Headteacher Application Pack Lambourn C of E (Controlled) Primary School www.lambournschool.org.uk
Contents Letter from the Chairs of Governors p 3 Lambourn C of E Primary School p 4 Staffing Structure p 5 Location & Contact Details p 6 The Application Process p 7 Person Specification p 8 Job Description p 10 Lambourn C of E Primary School and West Berkshire Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The Headteacher must ensure that the highest priority is given to following guidance and regulations to safeguard children. Any appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. 2
Letter from the Chair of Governors Lambourn C of E Primary School Greenways Lambourn Hungerford RG17 7LJ Dear Applicant, Thank you very much for your interest in Lambourn Church of England Primary School. Lambourn School is proud to provide high quality education for pupils, with a team of dedicated and professional staff. As a rural school we are also keen to promote the school within the community and have developed strong links with parents, local businesses and various support groups to offer education not only to children, but adults alike. Our children enjoy a safe and caring environment at Lambourn School and are well behaved, friendly, confident and happy learners. We are looking for a Headteacher, to start in September 2015, who will build on the strengths of our school, look to the future and continue our journey to become an outstanding learning environment. We are seeking an individual who will continue to promote Christian values and deliver sustained improvement in both academic achievement and social development. Our foundation as a Church of England school guides our ethos and day to day practice and we have a close relationship with the local Church and the community as a whole. Having a Church of England foundation, we serve the whole community and we feel privileged to be the school of Lambourn. The school is located overlooking the village, set in an area of natural beauty, boasting large playing fields and its own swimming pool. The enclosed pack contains a wide range of information on our school. You are most welcome to visit the school prior to application. The governing body would like to request that your skills are evidenced with examples in your application and that you explain how these can benefit our school. On behalf of the governing body, we hope you find this information useful and that it encourages you to apply for the post of Head Teacher at our school. Yours sincerely, Michael Griffiths Chair of Governors 3
Lambourn C of E Primary School Our School The original school was built in 1935 then modified in 1987, and is set in a delightfully spacious and elevated position overlooking the Berkshire Downs. It comprises of three separate buildings on one large site. All KS2 pupils are housed in the main school building. All KS1 and Foundation children will be housed (as of Sept 2015) in our brand new purpose built KS1 and early years building including 2 year old provision. We also have our existing nursery building which, following completion of our new build, will provide further 2 year old provision and also an outreach facility for the local children s centre. At present, there are two Foundation Stage classes, two KS1 classes and four KS2 classes. The classes are organised into single year groups with differentiated work provided for all abilities. The Nursery accommodates children from the age of two for either a morning or afternoon session of 3 hours. If the need arises, we are also able to provide an afternoon session for the summer term. (There is a separate brochure for the Nursery that is available from the School on request). Every classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard and at least two computers. Each class also has access to a range of ICT equipment such as Chromebooks, ipads, Kindles and ipods which are available for class use throughout the week in Key Stage 1 and 2. The school also benefits from whole site wireless Internet connection. Each class has ready access to a good range of classroom resources. In addition to the spacious classrooms, there are additional areas in the school that children benefit from. In the main building, there is a large, wellequipped hall (with stage and good PE facilities), a fiction and reference library / music room and good spaces for children to be supported in their learning. The School also benefits from its own kitchen and a separate dining area where children eat each day. Outside, there are two hard surface playgrounds where children enjoy their play times, with access to a wide variety of play equipment. The Foundation Stage children benefit from large and well-equipped outdoor play areas. The school is currently undergoing work to re-develop the lower school, plans are available in the school and work commenced on this project in September 2014. It is planned to be completed during the summer term of 2015. The School s attractive and extensive grounds are maintained to a high standard and provide a valuable learning environment. To this end we have established a pond area and are in the process of establishing a nature trail and a quiet garden along with further plans to make the most of outdoor learning opportunities. There is also an open air swimming pool in the school grounds which the children are able to enjoy in the summer months. All children in the school enjoy swimming lessons and most become competent swimmers. 4
Staffing Structure Head Teacher Deputy Head Teacher & Lead Learner Non-teaching staff: Administration; Lunch Supervisors, breakfast and after school Club leaders Inclusion Manager Finance and Office Manager Site Controller Team Leaders & Teaching Staff SEN and Class TA s FSW Children s Centre Partnership School Secretary Cleaning Staff 5
Location and Contact Details Lambourn C of E Primary School Greenways Lambourn Hungerford Berkshire RG17 7LJ Tel: 01488 71479 General Email: office@lambourn.w-berks.sch.uk Website: www.lambournschool.org.uk Acting Headteacher: Chair of Governors: Miss Lesley Roberts Mr Michael Griffiths 6
The application process The Position The vacancy is for a Headteacher to start in September 2015. This will be a full-time position. Lambourn is a group 2 school and the starting salary is dependent upon the skills and experience of the successful candidate. Timetable Closing date for applications: Monday 26th January at Midday 2015 Short listing: Wednesday 28th January 2015 Interviews: Monday 9th/Tuesday 10th February 2015 The candidates selected for interview will be informed after short listing. When submitting your application, please enclose an email address or telephone number. Confirmation of selection will follow via email. Full details of the programme will also be provided. Application You are invited to apply using the Application form provided by West Berkshire Human Resources. Applicants can download an application form or apply directly online at https://recruitr-westberkshire.jgp.co.uk/vacancies/list. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. To arrange a visit or obtain a paper application pack please call: The school office on 01488 71479 Email: office@lambourn.w-berks.sch.uk Visits to the school can be arranged for either 20 th or 21 st January 2015 Please return your completed application forms by e mail to recruitment@westberks.gov.uk by Midday Monday 26 th January 2015. West Berkshire Council is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to DBS Children s Barred List checks, along with other relevant employment checks. 7
Person Specification Essential Qualifications and Experience A strong leader with proven evidence of understanding, driving and delivering school improvement. Have or be working towards NPQH (for candidates who are not serving Heads). Have at least 3 years experience in senior management role (SMT/SLT). Be an experienced qualified teacher with proven track record of significantly raising the academic and personal achievement of all pupils. Demonstrate human and budgetary management skills. Show commitment to the ethos, aims and objectives of the school s Christian foundation. Desirable Qualities Shaping the Future Show ability to inspire and motivate the school community to build on its current vision and strategic plan. Be able to actively manage the development of the physical environment and structures of the school. Demonstrate the ability to promote and sustain a positive, sensitive and caring culture, and pride in the school. Be keen to promote the ethos and role of the school in the local and wider community so as to build community cohesion and mutual respect. Continue to foster collaborative links between the school, the Vicar and the staff of the Christian churches of the local area and to promote the pastoral and spiritual life of the school. Leading Teaching and Learning Have a clear understanding of how to promote the quality of teaching and learning across the school to raise achievement. Have good knowledge of the current primary curriculum and education policy and demonstrate the ability to embrace curriculum development. Show ability to effectively analyse, monitor and evaluate pupil assessment data to identify needs and trends. Set appropriate levels of challenge and expectation for all pupils and staff. Demonstrate high expectations of behaviour and manage pupil discipline. 8
Person Specification (cont.) Managing the Organisation Have experience of successfully initiating, leading and evaluating change and development. Demonstrate knowledge of the statutory requirements of leading a school. Show the ability and desire to interact effectively with all stakeholders including the Governing Body. Have knowledge of strategic financial planning, budgetary management and principles of best value. Be caring and supportive of staff whilst able to hold then to account. Be able to identify appropriate professional development for self and all members of staff. Show ability to build constructive relationships with the Local Authority, the Diocese, other agencies and the local community. Ensure effective induction and transition through the school and beyond. Personal Qualities and Skills Have strong organisational, management and leadership skills (including time management). Show ability to lead both through the leadership team and by personal example. Be highly visible in and around the school and approachable by staff, pupils and parents. Be committed to ensuring the safety and safeguarding of children. Be able to motivate and support parents and carers to get involved in their children s education and learning. Be an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills. Be an active worshipping Christian. Be able to set challenging targets, meet deadlines and work under pressure. Be willing to promote and support the school in the wider community. 9
Job Description Vision of Lambourn Primary School Learning is the cornerstone of all that we do. It begins with the individual, and encompasses the classroom, the school, the community and the globe. In a Christian setting where faith is sincere, hope is real and love abounds, we nurture young people to be rounded individuals, curious about their world, eager to inquire and ready to collaborate. It is a place that learning permeates, and acts as a golden thread that joins us in a common purpose. Authority: Location: Job Title: West Berkshire Council Lambourn CE Primary School Head Teacher Salary Range: Group 2 Reporting to: The Governing Body. Main Purpose: To provide professional leadership for the school to secure its success and improvement, ensure high quality education for all its pupils and improve standards of achievement. Strategic direction and development of the school The Headteacher, working with the Governing Body, will develop a strategic view for the school in its community within the local, national and international context, and will: Lead by example, providing inspiring and purposeful leadership for the staff and pupils Work in partnership with the Governing Body, staff, parents, the diocese and the LA in generating the ethos and values which will underpin the life of the school Formulate the overall aims and objectives for the school together with the Governing Body Progress and implement the Development Plan, underpinned by sound financial planning, which identifies priorities and targets for ensuring pupils achieve high standards and make progress, increased teacher effectiveness and securing school improvement Ensure that those involved in the school are committed to its aims, motivated to achieve them, and involved in meeting long, medium and short term objectives which secure the educational success of the school. 10
Strategic direction and development of the school (cont.) Ensure that the management, finances, organisation and administration of the school supports its vision and aims Ensure that policies and practices take account of national, local and school data including inspection and research findings and the outcomes of school self review Monitor and evaluate the performance of the school and respond and report to the Governing Body as required Monitor, evaluate and review the effects of the school s policies, priorities and targets and taking such action as necessary. Teaching and Learning The Headteacher, working with the Governing Body will secure and sustain effective teaching and learning throughout the school and will: Monitor and evaluate teaching and learning, pupils achievement, and set targets for improvement Maintain a learning environment and a code of behaviour that promotes and secures good teaching, effective learning, high standards of achievement, good behaviour and discipline Determine, organise, implement and monitor the curriculum and its assessment and ensure that they: - meet with statutory requirements - are relevant to the needs of all pupils - fulfil the Headteacher's duties under the 1988 Education Act and any subsequent revisions, in relation to the National Curriculum and Religious Education - lead to improved educational provision Maintain and develop effective links with the community, to extend the curriculum and enhance teaching and learning Sustain an effective partnership with parents and carers to support and improve pupils achievement and personal development Ensure that improvements in literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology are priority targets for all pupils, including those with special educational needs Determine, organise and implement a policy for the personal, spiritual, social and moral development of all pupils in the school Determine and implement policies which promote: - safeguarding - self-discipline and regard for authority and the law - good conduct and behaviour - positive strategies for developing good race relations and dealing with racial incidents - positive strategies and programmes for pupil support and clear guidance on exclusions and other disciplinary matters Participate, to such an extent as may be appropriate having regard to the Headteacher s other duties, in teaching pupils in the school 11
Leadership and management The Headteacher will lead, motivate, support, challenge and develop staff to secure improvement and will: Participate in the recruitment and selection of teaching and non-teaching staff Plan, allocate, support and evaluate work undertaken by groups, teams and individuals, ensuring clear delegation of tasks and devolution of responsibilities in a manner consistent with conditions of employment Implement and sustain effective systems for the management of staff performance, incorporating appraisal and target setting Lead, co-ordinate and monitor the continuing professional development of staff, including the induction of newly qualified teachers, based on assessment of needs and in relation to the standards for qualified teacher status (QTS), the career entry profile and standards for induction Ensure that professional duties are fulfilled, as specified in the Terms and Conditions of Service of Teachers, including those for Headteacher s Arrange for a Deputy Headteacher or suitable person, to assume responsibility for the discharge of the Headteacher s function at any time when absent from school Develop good working relationships with governors, staff, pupils, parents/carers, the community the LA and the diocese. Develop good working relationships with the vicar and staff of the Christian churches in the Lambourn area to promote the pastoral care of the pupils and the spiritual life of the school. Foster and maintain the excellent working relationships and links with the local community. Efficient and effective deployment of staff and resources The Headteacher will deploy people and resources efficiently and effectively to meet specific objectives in line with the school s strategic plan and financial context and will: Contribute to the formulation of policies and procedures of the Governing Body concerning the school s resource and asset management Set appropriate priorities for expenditure, allocation of funds and effective administration and control by: o effective management of the school s budget o rational allocation and monitoring of time, space and material resources o ensuring effective and safe arrangements for the sitting and storage of material and equipment Manage and organise the accommodation efficiently and effectively to ensure it meets the needs of the curriculum and health and safety regulations, including the security and effective supervision of the school buildings, contents and grounds. Ensure that any lack of maintenance, repairs or modification, including breaches of Health and Safety legislation is acted upon promptly and in accordance with the delegation arrangements of the Governing Body Ensure effective working relationships with external agencies and services contracted to the school, to the Governing Body and the LA Work with governors and senior colleagues to recruit and retain staff of the highest quality Manage, monitor and review the range, quality and use of all available resources in order to improve the quality of education, improve pupils achievements, ensure efficiency and secure value for money 12
Accountability The Headteacher will account for the efficiency and effectiveness of the school to the community, and will: Present a coherent and accurate account of the school s performance in a form appropriate to the range of audiences, including governors, the LA, the local community, OFSTED, and others, to enable them to play their part effectively Ensure that parents/carers and pupils are well informed about the curriculum, attainment and progress and about the contribution they can make in supporting their child s learning and achieving the school s targets for improvement Maintain such records of the school as are appropriate to show its historical development Provide information, objective advice and support to the Governing Body to enable it to meet its responsibilities for securing effective teaching and learning and improved standards of achievement, and for achieving efficiency and value for money To carry out any such duties as may be reasonably required by the Governing Body This job description forms part of the contract of employment of the person appointed to this post. It reflects the position at the present time only and may be reviewed in negotiation with the employee in the future. The appointment is subject to the conditions of employment in the schoolteachers Pay and Conditions as they relate to Head Teachers. 13