Job Description

Lead the philosophy. Shape the practice. Follow the child.

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AtLittle Lane Doncaster, we are looking for an experienced and deeply passionateEducationalLeaderto lead the pedagogical direction of our centre and champion authentic Montessori practice.

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This is an opportunity for an educator who understands that Montessori is not simply a methodology, a collection of beautiful materials or a set of activities.

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It is a philosophy. A way of seeing the child. A way of preparing the environment. And a way of being as an educator.

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We are looking for someone who can protect that philosophy while inspiring a team to live it every day.

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About the Chance

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As ourEducationalLeader, you will be the pedagogical heart of the centre — supporting educators to understand why we do what we do, not simply what we do.

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You will work alongside the team to create an environment where children are given the time, freedom and opportunity to develop independence, concentration, confidence and a genuine love of learning.

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You will help build a culture where educators areobservers before interveners, guides rather than directors, and facilitators rather than the centre of the child's experience.

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This is a hands‐on leadership role for someone who wants to be present in the environments, alongside educators and close to the children.

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You will be responsible for:

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- Leading the implementation and protection ofauthentic Montessori philosophy and practiceacross the centre.
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- Mentoring educators to develop a deep understanding of the Montessori approach and the role of the adult.
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- Supporting educators to become skilled and intentional observers of children.
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- Guiding the preparation of purposeful, orderly and beautiful learning environments.
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- Ensuring Montessori materials are presented with intention, accuracy and respect for their purpose.
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- Supporting educators to understand the importance offreedom within limits, independence, concentration, repetition and choice.
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- Encouraging educators to follow the individual child rather than expecting every child to follow the same path.
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- Protecting uninterrupted work cycles and children's opportunities for deep concentration.
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- Supporting educators to reflect on when to intervene, when to observe and when to step back.
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- Building a culture of professional inquiry, where educators continually question and refine their practice.
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- Working closely with the Centre Director and leadership team to strengthen curriculum, pedagogy and outcomes.
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- Supporting documentation and planning to remain meaningful, purposeful and connected to the child.
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- Ensuring Montessori practice is thoughtfully aligned with theEarly Years Learning Framework, National Quality Framework and Child Safe Standards.
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- Building strong relationships with families and helping them understand and connect with the Montessori philosophy.
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About You

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You are not simply an educator who has worked in a Montessori environment.

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You understand that a carefully prepared environment can do more for a child than constant adult instruction.

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You understand that a child asking to do something independently should be met with patience, even when it takes longer.

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You understand that observation comes before assumption.

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And you understand that sometimes the most powerful thing an educator can do is step back and allow the child to discover what they are capable of.

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You will ideally have:

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- A Diploma or Bachelor qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care.
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- Recognised Montessori training and strong practical Montessori experience.
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- Previous experience as anEducationalLeader, Montessori Lead Educator, PedagogicalLeader or comparable leadership role.
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- A deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and pedagogy.
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- Strong knowledge of child development and contemporary early childhood practice.
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- The ability to mentor, inspire and challenge educators respectfully.
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- A reflective and thoughtful approach to leadership.
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- Strong knowledge of the EYLF, NQF, National Regulations and Child Safe Standards.
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- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
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- A genuine belief in children's capability, agency and right to be respected.
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- The ability to translate Montessori philosophy into everyday practice —not just into words or documentation.
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TheLeaderWe Are Looking For

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We are looking for someone who can walk into an environment and notice what others might miss.

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A child who has been concentrating for twenty minutes and doesn't need an adult interruption.

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A material that is no longer inviting the way it should.

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An educator who is doing something for a child that the child is ready to do independently.

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A room that could be calmer.

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A child who is communicating through their behaviour.

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An educator who has an idea but needs the confidence to pursue it.

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You will see these moments — and know what to do with them.

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You will lead through observation, conversation, modelling and reflection.

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You won't simply tell educators what to change.

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You will help them see differently.

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Why Little Lane?

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At Little Lane, we believe the quality of a child's experience is deeply connected to the quality of the adult around them.

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That means investing in educators who are curious, reflective and committed to becoming better practitioners.

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You will have the opportunity to:

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- Lead Montessori pedagogy across the centre.
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- Influence the culture and professional practice of the team.
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- Mentor educators and develop future Montessori leaders.
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- Create environments where children can experience genuine independence and belonging.
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- Work within a leadership team that values thoughtful, intentional practice.
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- Contribute to continuous improvement and pedagogical innovation.
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- Continue your own professional and Montessori development.
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This is more than an Educational Leader position.

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It is an opportunity to protect a philosophy, influence a team and shape the experience of childhood.

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If you believe the environment matters.

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If you believe observation is more powerful than assumption.

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If you believe independence should be earned through opportunity, not simply encouraged through words.

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And if you believe Montessori is something we live, not something we label —

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we would love to meet you.

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Little Lane Doncaster

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Prepare the environment. Trust the child. Develop the adult.

📌 Educational Leader New (Victoria)
🏢 Little Lane Montessori Children's House (Doncaster)
📍 Victoria