Northfield School Changing Lives and Giving Choices Headteacher application pack
Dear Applicant, Thank you for your interest in the position of Headteacher at Northfield School. With support from a highly committed governing body, Northfield school is a Good school (Ofsted 2015) with high expectations and a shared commitment to continually improve. We aspire to become outstanding in all that we do so that our children and young people are fully prepared and equipped for the next stage in their lives. The school currently benefits from the support of an interim Headteacher who is helping the school to form secure foundations for the future, including a detailed review of staffing and leadership, financial management and a range of internal systems and procedures. The leadership team are also strengthening the curriculum offer and improving assessment strategies. This is an exciting time for Northfield, the school has the scope for further expansion and it is actively seeking new partnerships for the future. We are looking for a new Headteacher who will lead the school through its next phase of development, whilst retaining a relentless commitment to the quality of provision for our pupils. Applicants are invited to complete an application form, ensuring that any gaps in employment are fully explained, with an accompanying letter of no more than 2 A4 pages (Arial, font size 11). In your covering letter, please tell us: How your previous experience has prepared you for this role Why you are interested in leading an SEMH school What challenges the journey to outstanding will hold, and how you propose to overcome these Visits to the school are welcome. If you would like a tour and/ or a conversation with the interim Headteacher please call us and ask for the Bursar, June White, on 01865 771703 or email: office@northfieldschool.co.uk I very much hope you will be interested in taking your initial enquiry further and look forward to your application should you choose to apply. Yours faithfully, Northfield School: Northfield School is a Special School for boys, aged between 11 16, with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. The school is situated in Oxford and accepts students from across the whole county, with approximately 60 students on roll. Our students have a wide range of additional needs including Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Conduct Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Speech and Language Difficulties, Specific and Moderate Learning Difficulties. Northfield School facilitates the social and emotional needs and the academic development of students through a personalised approach that ensures all students are supported, valued and challenged. We offer a tailored curriculum which is delivered by a specialised, dedicated and experienced staff team. This approach enables students at Northfield School to develop academically, socially, emotionally and behaviourally. Northfield School s ethos is a child centred approach, designed to provide every student with the structure, security and success required to build confidence and self-esteem in preparation for adult life. Northfield School promotes excellence in all things to inspire and challenge our students so that they leave proud of their achievements. In short, our children and young people are respected, supported and encouraged. Pupils are taught in small groups, currently there are typically seven pupils in a group with each class benefitting from a teacher and a teaching assistant. As a result, the relationships between adults and our pupils tend to be very strong and trusting, which enables pupils to feel valued and to develop self-worth. The curriculum is broad and well-balanced, with all pupils receiving tuition in all National curriculum subjects at both key stages, including a range of options for pupils in KS4. In addition to the inschool offer, a small number of pupils benefit from our close links with a local college. We are currently recruiting for new leadership posts in English and maths to further strengthen our curriculum offer in all years, and to raise attainment at KS4. As a designated 11-18 school, there is scope for sixth form delivery and we are currently planning for a year 6 class to join us from September. Mary Whitlock Chair of Governors 2
Job Advert Northfield School (Oxford) is a Good school for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties (SEMH). The school has a long and very successful history, a stable staff and highly supportive governors. The school currently benefits from the support of an interim, consultant Headteacher. The governors are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, inspirational leader with the energy, drive and determination to further develop our vibrant and successful school. We are looking for: Experience of school leadership including provision for SEMH with high expectations and a determination to achieve excellence for all Excellent communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire others A capacity to challenge and support others High professional standards, and an ability to train and develop others at all levels within the school A strategic and creative leader, able to form and sustain effective partnerships for the benefit of our pupils We offer: A stable, talented and determined team, ready and willing to welcome and support their new Headteacher Strong local partnerships A leadership Salary of L21 to L26 3
Job Description Introduction This appointment is subject to the conditions of employment for Headteachers in accordance with the provisions of the current School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document and the National Standards of Excellence for Headteachers (2015) Purpose of the Job The Headteacher will be responsible to the Governing Body to provide professional leadership and management of the school, to build on the success of the school by ensuring high quality education for all its pupils, for the smooth operation of the school and ensuring that each pupil achieves his (or her 1 ) full potential within a supportive and stimulating environment. The post-holder will be responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and staff at the school. The Headteacher will be expected to ensure that staff maintain high expectations of pupils and high standards of professional practice, and that the strengths of the school - its excellent pupil:staff relationships, highly effective behaviour management and the support afforded to its parents are both maintained and developed. The school strives for excellence in everything it does and offers pupils the best education and range of experiences to aid personal development. The Headteacher will be expected to fully support and further develop the school s ambitious plans for the future. 1 The school is registered as mixed provision but currently operates as a single sex (boys only) school 4 Specific Responsibilities In addition to the professional duties outlined in the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document, the following specific responsibilities will be expected of the Headteacher: Leadership Responsible for the organisation and management of the school. This will involve creating a positive ethos and learning environment based on the school s stated purpose, aims and values, policies and development plan. Ensure the school has a dynamic and forward-looking development plan and that all policies and management documents are regularly reviewed and updated. Oversee selection and appointment procedures of all relevant staff and be responsible for the overall management and deployment of all staff, including the delegation of specific responsibilities. Responsible for delivering the strategic vision of the school as agreed with the Governing Body Work with Governors to ensure the administration of the school including budgetsetting, monitoring and all school-related finances are carried out in accordance with its policies and procedures. Ensure at all times the health and safety of all children, staff and visitors in accordance with the school s policies. To be the designated (or alternate) teacher with responsibility for safeguarding. To ensure staff are aware of the School s Keeping Children Safe in Education policy, recording system and appropriate procedures. Be responsible, together with the Local Governing Body and Senior Leadership Team, for the completion and upkeep of the Self Evaluation Form (SEF) or equivalent. Develop and implement, with the support of pupils, staff, governors and other relevant stakeholders, a renewed vision for the school. Staff Development and Support Lead and inspire excellence in all staff working for the School. Plan and co-ordinate a full programme of in-service training and professional development of all staff, including the overseeing of Performance Management throughout the school. Ensure full understanding and implementation of the behavioural management policy throughout the school.
Teaching and Learning E nsure all pupils within the school receive an exciting, effective and appropriate education as outlined in their Statement of Educational Need or Education Health and Care Plan, and in accordance with the school s curriculum framework. In doing this, the Headteacher will have due regard to the National Curriculum, together with the school s aims and the policies of the School. This will also include monitoring and developing the school s curriculum framework and the assessment and recording system. M onitor throughout the school the quality of teaching and classroom management standards conducive to excellent and imaginative delivery of the curriculum. E nsure that all teaching resources and equipment both support and are targeted towards the full entitlement curriculum outlined above. W ork with the Bursar in monitoring the use of all school resources and ensuring the working environment and premises management are of the highest standard to encourage effective learning and to provide a stimulating environment for this to take place. Links with parents, Local Authority and the wider community A ctively encourage full parental participation in the work, life and development of the school and to make sure they are fully informed of their child s progress. To be available to deal with parental concerns and to provide support where possible or refer to other professionals or agencies. W ork co-operatively with the Governing Body, maintaining and extending the excellent partnership that already exists. This will include regularly reporting about all school issues and giving advice when necessary. W ork in partnership with the Local Authority which is responsible for Education, Health and Care Plans and allocating finances to the school. P romote and develop the work of the school within the local community. This will be done by representing the school at local, county and national forums including participating in the meetings and activities of relevant partnerships. A ctively support and contribute to the work of the Parents and Friends of the School. Liaise and collaborate with other local charities, organisations and businesses. W ork closely with the media to champion the school s achievements and to advance positive attitudes towards pupils with disabilities. TO WHOM RESPONSIBLE: Through the Chair of Governors to the Governing Body L iaise and co-ordinate with external agencies and other professionals who are involved in the education and welfare of the pupils attending the School. 5
Person Specification Qualifications Essential Desirable Method of Assessment Qualified Teacher Status (or equivalent) Additional SEN Qualifications Higher Degree AF N P Q H Experience Relevant and substantial experience in a school leadership role Leadership of whole-school improvement Understand budget planning and management Experience of leading whole-school curriculum development Evidence of working with the statutory framework for education, the SEN code of practice, safeguarding, health and safety regulations and other relevant legislation Experience of new technologies, their use and impact on learning Experience of utilising the National Curriculum to develop the social and emotional aspects of learning Experience of teaching pupils with SLD, PMLD and/or ASD Experience of and commitment to inclusion Professional Development Evidence of recent continuing professional development relating to school leadership, SEN and curriculum development Ability to identify own learning needs and to support others in identifying their learning needs Experience of working with other schools and extended services Experience of leading/ co-ordinating professional development opportunities Strategic Leadership Ability to communicate and work effectively with parents/ carers, outside agencies and others in the school community Evidence of having successfully translated a vision into reality at whole-school level Ability to analyse data, develop strategic plans, set targets, monitor and evaluate progress towards these in order to raise pupil achievement The ability to ensure that there is consistent implementation to development of National Strategies as well as the school s policies Ability to articulate and share a vision for community cohesion Ability to inspire and motivate staff and pupils Ability to work in partnership with mainstream schools to promote collaborative practice and successful inclusion opportunities Ability to lead school, keeping in mind the ever changing educational landscape, ensuring any future decisions about the school s direction protects the unique nature of the provision Ability to successfully translate a vision into school policy or practice 6
Teaching and Learning Essential Desirable Method of Assessment An awareness of the requirements for, and the development opportunities from, Key stage 2 through to Key stage 5, in relation to the curriculum as a whole and to pupils learning and development needs Experience of organising a programme of residential visits for SEMH pupils and building upon these activities to increase learning opportunities and personal self-esteem Knowledge of alternative curricular/vocational opportunities available for pupils with SEN Experience of a range of successful teaching and learning strategies A secure understanding and use of assessment to inform the next stages of learning Experience of actively promoting a curriculum, special events or other activities that enable pupils to develop their self-esteem and self-confidence Experience of effective monitoring of teaching and learning Experience of working with a range of therapeutic Understanding of the characteristics of an effective practitioners learning environment and the key elements of successful behaviour management Experience utilising the curriculum to develop the independent life skills for children with SEN Experience of and ability to promote and develop a personalised curriculum for all pupils Leading and managing Experience of leading, developing, empowering and sustaining individuals and teams Experience of working with governors to enable them to fulfil their statutory responsibilities Experience of performance management in supporting the continuing professional development of colleagues Awareness of personnel procedures A commitment to collaborative working with school staff and sharing management responsibilities across the staff Understanding of site and team facilities management to provide a safe and functional environment for all Involvement in staff recruitment, appointment and induction Accountability Ability to use a range of communication strategies effectively with staff, pupils, parents and governors Experience of presenting reports to governors Experience of contributing to whole-school self-evaluation strategies including SEF Personal attributes, skills, qualities and abilities To be able to demonstrate: Inspirational leadership qualities Excellent communication skills A proactive management style A caring and empathetic approach Flexibility, but thoughtful consideration, in managing change An ability to build and maintain good relationships An ability to remain positive and enthusiastic when working under pressure. 7
To Apply: Please download the application pack from the TES or our website then return to us your application form and a covering letter. In your covering letter, please tell us: How your previous experience has prepared you for this role Why you are interested in leading an SEMH school What challenges the journey to outstanding will hold, and how you propose to overcome these Closing date: 27/2/2017 (9am) Interviews: week beginning 6/3/2017 Application forms and letters are welcome by post, taking care to meet the closing date, or by email: Jobs@northfieldschool.co.uk Further information: Visits to the school are welcome. If you would like a tour and/or a conversation with the interim Headteacher please call us and ask for the Bursar, June White, on 01865 771703 or email: office@northfieldschool.co.uk Northfield is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All application will be subject to a rigorous, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and all reference obtained will be checked for authenticity and accuracy. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all members of the community. Information for applicants Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups, including Children Please read this important information if the post for which you are applying is classed as Regulated Activity with regard to working or having contact with Vulnerable Groups, including Children. Exemption Orders to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 permit us to ask you to tell us about all convictions or cautions on your application form. You are obliged to tell us. Under the Disclosure & Barring Service Scheme, we will need to check that you are not barred from working or having contact with Vulnerable Groups, including Children (according to the post). Currently we will discover this from an application by you for an Enhanced DBS check for Regulated Activity, which we will arrange for you. If you are already barred from working with either Children or Vulnerable Groups, we cannot by law employ you for this post, and you will commit an offence by making an application. If you are not barred, a criminal record will not automatically bar you from employment, but you may be required to attend a meeting with the Chair of Governors to discuss the details of your record. All information provided by you and the DBS Disclosure, will be kept secure and only made available to persons who need to view it for employment purposes. It will be destroyed after use. We will comply with the DBS Code of Conduct relating to storage and security of all Disclosure information.