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 a Lead Teacher, you will take responsibility for the learning, care and day-to-day organisation of your classroom.

You will know your children well, understand their development and interests, and use this knowledge to create meaningful play-based experiences and environments.

You will lead and support the classroom team, build strong relationships with families and contribute to the wider development of NIWA.

Key responsibilities

You will:

• Create a calm, welcoming and engaging environment where children feel safe, secure and confident.
• Plan meaningful, play-based learning based on children’s interests, needs and development.
• Observe children carefully and use observations to inform planning, provision and next steps.
• Make thoughtful use of nature in indoor and outdoor environments to encourage curiosity, exploration and independence.
• Support children’s communication, social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
• Lead the classroom team, modelling good practice and ensuring consistent routines and expectations.
• Build warm, professional relationships with families and communicate children’s progress, successes and concerns sensitively.
• Maintain clear and purposeful records of children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Support children with additional needs and work collaboratively with families and other professionals where appropriate.
• Follow NIWA policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, inclusion, confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Contribute to meetings, training, events, enrichment activities, extended-day provision and holiday programmes as required.
• Take an active role in reviewing and developing practice as NIWA grows.

Who we are looking for

You will need:

• A recognised qualification in Early Childhood Education, ideally at Diploma or Degree level.
• TSC registration where relevant to your qualification and role.
• Experience working successfully with young children in an Early Years setting.
• A sound understanding of child development and play-based learning.
• Confidence in observing children and using observations to plan effectively.
• Strong spoken and written English. Kiswahili would be an advantage.
• Strong organisation, communication and classroom leadership skills.
• The ability to build warm, respectful relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• A reflective and collaborative approach to practice.
• The ability to remain calm, flexible and professional when plans change.
• A commitment to outdoor learning, sustainability and children’s connection with nature.
• A willingness to question, learn and adapt as NIWA develops.

Minimum requirements

• Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Minimum 5 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

• Create a calm, welcoming and engaging environment where children feel safe, secure and confident.
• Plan meaningful, play-based learning based on children’s interests, needs and development.
• Observe children carefully and use observations to inform planning, provision and next steps.
• Make thoughtful use of nature in indoor and outdoor environments to encourage curiosity, exploration and independence.
• Support children’s communication, social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
• Lead the classroom team, modelling good practice and ensuring consistent routines and expectations.
• Build warm, professional relationships with families and communicate children’s progress, successes and concerns sensitively.
• Maintain clear and purposeful records of children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Support children with additional needs and work collaboratively with families and other professionals where appropriate.
• Follow NIWA policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health and safety, inclusion, confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Contribute to meetings, training, events, enrichment activities, extended-day provision and holiday programmes as required.
• Take an active role in reviewing and developing practice as NIWA grows.

• Strong spoken and written English
• Strong organisation, communication and classroom leadership skills
• Ability to build warm, respectful relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Reflective and collaborative approach to practice
• Ability to remain calm, flexible and professional when plans change
• Commitment to outdoor learning, sustainability and children’s connection with nature
• Willingness to question, learn and adapt as NIWA develops
• Experience with EYFS or Reggio-inspired practice (preferred)
• Paediatric First Aid (preferred, or completed before starting)

• A recognised qualification in Early Childhood Education, ideally at Diploma or Degree level.
• TSC registration where relevant to your qualification and role.
• Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• TSC registration (preferred)
• Right to work in Kenya (citizenship or valid work permit)
• Police clearance (Certificate of Good Conduct)