Newberry House Montessori Announces Pre-Primary Assistant Vacancy at Spier Campus Opening in 2026

Newberry House Montessori School is delighted to announce a superb opportunity for a Pre-Primary Montessori Assistant (3-6 Years) to join their brand new Spier Campus, set to open in 2026 just outside Stellenbosch. This exciting role involves supporting the first 3-6 environment at the new location, contributing to an authentic Montessori education and fostering a flourishing learning space. If you’re passionate about guiding young children’s lifelong learning and align with Montessori principles, this could be your next rewarding step.

Detailed list of the vacancy

• School Name: Newberry House Montessori School
• Campus: Spier Campus (a new campus opening in 2026)
• Location: Spier, just outside Stellenbosch
• Position: Pre-Primary Montessori Assistant
• Age Group: 3-6 Years
• Working Hours: 07:30 to 15:30
• Core Responsibilities:
  • Support the Pre-Primary Guide in delivering authentic Montessori education aligned with AMI standards.
  • Assist in maintaining a well-prepared indoor and outdoor Montessori environment.
  • Contribute to Newberry’s earth stewardship and Montessori sports programmes.
• Required Qualifications: Recognised ECD Qualification (Montessori preferred).
• Required Experience: Experience working with 3-6 year-olds (Montessori preferred).
• Compliance: SACE registration and valid police clearance are mandatory.
• Montessori Commitment: A strong dedication to continuous growth in understanding and applying authentic Montessori principles.
• Key Skills: Growth mindset, adaptability, excellent interpersonal, communication, and administrative skills, strong personal preparation, and the ability to create a flourishing learning environment.
• Values Alignment: Candidates must align with Newberry’s core values of authenticity, grace and courtesy, and lifelong learning.
• Application Method: Email with a one-page cover letter and a detailed résumé.
• Application Deadline: Not explicitly stated, but applicants are advised to consider their application unsuccessful if they do not hear back within two weeks.
• Institution Website: www.newberry.co.za (example)
• More details on this vacancy can be found here: Pre-Primary Montessori Assistant (3–6 Years)

Simple summary of the vacancy

Newberry House Montessori School, a well-established institution offering authentic Montessori and Cambridge International education since 2010, is expanding its reach with a new campus at Spier, near Stellenbosch, set to open its doors in 2026. This expansion brings with it a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated Pre-Primary Montessori Assistant to join the team, specifically for the first 3-6 years environment.

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the Pre-Primary Guide. This involves ensuring the delivery of an authentic Montessori education that adheres to AMI standards, maintaining a carefully prepared indoor and outdoor learning environment, and actively participating in the school’s unique earth stewardship and Montessori sports programmes. The working hours for this position are 07:30 to 15:30, making it a full-time commitment.

Key requirements for this position include a recognised Early Childhood Development (ECD) qualification, with a preference for Montessori-specific training. Candidates should also possess practical experience working with children aged 3-6, ideally within a Montessori setting. Essential compliance documents like SACE registration and a valid police clearance are non-negotiable. Beyond formal qualifications, Newberry House seeks individuals with a genuine commitment to Montessori principles, a growth mindset, and strong interpersonal, communication, and administrative skills. Alignment with the school’s core values of authenticity, grace and courtesy, and lifelong learning is paramount. This is one of many rewarding teaching jobs available for passionate educators.

How to apply for this post

• Email your application directly to [email protected].
• Ensure your email’s subject line is precisely “Spier 3-6 Assistant Application”.
• Your application must include a single-page cover letter. This letter should introduce you, articulate your personal values, and explain your perspective on how Montessori education effectively prepares children for the modern world. Please be aware that generic cover letters will not be considered.
• Attach a comprehensive résumé that clearly highlights your relevant experience, skills, and abilities pertinent to the role. Ensure it includes the contact details for three professional references.
• Kindly note that Newberry House Montessori School will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants in line with POPIA. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.
• If you do not receive a response within two weeks of your submission, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Q&A for potential candidates

• Q: What does “authentic Montessori education” mean in this context?
  A: It refers to adhering strictly to Dr. Maria Montessori’s original educational principles and methodology, often aligned with standards set by organisations like AMI (Association Montessori Internationale), focusing on child-led learning in a prepared environment with specific Montessori materials.
• Q: Is a Montessori qualification essential, or will other ECD qualifications be considered?
  A: While a recognised ECD qualification is required, a Montessori qualification is strongly preferred. Candidates with other ECD qualifications demonstrating a clear commitment to learning and applying Montessori principles will be considered.
• Q: What are Newberry House Montessori School’s core values?
  A: The school’s core values are authenticity, grace and courtesy, and lifelong learning. Applicants should demonstrate how they embody these values in their professional and personal life.
• Q: What is expected regarding “earth stewardship” and “Montessori sports programmes”?
  A: While specific details aren’t provided, it implies actively engaging children in environmental care activities and incorporating physical development through Montessori-aligned sports or movement programmes within the curriculum.
• Q: How can I make my cover letter stand out from other applicants?
  A: Avoid generic statements. Focus on sharing your unique values and provide specific examples of how your experience and philosophy align with Montessori education and Newberry House’s ethos. Clearly articulate your understanding of how Montessori effectively prepares children for today’s world, drawing from your insights.
• Q: What does “strong personal preparation” imply for this role?
  A: This suggests a candidate who is organised, reflective, self-aware, and committed to their own ongoing learning and development, ensuring they can be a calm, centred, and effective presence in the classroom.
• Q: Is SACE registration and a valid police clearance strictly necessary before applying?
  A: Yes, these are mandatory requirements for the role. It is highly advisable to have these in place at the time of application to be considered.
• Q: What is the recruitment timeline after submitting an application?
  A: The vacancy states that if you have not heard back within two weeks of your submission, you should consider your application unsuccessful. This indicates a relatively swift review process.
• Q: What is the significance of the Spier Campus opening in 2026?
  A: This signifies a pioneering role. The successful candidate will be part of establishing the first 3-6 environment at a brand-new campus, offering a unique opportunity to shape its foundational culture and learning atmosphere.
• Q: I am keen on finding more exciting teaching jobs. Where can I look?
  A: You can often find a variety of teaching jobs on educational recruitment platforms like SchoolClick, which provides a comprehensive list of opportunities.
• Q: What if my experience with 3-6 year-olds is not specifically in a Montessori setting?
  A: While Montessori experience is preferred, relevant experience with the age group in other early childhood settings is valuable. Highlight how your previous experience aligns with the core principles of child development and a prepared learning environment, and express your strong desire to immerse yourself in the Montessori method.
• Q: How should I address the “commitment to continual growth in understanding and applying authentic Montessori principles” in my application?
  A: In your cover letter, mention any courses, workshops, or self-study you have undertaken related to Montessori, or clearly express your proactive intent and plan for ongoing professional development in this area.