Deputy Head of Academy THE RUSSETT LEARNING TRUST
Letter to candidates Dear Applicant Reference: Deputy Head of Academy Thank you for your interest in The Russett School. Once you have read the information and feel that you can meet the challenge, please complete the application form. Please ensure that you complete it fully, with dates and do not leave any gaps in your career history. You need to explain, giving examples where possible, how your experience and abilities match the skills and competencies set out in our job description and person specification. Please return the completed application and equal opportunities forms by the closing date either by email to admin@russett.cheshire.sch.uk or by post to: Mrs Jane Palfreyman The Russett School Middlehurst Ave, Weaverham, Northwich. Cheshire. CW8 3BW This position is open to job share. We do not normally acknowledge receipt of applications. Should you require an acknowledgement, please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. If you are shortlisted, we will contact you to invite you to visit the School and the interview. We look forward to receiving your application and if you have any queries, please contact us on 01606 853005. Yours sincerely, Catherine Lewis Chief Executive Officer and Executive Head Teacher
Letter from the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Head Teacher An excellent opportunity to join is looking for a Deputy Head of Academy to work with the Head of Academy and the Executive Head Teacher to lead the academy in the next stage of its development. By embracing the Trust s vision and ethos, the Deputy Head of Academy will work in partnership with all stakeholders to provide outstanding opportunities and achievement for all our pupils/students. As Deputy Head of Academy, you will support the day to day operation and organisation of the school, assisting with the development of our outstanding provision. This role brings a wonderful opportunity to become a key player in our academy and our Trust. We are looking for someone who has the highest expectations in terms of our pupils/students and staff, who is passionate and committed to working with children with special educational needs. has a reputation for providing outstanding education for pupils and young people from ages 2 to 19 years with Severe Learning Difficulties, Speech and Language Difficulties and Complex Needs. We therefore require you to be meticulous in maintaining our high standards, relentless in the achievement and outcomes for our pupils/students and rigorous in quality assurance and improvement. We work closely with all our stakeholders and in particular parents, carers, families, colleges and Local Authorities and aim to provide the best possible outcomes and experiences for pupils and students to be able to life full lives in their community. The role will demand an individual who is capable of developing and leading in key areas across the provision into the future and work in partnership with the Russett Learning Trust. You will share in our vision, and be creative in your approach. You will ensure student voice/participation and continue to drive the provision further.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an already outstanding team. It will provide you with a real opportunity to realise your ambitions and show your strengths as a Deputy Head of Academy. I hope you are inspired by the role. If you think you can meet the challenge. Then please start by completing and returning the application form. Yours sincerely, Catherine Lewis Chief Executive Officer and Executive Head Teacher.
POST TITLE: EMPLOYED BY LOCATION ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE TO: RESPONSIBLE TO: RESPONSIBLE FOR: ANNUAL APPRAISAL: Deputy Head of Academy Determined by the CEO Trust Board Executive Head Teacher & Head of Academy Key areas as agreed Head of Academy PAY RANGE: Leadership Range: L 4 L 8 Core Purpose To ensure the educational success of the academy by supporting the Executive Head Teacher and Head of Academy. To ensure high quality Teaching and Learning that supports pupil/student achievement and outcomes. Working in partnership with the Head of Academy in driving academy improvement. In addition to carrying out the professional duties as outlined in the current Teacher's Pay and Conditions Document other than a Head Teacher, the Deputy will play a major role in the leadership of the academy. Key Responsibilities The Deputy will work in partnership with the Executive Head Teacher and the Head of Academy: to create a culture where all pupils/students receive a high quality education To ensure pupil progress and outcomes and continuous improvement of raising standards of achievement In the absence of the Head of Academy to undertake any professional duties of the Head of Academy reasonably delegated to him/her by the Head of Academy/Executive Head Teacher undertake as required by the governing committee the professional duties of the Head of Academy in the event of her/his absence from the academy
To be a designated Safeguarding lead and/or a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and/or Data Protection Officer. To be a key holder for the Academy Leadership and Management Strategic Management Responsibility underpinning the academy Improvement Plan: The Deputy Head will work with the Executive Head Teacher, Head of Academy and the Local Governing Committee to develop the strategic view for the academy in the community. The Deputy Head will: contribute to the creation, implementation and evaluation of the Academy Improvement Plan (AIP). communicate effectively the long, medium and short term objectives of the AIP to all staff determine, monitor, evaluate and review academy policies and practices taking account of national, local and academy data, inspection and research findings. plan and deliver training across the Trust and other stakeholders. maintain and develop partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. lead and undertake Continued Professional Development ensure creativity, innovation and the use of appropriate new technologies to achieve excellence. Teaching and learning The Deputy Head of Academy will work with the Executive Head Teacher, Head of Academy and the Local Governing Committee to create and maintain an ethos and environment that promotes and secures outstanding teaching, effective learning, high standards of achievement and progress, good behaviour and discipline. The Deputy Head of Academy will: Provide clear educational direction for the academy as Curriculum Leader, monitoring and reviewing National Curriculum and National developments associated with all pupils development. Contribute to the creation and maintenance of policies which promotes effective professional practice and define curriculum content;
Participate in the monitoring and evaluating of the quality of teaching and standards of achievement of all pupils; Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the curriculum and assessment policies and schemes of work; Monitor, evaluate and review classroom practice and promote improvement strategies. Create and maintain an effective partnership with parents to improve children s achievements and personal and social development. To undertake up to 3 days teaching commitment per week To ensure all staff have access to advice and training appropriate to their professional needs, in accordance with the School Performance Management Policy. Self-improving system To support and lead on monitoring, reviewing and action to improve the academy and in maintaining an outstanding Ofsted judgement. Present to the Local Governing Committee on key areas of the academy to ensure accountability and improve their knowledge and understanding of the Academy. Present information to a range of external and internal stakeholders including Ofsted. Leading and Managing Staff Working with the Executive Head Teacher, Head of Academy and the Local Governing Committee, the Deputy will lead, motivate, support, challenge and develop staff to secure improvement. The Deputy will: Support the Head of Academy to ensure that the professional duties are fulfilled as specified in the Terms and Conditions of Service of Teachers; Plan, allocate, support and evaluate the work undertaken by teaching staff, groups, teams and individuals; Contribute to the implementation of the effective systems for the management of all staff performance, incorporating Performance Management targets for teachers; Monitor and analyse a variety of pupil progress data to support assessment the learning and ensure pupils make good to outstanding progress.
Motivate and enable all staff to develop expertise in their respective roles through continuing professional development. Financial and Facilities Management To monitor and work within budgets delegated as part of the role. To ensure value for money and cost effectiveness. To support the Head of Academy in maintaining a high level of health and safety for pupils, staff and visitors. General To fully participate in CPLD and appraisal activities. To support and ensure that the academy in compliant with Safeguarding and Health & Safety law. The post holder will be required to undertake any professional duties as required. Carry out any reasonable request of the Head of Academy and Executive Head Teacher. Health and Safety: To ensure Health and Safety compliance, reviewing risk assessments for all activities and ensure the Health and Safety of students and staff at all times. Safeguarding: The person will be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all children and young people, in accordance with the Trust s Safeguarding policy. Equal Opportunities The person will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Equalities Act 2010 and in accordance with the Trust s Policies.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Deputy Head of Academy We are seeking a passionate & dynamic leader with the following attributes: Strong, quantified record of achievement within 2-19 years education. Evidence of leadership and management experience with a participative & inclusive style. Pupil-centred, with evidence of a strong drive to improve the life-chances and educational outcomes of young people, and restlessly seeking ways to better engage with them in the learning process. Evidence of experience in raising (or maintaining high) academic attainment with a commitment to inclusivity. Evidence of highly developed interpersonal skills. Evidence and the ability to seek out opportunities and manage projects. QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING Essential QTS Degree Senior management position and/or middle leader. Outstanding practitioner. Successful behaviour management strategies. Proven successful SEN with a sound knowledge of SEN strategies. A wide range of Special Education across any age range. To have worked in a multi professional setting. Leading and managing a dept at any key stage. Sound knowledge and understanding of Data, monitoring and quality improvement systems. A comprehensive understanding of SEN Up to date knowledge of recent curriculum legislation. Implement curriculum change. Excellent knowledge of the use of IT. Awareness of school/academy finance. Desirable advanced SEN or other qualification SEN/SLD teaching experience across the 2-19 age range. Proven experience of leading on key projects. Management Experience. Understanding of Academy/school Governance. Leading training and CPD. Have undertaken the role of appraiser. Managing and understanding a budget. Knowledge of the role of Governors.
SKILLS PERSON QUALITIES To be an effective communicator, orally and written. To be an effective communicator with a wide range of professionals, parents, governors and pupils. To work across the Trust within a range of settings. Potentially to aspire to Headteacher/Head of Academy. Contribute and support the direction and leadership of the Academy. Effectively manage and deploy staff to gain the best results within the budget allocation. Pleasant personality, openness, fair with a sense of humour. Harding working. Taking the lead when necessary. Flexible and adaptable. Determined. Enthusiastic. Honest and sensitive. Work to meet deadlines. Passionate about making a difference to children and young people with SEN. Work within a team. Awareness of leadership and team management skills. Undertaking additional leadership training. Ability to manage own time and others efficiently and effectively. Have significant contribute to the AIP. Clear personal goals.