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Locum Teacher
Location
Durban
Company
Clifton School
Salary
Undisclosed
Job Type
Temporary
Closing date
13 April 2026
📚 Locum Foundation Phase Teacher Vacancy – Durban
Clifton School is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced educators for a temporary Foundation Phase Teaching position covering a maternity leave period during Terms 3 and 4 of 2026.
This opportunity is ideal for a passionate educator who enjoys working with young learners and is committed to delivering high-quality education in a supportive school environment. The successful candidate will teach Grade 1 learners while contributing to the academic, pastoral, sporting, and co-curricular life of the school.
Applicants with previous Foundation Phase teaching experience, particularly in Grade 1, will be highly regarded. Experience within an independent school environment is advantageous but not essential.
📝 Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be responsible for:
✅ Teaching and supporting Grade 1 learners.
✅ Planning and delivering engaging classroom lessons.
✅ Monitoring learner progress and providing constructive feedback.
✅ Supporting learners' academic, emotional, and social development.
✅ Contributing to pastoral care initiatives.
✅ Participating in co-curricular and sporting programmes.
✅ Supporting school events and activities.
✅ Building positive relationships with learners, parents, and colleagues.
✅ Maintaining accurate learner records and reports.
✅ Contributing positively to the broader school community.
🎯 Minimum Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
✔ Relevant teaching degree and professional teaching qualification.
✔ Current SACE registration.
✔ Foundation Phase teaching experience.
✔ Grade 1 teaching experience will be advantageous.
✔ Strong classroom management skills.
✔ Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
✔ Commitment to learner wellbeing and pastoral care.
✔ Ability to contribute to sports and co-curricular programmes.
✔ Passion for holistic education and learner development.
✔ Strong organisational and planning skills.
✔ Ability to work effectively within a collaborative school environment.
🌟 Desired Skills & Attributes
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
🔹 Enthusiasm for Foundation Phase education.
🔹 Positive learner engagement strategies.
🔹 Creativity and innovation in teaching.
🔹 Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
🔹 Effective communication with parents and colleagues.
🔹 Commitment to educational excellence.
🔹 Ability to foster a nurturing learning environment.
🎁 Why Join Clifton School?
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:
✨ Gain valuable experience within a respected independent school.
✨ Work in a supportive and learner-focused environment.
✨ Contribute meaningfully to learner growth and development.
✨ Participate in sporting and co-curricular activities.
✨ Expand professional teaching experience within the Foundation Phase.
✨ Build valuable experience for future permanent teaching opportunities.
📧 How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit:
📄 Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
📄 Cover Letter
📄 Contact Details of Three Referees
📧 Email Applications To:
joinclifton@cliftonschool.co.za
Please clearly indicate the position you are applying for in the email subject line.
Example:
Locum Foundation Phase Teacher Application
Important:
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted before the closing date, and the position may be filled early. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
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Salary Estimate & Industry Information
Although the salary has not been specified, Locum Foundation Phase Teachers in South Africa typically earn between R18,000 and R35,000 per month, depending on qualifications, experience, school type, and contract duration.
The education sector remains one of South Africa's largest employment industries. Qualified Foundation Phase educators continue to be in demand, particularly in independent schools, private schools, and public education institutions. Teachers with strong literacy, numeracy, classroom management, and learner development skills are highly sought after.
🎤 Interview Tips, Expected Questions & Answers
1. Understand Foundation Phase Teaching Principles
Be prepared to discuss learner-centred teaching approaches and early childhood development.
2. Demonstrate Classroom Management Skills
Schools want educators who can maintain positive and productive learning environments.
3. Highlight Grade 1 Experience
Provide examples of lesson planning, literacy development, and learner support.
4. Showcase Pastoral Care Abilities
Explain how you support learners emotionally and socially.
5. Demonstrate Enthusiasm for School Life
Be ready to discuss involvement in sport, culture, and co-curricular activities.
🔑 Common Interview Questions
Question 1:
Why do you enjoy teaching Foundation Phase learners?
Example Answer:
"I enjoy helping young learners build strong educational foundations and develop confidence in their abilities. The Foundation Phase is a critical stage in a child's academic journey."
Question 2:
How do you engage learners with different learning abilities?
Example Answer:
"I use differentiated teaching strategies, group activities, visual aids, and individual support to meet the needs of all learners."
Question 3:
How do you manage classroom behaviour?
Example Answer:
"I establish clear expectations, encourage positive behaviour, maintain consistency, and build respectful relationships with learners."
Question 4:
How do you communicate with parents?
Example Answer:
"I maintain regular communication through meetings, progress reports, emails, and constructive feedback regarding learner development."
Question 5:
Why should Clifton School hire you?
Example Answer:
"I bring a passion for Foundation Phase education, strong classroom management skills, a commitment to learner wellbeing, and a willingness to contribute fully to school life."
📄 CV Revamp & Job Application Tips
1. Highlight Foundation Phase Experience
Clearly state your teaching experience, grade levels taught, and key responsibilities.
2. Include SACE Registration Information
Ensure your SACE number and registration status are visible.
3. Optimise Your CV for ATS Systems
Include keywords such as:
• Foundation Phase Teacher
• Grade 1 Teacher
• SACE Registered Educator
• Learner Development
• Classroom Management
• Curriculum Planning
• Pastoral Care
• Educational Technology
4. Showcase Achievements
Include learner performance improvements, successful projects, or educational initiatives.
5. Highlight Co-Curricular Involvement
Mention sports coaching, cultural activities, leadership roles, or extracurricular participation.
6. Keep Your CV Professional
Use clear formatting, bullet points, and concise information.
7. Tailor Your Application
Align your experience and skills with the specific requirements listed in the vacancy.
📧 Applicants who would like assistance improving or updating their CV can contact:
📧 info@jobskwazulu.co.za
🧩 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this a permanent position?
No. This is a temporary maternity leave contract for Terms 3 and 4 of 2026.
2. Is SACE registration required?
Yes. Applicants must hold valid SACE registration.
3. Is Grade 1 teaching experience necessary?
It is not mandatory but will be advantageous.
4. Is independent school experience required?
No. Independent school experience is beneficial but not essential.
5. What documents must be submitted?
Applicants should submit a detailed CV, cover letter, and contact details for three referees.
6. Can the position be filled before the closing date?
Yes. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and the position may be filled before the advertised deadline.
🚀 Career Path & Growth Opportunities
1. Foundation Phase Teacher
Salary Estimate: R18,000 – R35,000 per month
Foundation Phase Teachers provide essential literacy, numeracy, and developmental support for young learners.
2. Senior Foundation Phase Teacher
Salary Estimate: R28,000 – R45,000 per month
Experienced educators often mentor junior teachers and assist with curriculum implementation.
3. Grade Head
Salary Estimate: R35,000 – R55,000 per month
Grade Heads coordinate educational activities, learner support, and teaching standards within specific grades.
4. Head of Department (HOD)
Salary Estimate: R45,000 – R75,000 per month
Department leaders oversee curriculum quality, educator performance, and academic outcomes.
5. Deputy Principal
Salary Estimate: R60,000 – R100,000 per month
Deputy Principals assist with school management, staff supervision, and operational leadership.
6. School Principal
Salary Estimate: R85,000 – R150,000+ per month
Principals manage all aspects of school leadership, governance, academic excellence, and strategic planning.
📈 Industry Insights & Job Market Overview
South Africa's education sector continues to require qualified Foundation Phase educators who can support early childhood learning and development. As schools focus increasingly on literacy, numeracy, and learner wellbeing, demand for skilled teachers remains strong across both independent and public schools. Temporary and locum teaching positions also provide valuable pathways into long-term education careers.
Teachers who combine strong classroom management skills, learner-centred teaching approaches, and a commitment to holistic education continue to enjoy excellent employment opportunities throughout South Africa.
🔍 To find similar jobs, these are terms you can search:
Foundation Phase teacher jobs, Grade 1 teacher vacancies, temporary teaching jobs Durban, locum teacher positions, SACE registered teacher jobs, private school teaching opportunities, primary school educator vacancies, education jobs near me, independent school teacher careers, teaching jobs KwaZulu-Natal.
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