inspired practice (preferred)
• Paediatric First Aid (preferred, or completed before starting)
• Right to work in Kenya (citizenship or valid work permit)
• Police clearance (Certificate of Good Conduct)
• Fluent spoken and written English

• Build warm, responsive and respectful relationships with children.
• Support high-quality, play-based learning throughout the day.
• Engage meaningfully in children’s play, conversations and investigations.
• Work with individual children and small groups when appropriate.
• Observe children and share useful information about their interests, development and wellbeing with the Lead Teacher.
• Help prepare, organise and maintain inviting indoor and outdoor learning environments.
• Support children’s communication, social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
• Encourage children’s independence in play, learning and daily routines.
• Support children to manage emotions, relationships and conflict in a calm and respectful way.
• Support daily care routines, including meals, rest, toileting and personal care where appropriate.
• Prepare resources and help reset and organise the environment throughout the day.
• Support children during transitions, outdoor learning, trips and other nursery activities.
• Communicate warmly and professionally with families, referring significant questions or concerns to the Lead Teacher.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute positively to the wider NIWA team.
• Attend meetings, training and professional development as required.
• Support NIWA’s wider programme, including enrichment activities, extended-day provision and holiday programmes where required.
• Follow NIWA policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, inclusion, confidentiality and professional conduct.

• Good spoken and written English
• Kiswahili would be an advantage
• A warm, patient and respectful approach with children
• The ability to work positively with a Lead Teacher and wider team
• Good communication and organisation skills
• The confidence to use initiative while understanding when to ask for guidance
• A reflective and collaborative approach to practice
• A willingness to observe, learn and continue developing your Early Years practice
• A flexible attitude and willingness to contribute wherever needed
• Fluent spoken and written English

• A recognised Early Childhood Education, Montessori, childcare or equivalent qualification, or currently working towards one.
• Diploma in ECDE or a related field (degree preferred)
• TSC registration (preferred)
• Experience with EYFS or Reggio-inspired practice (preferred)
• Paediatric First Aid (preferred, or completed before starting)
• Right to work in Kenya (citizenship or valid work permit)
• Police clearance (Certificate of Good Conduct)