TE19/06/01 STRANDTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL North Road BELFAST BT4 3DJ Appointment of Vice-Principal Group 5 Leadership Scale Points ISR L14 L18 ( 53,178-58,676 per annum) Candidate Information Pack 1
Background and Context The Education Authority (EA) wants every child to have an outstanding education. The EA was established under the Education Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 and became operational on 1 April 2015. It is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department of Education and the Department for the Economy. The EA is responsible for ensuring that high quality primary and secondary education services are available to meet the needs of children and young people, and for support for the provision of efficient and effective youth services. These services were previously delivered by five Education and Library Boards (ELBs). The organisation employs over 39,000 people across Northern Ireland in a wide variety of roles including teachers in controlled schools, schoolbased support staff and staff in administrative headquarters. The work we do impacts the lives of tens of thousands of children, young people and their families every day. The services we provide are essential in supporting, encouraging and facilitating learning within our communities to develop generations of young people who are equipped to succeed in life and work in the modern world. As a public sector organisation, we must continue to deliver these vital services in a challenging environment of increasing financial pressure and under intense public scrutiny. 2
School Information Strandtown Primary School is the largest controlled primary school in the Belfast area of the Education Authority and currently caters for the needs of 990 pupils in years 4 7. The total enrolment has risen by nearly 6% in the last five years. The vast majority of the children come from 3 Infant schools in the immediate vicinity Dundela Infants School, Belmont Primary School and Greenwood Primary School where they complete the early stages of their education to year 3. The original school building, situated on some 32 acres of land, was constructed in 1931. Proposals have been developed for a comprehensive redevelopment of the school, on a phased basis, to provide a 36 classroom school building that is in line with the DE Building Handbook. An economic appraisal has been approved for a School Enhancement Programme (SEP) project and building work is underway. The project will provide 12 new classrooms, hard and soft play areas, improved access roads and car parking areas. The school maintains a high reputation among pupils, staff, parents and the local community in terms of its excellent academic record, together with its acknowledged musical, artistic and sporting traditions. Pupils are taught in 33 mixed ability classes ranged across the 4 year groups and are supported by the school s special educational needs strategy. Parents, pupils and staff all share their commitment to the school ethos where learning and teaching take place in a safe, happy and caring environment for everyone. The school was inspected in January 2016 and demonstrated that it had a high capacity for sustained improvement in the interest of all the learners. The ETI findings included the achievements and standards of the children were very good, the provision for learning was very good and the quality of the leadership and management was very good. 3
PROFESSIONAL DUTIES OF A VICE-PRINCIPAL Teachers' Terms and Conditions of Employment Regulations (NI) 1987 Schedule 2 Regulation 4 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF VICE-PRINCIPALS A person appointed Vice-Principal in a school, in addition to carrying out the professional duties of a teacher, including those duties particularly assigned to him/her by the Principal shall: 1) Assist the Principal in managing the school or such part of it as may be determined by the Principal; 2) Undertake any professional duty of the Principal, which may be delegated to him/her by the Principal; 3) Undertake, in the absence of the Principal to the extent required by him or the employing authority, the professional duties of the Principal; 4) Be allowed a break of at least 30 minutes between the hours of 12 noon and 2.00 pm. 4
JOB DESCRIPTION TEACHING POSTS Main duties and Responsibilities 1 Planning 1.1 Planning and preparing courses and lessons; 1.2 Teaching, according to their educational needs, the pupils assigned to him/her, including the setting and marking of work to be carried out by the pupils in school and elsewhere; 1.3 Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment of pupils. 2 General 2.1 Promoting the general progress and well-being of individual pupils and of any class or group of pupils assigned to him/her; 2.2 Providing advice and guidance to pupils on educational and social matters and on their further education and future careers including information about sources of more expert advice on specific questions, making relevant records and reports; 2.3 Making records of and reports on the personal and social needs of pupils except in instances where to do so might be regarded as compromising a teacher s own position; 2.4 Communicating and consulting with the parents of pupils; 2.5 Communicating and co-operating with such persons or bodies outside the school as may be approved by the employing authority and the Board of Governors; 2.6 Participating in meetings arranged for any of the purposes described above. 3 Assessment/Reporting Providing or contributing to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual pupils and groups of pupils except in instances where to do so might be regarded as compromising a teacher s own position. 4 Staff Development/Professional Development 4.1 Participating, if required, in any scheme of staff development and performance review; 4.2 a) Reviewing from time to time his/her methods of teaching and programmes of work; b) Participating in arrangements for his/her further training and professional development as a teacher. 5
4.3 Advising and co-operating with the Principal and other teachers (or any one or more of them) on the preparation and development of courses of study, teaching materials, teaching programmes, methods of teaching and assessment and pastoral arrangements. 5 Discipline/Health and Safety 5.1 Maintaining good order and discipline among pupils in accordance with the policies of the employing authority and safeguarding their health and safety both when they are authorised to be on the school premises and when they are engaged in authorised school activities elsewhere. 5.2 Participating in meetings at the school which relate to the curriculum for the school or the administration or organisation of the school, including pastoral arrangements. 6 Public Examinations Participating in arrangements for preparing pupils for public examinations and in assessing pupils for the purposes of such examinations; recording and reporting such assessments; and participating in arrangements for pupils presentation for and supervision during such examination. 7 Review and Development of Management Activities/Administration 7.1 a) Contributing to the selection for appointment and professional development of other teachers, including the induction and assessment of probationary teachers; b) Co-ordinating or managing the work of other teachers; c) Taking such part as may be required of him/her in the review, development and management of activities relating to the curriculum, organisation and pastoral functions of the school. 7.2 a) Participating in administrative and organisational tasks related to such duties as described above, including the management or supervision of persons providing support for the teachers in the school and the ordering and allocation of equipment and materials. b) Subject to the provisions of Article 22 of the Order, attending assemblies; c) Registering the attendance of pupils and supervising pupils, whether these duties are to be performed before, during or after school sessions. 8 Number of days/hours of work 8.1 a) A full-time teacher, other than a teacher employed in a residential establishment, shall be available for work on 195 days in any year of which not more than 190 days should involve teaching children in a classroom situation; 6
b) A teacher, other than a teacher employed in a residential establishment, shall be available to perform such duties at such times and such places as may reasonably be specified by the Principal, or where he/she is employed by a Board on terms under which he/she is not assigned to any one school by the Board or the Principal of any school in which he/she may for the time being be required to work as a teacher, for 1,265 hours in any year exclusive of time spent off school premises in preparing and marking lessons and time spent travelling to and from the place of work; c) A teacher may not be required to teach as distinct from supervise children In a classroom situation for more than 25 hours in any week in a primary or special school and 23.5 hours in any week in a secondary school; d) Unless employed under a separate contract as a mid-day supervisor, a teacher shall not be required to undertake mid-day supervision. 9 Staff cover 9.1 Supervising and teaching any pupils whose teacher is not available provided that: a) In schools with an average daily enrolment greater than 222 pupils a teacher other than a supply teacher shall not be required to provide such cover after the second day on which a teacher is absent or otherwise not available or from the first day if the fact that the teacher would be absent or otherwise not available for a period exceeding 2 days was known to and agreed by the employing authority in advance; b) In schools with an average daily enrolment of 222 pupils or less a teacher other than a supply teacher shall not be required to provide such cover after the first day on which a teacher is absent or otherwise not available for more than 1 day was known to and agreed by the employing authority in advance; c) In schools with a complement of 1, 2 or 3 teachers and in nursery units in primary schools, a teacher other than a supply teacher shall, notwithstanding heads (a) and (b), not be required to provide such cover. Conditions of Service The conditions of service for this post will be in accordance with the Regulations of the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. 7
JOB DESCRIPTION VICE-PRINCIPAL The successful candidate will work within the agreed Terms and Conditions of Service for Vice- Principals. The Vice-Principal will be required to deputise for the Principal when necessary and take an active part in all aspects of school life. In addition to a full-time teaching commitment and membership of the School Leadership Team, the Vice-Principal s duties will include: 1. Leading learning through example by high standards of teaching and learning. 2. Assisting the Principal in all areas of leading learning and teaching, school administration, management and organisation. 3. Assisting the Principal in leading School Development Planning, School Evaluation Self- Evaluations and Staff Development (Teacher Professional Learning). 4. Curriculum Co-ordination including overseeing the implementation and delivery of the curriculum across the Key Stages and curriculum planning. 5. Assisting the Principal in co-ordinating curriculum development, including planning, benchmarking, target setting, PRSD, monitoring the quality of provision within the school. 6. Assisting the coordination of assessment for the school. 7. Assisting the Principal in the promotion of positive behaviour and assertive discipline. 8. Being a member of the Safeguarding Team and co-ordination of key safeguarding priorities: Fire Safety, First Aid, Risk Assessments and Hire of Premises. 9. Supporting the line management of non-teaching staff. 10. Assisting the Principal with financial administration including budget planning and projections, allocations and monitoring spend and reconciliations. 11. Maintaining, developing and promoting formal and informal links with parents and the community. 12. Assisting the Principal in organising major school events. 13. Responsibility for extra-curricular activities. 14. Assisting with lunch time cover and substitute teacher arrangements. 8
15. Supporting the Principal in a programme of staff care and wellbeing. 16. Undertaking such other duties as the Principal may require. This job description may be amended at any time after discussion with the Principal. 9
A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate relevant experience, knowledge and skills associated with the following key areas. Shaping the Future Keep abreast of and anticipate educational trends. Think strategically to build and communicate a shared coherent vision. Create an ethos and provide direction, which promotes a culture of high expectation, successful learning and achievement. Inspire, challenge, motivate and empower others to carry the vision and ethos forward. Model the values and ethos of the school. Leading and Managing Staff Provide high quality leadership to secure improvement. Collaborate and network with others within and beyond the school. Foster a culture of shared/ distributed leadership. Develop, empower and sustain individuals and teams. Support the development of an open, fair, equitable culture and manage conflict effectively. Support and challenge performance in order to raise standards. Work with others to lead professional development for all staff within the context of the school s development plan in order to support effective teaching and learning. Leading Learning and Teaching Cultivate enthusiasm for and commitment to the learning process. Lead and manage the development of an effective learning and teaching culture. Lead and manage the self-evaluation process; work with staff, pupils and others to analyse a range of data, interpret outcomes and plan for improvement. Ensure effective implementation of the NI Curriculum, share good practice and work with others to challenge and address pupil under-achievement. Developing the School in the Community Lead and manage the development and promotion of a positive image of the school within the local community and beyond. Develop and maintain strong and effective relationships with parents and the local and wider community. Ensure effective channels of communication are in place between the school and the local and wider community. Listen to, reflect and act on community feedback. Recognise and lead others to ensure that strategic planning takes account of the richness and diversity of the school s communities and community feedback. Work closely with other relevant statutory and voluntary agencies and local schools to enhance the education of all pupils. 10
Managing the Organisation Prioritise, plan and organise themselves and others. Think creatively to anticipate and solve problems. Make sound decisions based on a range of informed judgments. Establish and maintain appropriate structures and systems. Lead and manage the development and implementation of the School Development Plan. Delegate tasks and monitor their implementation. Manage resources efficiently and effectively: human, physical and financial. Ensuring Accountability Create and develop a culture in which all Governors and staff recognise that they are accountable for the success of the school. Combine the outcomes of regular self-evaluation, ETI inspection evidence and other external evaluations in order to develop the school. Lead and manage the process of monitoring and evaluating effectively school outcomes, policies and procedures. Work with the leadership team and others to recognise and disseminate effective practice and challenge and address unacceptable performance. Work closely with and provide effective reports to Governors on the school s progress and development. 11
Primary Vice-Principal Person Specification Qualifications Essential The criterion that will be applied at shortlisting is as follows: Applicants must at the closing date for applications: 1) Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grantaided schools in Northern Ireland. Desirable Preference may be given to those applicants who: Have successfully completed an additional post graduate (or equivalent or higher) qualification in Education. Experience The criteria that will be applied at shortlisting are as follows (please note that experience must be accrued by the closing date for receipt of completed applications): 2) Have a minimum of seven years post qualification teaching experience in primary education at key stage 1/2, within the last 12 years; 3) Currently hold or have held for a minimum of five years AND within the last 10 years: A promoted post of at least teaching allowance two* for leading or co-ordinating a whole school area to include whole school monitoring and evaluating to promote school improvement; and/or A post of principal or viceprincipal. The above promoted posts may be in an acting capacity. * Excludes Special Needs Allowances awarded solely for teaching pupils with Special Educational Needs Preference may be given to those applicants who: Can demonstrate evidence of involvement in staff development within school/s; Have experience of financial and/or budgetary management within school/s. 12
Essential Desirable Experience (continued) 4) Evidence of how your leadership has led to sustained school improvement; 5) Evidence of your role in organisational management including the appropriate deployment of resources. Essential Knowledge The successful candidate must demonstrate extensive knowledge of: The Northern Ireland Primary Curriculum and current policies and procedures; Current educational developments and the ability to evaluate and respond to new educational challenges and manage change effectively; Effective classroom pedagogy and how to ensure high standards of teaching, learning and achievement throughout the school; Effective data management; Effective organisational management including the appropriate deployment of resources. Skills The successful candidate must demonstrate highly developed skills in order to: Lead, motivate, manage, challenge and enthuse others; Create an ethos and articulate a vision for the future of the school; Develop good relationships at all levels and promote a collaborative and team approach among staff, pupils, parents and governors; Lead strategically and develop self and others in order to achieve outcomes; Promote, monitor and evaluate high standards of teaching, learning and achievement throughout the school; Develop effective partnerships between the school and the local community; Communicate effectively orally and in writing; Organise and prioritise workload effectively; Deal with staffing matters in accordance with EA policies and procedures; Manage time effectively. 13
Essential Personal Qualities The successful candidate must demonstrate: Vision; A value system based on equality and fairness; Enthusiasm and motivation; Adaptability; Assertiveness and confidence; A caring child centred approach; Integrity; Advocacy and empathy; Discretion; An ability to cope under pressure; Tact and diplomacy; Decisiveness. The Board of Governors reserves the right to enhance the essential criteria if necessary in order to facilitate a manageable shortlist. Applicants must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) upon taking up employment. Please note the onus is on candidates to provide sufficient detailed information on their application forms in order to demonstrate how they meet each of the criteria. Failure to do so may result in a candidate not being shortlisted since Selection Panels cannot make assumptions in the absence of essential information. 14
Section 5 - Selection Process Timetable Closing date for completed applications Thursday 21 February 2019 at 2pm Shortlisting** Wednesday 6 March 2019 Stage 1 interviews Friday 15 March 2019 Stage 2 interviews (if required) Friday 22 March 2019 School Visit Monday 11 March 2019 at 4pm Date of Membership and Teaching Thursday 4 April 2019 Appointments Committee for ratification **shortlisted candidates will be notified by email, please ensure an e-mail address is provided on your application form. Shortlisted candidates wishing to discuss any aspect of the appointment should contact: Education Authority Human Resources (recruitment) Belfast Office 40 Academy Street BELFAST BT1 2NQ Telephone: 028 9056 4000 15
Section 6 Candidate Information Application Pack Please refer to the Applicant Guidance Notes prior to the completion of an application form. Education Authority application forms and candidate information packs have been created for use with Adobe Acrobat software only. If you do not have the software this may be downloaded free of charge using the following link https://get.adobe.com/uk/reader Failure to use Adobe Acrobat when completing or editing an application form may lead to the fields you complete not showing up when the form is printed which may impact on whether you are considered eligible for the post as the information required for shortlisting may not show. You may also experience difficulties saving your completed application form. Application forms must not be completed using a web browser i.e. Google Chrome or Internet Explorer. The Education Authority is unable to take responsibility for forms being completed using the incorrect software. It is essential that you fully describe in the application form how you meet the criteria sought. Please provide detailed information against each requirement, providing dates and ensuring that where requirements are time bounded (e.g. 1 year within the last 5 years) you provide detail and dates that fully satisfy the requirement. It is not appropriate to simply list the various posts that you have held. Assumptions will not be made from the title of your post. Disclosure of criminal background Posts involving work in educational institutions are subject to the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. If you have been appointed for a post that involves regulated activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate, which is currently 33. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage. Further information can be accessed on www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminalrecord-checks or www.justice-ni.gov.uk/articles/about-accessni References This appointment will be subject to satisfactory references being received. One reference should be from a person who is able to comment on your suitability to work with children/young people in an educational setting. The Education Authority will seek references from present/previous employers for posts involving regulated activity. 16
Canvassing Any applicant who is found to have approached a panel member regarding a post with a view to seeking favourable treatment will be disqualified. Please complete and return your Application Form and Equal Opportunities Questionnaire by post/hand delivery to the Equal Opportunities Unit, Education Authority, 40 Academy Street, Belfast, BT1 2NQ or by email to earecruitment@eani.org.uk no later than 2pm on the closing date for completed applications. If you are returning your completed form by email, please ensure that the subject line is completed with the job reference number as indicated on the application form. Faxed or late application forms will not be accepted. Education Authority Human Resources (recruitment) Belfast Office 40 Academy Street BELFAST BT1 2NQ Telephone: 028 9056 4000 17