POYNTZPASS PRIMARY SCHOOL APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL INFORMATION BOOKLET FOR APPLICANTS September 2015
Dear Applicant On behalf of the Board of Governors I wish to thank you for considering the post of Principal of Poyntzpass Primary School. I trust that the information provided will be of assistance to you in deciding whether to apply for the position of Principal. If you are an outstanding primary teacher with proven leadership qualities and experience, then I hope you will consider becoming part of our team. Further information is available on the school s website www.poyntzpassps.co.uk and in the school s prospectus. Yours sincerely Mr J Agnew Chairperson of the Board of Governors
POYNTZPASS PRIMARY SCHOOL APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL GENERAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION Poyntzpass Primary School 1 Tandragee Road Poyntzpass Newry BT35 6SL Tel: 028 38318267 Fax: 028 38318948 Website: E-mail: www.poyntzpassps.co.uk info@poyntzpass.poyntzpass.ni.sch.uk Chairperson of the Board of Governors: Mr. J Agnew Our educational vision Together We Learn
School Profile Location Poyntzpass Primary School is situated on the outskirts of the village of Poyntzpass and serves the village and its surrounding rural areas. It is approximately eight miles from Newry and Portadown. Building and Facilities The school was built in the early 1970s and due to growing numbers a mobile classroom was added in 2011. All classrooms have an interactive whiteboard and are bright, spacious and well equipped. The excellent facilities include a grass and outdoor play area, allowing opportunities for various sporting and play activities, which are structured by teaching assistants at break times. School meals are cooked on the site by E.A. Catering Staff. Enrolment and Staffing Our current enrolment is 116. The staff complement consists of a teaching Principal, 3 full-time teachers, a Principal release teacher, 2 part-time teachers (job share), 3 classroom assistants and a general assistant. Our support staff includes a secretary, caretaker and our classroom assistants take over canteen supervision at lunchtime. Ethos All staff at Poyntzpass Primary School aim to provide a working, caring and happy environment in which the potential of every child is realized and life skills developed. Staff in partnership with parents and members of the wider community strive to promote the values of honesty, respect and tolerance that our children will require throughout their lives. The school has a long history of participation in cross-community events and has developed an effective partnership with the local maintained primary school. The two schools have worked together through Education for Mutual Understanding, Schools Community Relations and the Welcoming Schools Project. The vision, ethos and activity of this cross community partnership will be developed further through the Shared Education Project. Curriculum Provision It is the policy of The Board of Governors of Poyntzpass Primary School that all children will be offered their full entitlement under the Northern Ireland Curriculum. The curriculum is balanced and broadly based to promote children s spiritual, moral, cultural, intellectual and physical development. This curriculum seeks to prepare the
children for secondary education and for the opportunities, skills, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. At all times it is the aim of the school to encourage children s self confidence and to promote a spirit of tolerance towards others. The curriculum is structured to encourage a desire to learn, to stimulate thinking and reasoning and develop skills. Teachers aim to motivate the children to apply themselves to the work in hand, to develop positive attitudes to learning and to acquire sound moral values. Poyntzpass Primary School is a Welcoming School, holding the Welcoming Schools Award. We welcome all children from the community and beyond. The school also holds the Green Eco Schools Status. Following its inspection in April 2014, the school was deemed Outstanding in all areas. Our endeavour to develop in children a confident, positive attitude and engagement in learning was recognised as a strength: The children are confident, motivated and engage well in their learning. Their behaviour is exemplary; they show respect for their peers and interact well with each other and with adults. The children work well both individually and collaboratively and often reflect upon and discuss their learning. The children have high expectations of themselves; they take pride in their school and their own achievements. They respond well to the creative and stimulating learning opportunities provided for them. ETI, 2014 Extra-Curricular Activities The provision of a wide range of extra-curricular activities reflects the importance we place on learning opportunities beyond the formal curriculum. The various clubs are run by members of staff and external agencies and include football and hockey for girls and boys, scripture union, choir, eco schools, speech and drama, art club and cycling proficiency. Breakfast club is available each morning.
POYNTZPASS PRIMARY SCHOOL Controlled Primary School PRINCIPAL Job ref: P15016 School Group 1 (L10 16) Enrolment: 116 The Board of Governors of Poyntzpass Primary School seeks to appoint a Teaching Principal to build on and advance the progress of the school in a changing educational environment. The school has a strong ethos which aims to provide a safe and happy experience in a stimulating and exciting environment. We strive to give each child the opportunity to develop their skills, concepts and knowledge for life-long learning. If you are an outstanding primary teacher with proven leadership potential and/or leadership experience and enthusiasm then we would invite you to make an application for the post of Principal. Posts involving work with children and young people in educational establishments are subject to the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. The successful candidate will require an enhanced disclosure check which at present costs 33. Download a job pack which includes an application form & personnel specification from: www.eani.org.uk Alternatively you can send an A4 envelope with a large 1 st class stamp for each application to, Equal Opportunities Unit, Education Authority, Southern Region 3 Charlemont Place, The Mall, Armagh, BT61 9AX. Always quote the Job Reference & Details, Your Name and your Address in your request Applications must be returned not later than 2:00 pm on Tuesday 15 September 2015. THE EDUCATION AUTHORITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER, COMMITTED TO FAIRNESS AND EQUALITY.
POYNTZPASS PRIMARY SCHOOL POST OF PRINCIPAL ESSENTIAL & DESIRABLE CRITERIA 1. Educational Qualifications Essential Criterion Be a recognised teacher eligible to teach in a Primary School in Northern Ireland and be registered or have, if successful, registered with the GTCNI by the agreed date of taking up duty. Desirable Criterion For applicants not currently in the role of Principal or Vice Principal it is desirable that they possess, or be in the process of obtaining, the Professional Qualification for Headship or a relevant post graduate qualification in educational leadership and management. 2. Experience Essential Criteria Have a minimum of 5 years * full time equivalent experience of teaching in a primary school(s) at 31 August 2015 at least 3 years* of which should have been gained within the past 6 years*. Have a minimum of 3 years experience within the past 6 years* as at 31 August 2015 of leading school/curricular development in primary school(s) in the role of: (i) Principal; (ii) Vice Principal; (iii) Head of Key Stage; (iv) Co-ordinator of Literacy, Numeracy or ICT; or (v) equivalent management position in Teacher Development within the Education Service. Desirable Criterion Co-ordinator of Literacy. 3. Knowledge Skills and Personal Qualities Essential Criteria Have an understanding of budget management under the LMS Scheme. The Board of Governors recognise the value of the National Standards for Headteachers and will expect candidates to be familiar with these. Be able to demonstrate: good communication, leadership, management and ICT skills, as well as the ability to meet the pastoral care needs of the children and staff; commitment to working in partnership with staff, governors and parents; and promotion of the school in the community. NB: Where a number of years experience is required, this means full school years (September to August). The symbol * indicates a minimum requirement. NB: Shortlisted applicant(s) will be required to make a short presentation. The Governors reserve the right to enhance the criteria (detailed in 1-3 above) to facilitate a manageable shortlist of candidates for interview.
POYNTZPASS PRIMARY SCHOOL POST OF PRINCIPAL PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION Knowledge and skills The applicant should have knowledge, understanding and ability in: managing the main educational issues facing primary schools LMS and in managing finance, human and other resources to ensure their most effective and efficient use; maintaining consistently high standards of teaching and learning; implementing, developing and evaluating policies; setting targets and providing constructive feedback (e.g. within the PRSD Scheme); promoting good interpersonal relationships; making informed decisions and communicating these effectively to the relevant people; resolving conflict effectively; organising self and others effectively; communicating and making presentations (verbal, written and through ICT); the National Standards for Headteachers (Northern Ireland Edition); promoting the principles underpinning the Northern Ireland Curriculum; managing and developing any area of the curriculum throughout the school. Leadership Qualities The applicant should have a commitment and proven ability to: work well with others and motivate staff in the common aim of ensuring that all pupils are enabled to develop their full potential; lead and motivate staff successfully in the pursuit of the school aims and objectives; take responsibility, address conflict and maintain discipline; establish partnerships between staff, parents, the community and external agencies; recognise the need for change and take the necessary steps to implement it;
be an effective listener who can assimilate the views of staff, governors, parents and pupils; maintain and enrich the school s existing ethos; support the spiritual and moral development of the pupils and staff in accordance with the school s existing ethos; actively promote the role of the school within the community. Personal Qualities The applicant should have the confidence, commitment and ability to: provide education of the highest quality to achieve the highest standards possible throughout the school; promote a range of after-school activities to meet the needs and interests of the children; lead by example and cope well under pressure; promote a consistent child centred approach; ensure the continued professional development of all staff; articulate and realise a clear vision for the future of the school; undertake the post with interest and enthusiasm.
POYNTZPASS PRIMARY SCHOOL CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT TO POST OF PRINCIPAL 1. The person appointed must have such qualifications as may be approved by the Department of Education and must comply with all other legal conditions applicable to the post. An applicant must establish that he/she possesses the appropriate qualifications required for the post before submitting an application. Only application forms from persons who meet the terms of the post will be considered. Applicants should ensure that their application forms are completed in full and that all necessary information is included thereon to enable their eligibility for the post to be assessed. A separate Curriculum Vitae will not be considered and must not be submitted with the application form. No additional pages should be submitted with the application form. 2. The appointment is subject to the approval of the Department of Education and such terms and conditions as it may attach. 3. The appointment is also subject to the person offered the post signing an agreement in the form approved by the Department of Education. 4. The salary for the post will be in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Education. As a Group 1 school (817 unit total) the salary will be in the range L10 L16 47,749-55,397 per annum (at current salary levels). The starting salary will be L10 47,479 per annum. 5. The general functions and professional duties attached to this post are set out in the attached job description which will form part of the successful candidate s contract. From 1 April 2015, the Education Authority (EA) has taken over all functions of The Southern Education and Library Board. All ongoing appointment processes will be subject to the transitional recruitment and selection procedures for the EA, and all appointments will be effected by the EA as the employing authority. Teaching posts will continue to be offered on the basis of current terms and conditions of employment for teachers, as advertised. 6. Applications will be considered by the Board of Governors and it is anticipated that shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview by the Board of Governors on a date to be arranged. It should be noted that the levels of qualifications and experience advertised represent only the minimum requirements. The Board of Governors may shortlist only those candidates who are deemed to have enhanced levels of qualifications and experience. In accordance with Paragraph 3 (2) of Part 1 of Schedule 14 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 short-listed candidates will be interviewed by the Teaching Appointments Committee at the Education Authority, Southern Region, 3 Charlemont Place, The Mall, Armagh. 7. In connection with interviews it should be noted that interviewees shall pay their own travelling expenses.
8. Completed application forms in an envelope marked in the top left hand corner Application must be lodged with the Equal Opportunities Unit, Education Authority, Southern Region, 3 Charlemont Place, The Mall, Armagh BT61 9AX by 2.00 pm on Tuesday 15 September 2015. 9. Applicants must not submit Inspectors Reports or extracts from them. 10. An application will not be considered unless signed by the applicant. 11. Canvassing will disqualify. Canvassing is defined as: Any approach direct or indirect by the candidate or with the knowledge or approval of the candidate to any member of the Board of Governors or the Education Authority or the Teaching Appointments Committee thereof, provided that a candidate requesting a member of the Board of Governors or the Authority to act as a referee is not deemed to be an approach within the meaning of this definition of canvassing. A personal or written request to the Principal or the Education Authority for information regarding the post will not be regarded as canvassing. 12. Applicants should NOT furnish testimonials but should supply names and address of two referees. To avoid embarrassment applicants should state on their application forms that they have obtained the prior consent of the person named as referees. 13. If a member of the Education Authority (whether or not a principal) is requested to act as a referee in connection with a teaching post: 13.1 he/she is not a member of either the Board of Governors or the Appointing Committee concerned he/she shall be free to act as a referee; or 13.2 if he/she is a member of either the Board of Governors or the Appointing Committee concerned he/she shall be free to act as a referee but, if he/she does, he/she should withdraw from that part of each meeting at which the appointment is under consideration. The same rule as at 13.2 will apply in the case of all members of the Board of Governors and Principals who are members of the Teaching Appointments Committee. The Teaching Appointments Committee is constituted in accordance with Paragraph 3.27 of the Transitional Procedure for the Appointment of Principals and Vice Principals in Controlled Schools and includes up to two Principals of Controlled Schools. The Principals have the same right to speak and vote at a meeting of the Teaching Appointments Committee as the other members of the Committee
JOB DESCRIPTION POST OF PRINCIPAL OF POYNTZPASS PRIMARY SCHOOL STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL FUNCTIONS AND PROFESSIONAL DUTIES OF THE PRINCIPAL PRELIMINARY It shall be the duty of the Board of Governors and Principal to exercise their functions with a view to securing that the curriculum for the school is balanced and broadly based so as to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, intellectual and physical development of the pupils and prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. The functions of the principal are set out in Part VI of the Scheme for the Management of Poyntzpass Primary School and a copy of that part of the Scheme is attached. In addition the Board of Governors has decided that the following statement should be issued: GENERAL FUNCTIONS 1. The principal shall be required to carry out the duties of the post in accordance with the school s policy and objectives as determined by The Southern Education and Library Board (hereinafter referred to as the employing authority) and the Board of Governors and shall obey the reasonable directions of the employing authority and the Board of Governors. 2. Subject to paragraph 1 the principal shall control the internal organisation, management and discipline of the school. 3. In carrying out the duties of the post the principal shall consult, where this is appropriate, with the employing authority, the staff of the school and the Board of Governors. PROFESSIONAL DUTIES 4. The professional duties of the principal shall include:- (1) formulating the overall aims and objectives of the school and policies for their implementation; (2) participating in the selection and appointment of the teaching and non-teaching staff of the school; (3) (a) deploying and managing all teaching and non-teaching staff of the school and allocating particular duties to them (including such duties of the principal as may properly be delegated to the vice-principal or other members of the staff), in a manner consistent with their terms and conditions of employment, maintaining a reasonable balance for each employee; (b) ensuring that the duty of providing cover for absent teachers, as set out
in the Teachers (Terms and Conditions of Employment) Regulations, is shared equitably among all teachers in the school, taking account of their teaching and other duties; (4) maintaining relationships, as appropriate, with organisations representing teachers and other persons on the staff of the school; (5) subject to the provisions of paragraph 1 determining, organising and implementing an appropriate curriculum for the school, having regard to the needs, experience, interests, aptitudes and stage of development of the pupils and the resources available to the school; (6) keeping under review the work and organisation of the school; (7) evaluating the standards of teaching and learning in the school, and ensuring that proper standards of professional performance are established and maintained; (8) providing information about the work and performance of the staff employed at the school where this is relevant to their future employment; (9) (a) participating in the approved staff development and performance review of teachers scheme; (b) ensuring that all staff in the school have access to advice and training appropriate to their needs, in accordance with the policies of the employing authority for the development of staff; (10) ensuring that the progress of the pupils of the school is monitored and recorded; (11) determining and ensuring the implementation of a policy for the pastoral care of the pupils; (12) determining, in accordance with any written statement of general principles provided by the employing authority and the Board of Governors, measures to be taken with a view to promoting, among the pupils, self-discipline and proper regard for authority, encouraging good behaviour on the part of the pupils, securing that the standard of behaviour of the pupils is acceptable, and otherwise regulating the conduct of the pupils making such measures generally known within the school, and ensuring that they are implemented; (13) in accordance with the policy of the employing authority having responsibility for good order and discipline on the school premises whenever pupils are present, including the mid-day break; (14) making arrangements for parents to be given regular information about the school curriculum, the progress of their children and other matters affecting the school, so as to promote common understanding of its aims; (15) promoting effective relationships with persons and bodies outside the school as may be approved by the employing authority;
(16) advising and assisting the Board of Governors in the exercise of their functions, including attending meetings of the Board of Governors, or committees thereof, acting as Secretary and making such reports to it as it may properly require either on a regular basis or from time to time; (17) providing for liaison and co-operation with the employing authority; making such reports to the employing authority in connection with the discharge of the principal s functions as it may properly require either on a regular basis or from time to time; (18) maintaining liaison with other schools and institutions of further education with which the school has a relationship; (19) allocating, controlling and accounting for those financial and material resources of the school which are under the control of the principal; (20) making arrangements in co-operation with the employing authority for the security and effective supervision of the school buildings and their contents and of the school grounds; and ensuring (if so required) that any lack of maintenance is promptly reported to the employing authority or, as the case may be, the Board of Governors; (21) participating not only in the approved staff development and performance review of teachers scheme but also in the identification of areas in which benefit would derive from further training and undergoing such training; (22) arranging for the vice-principal or, if the vice-principal is not available, another suitable person to assume responsibility for the discharge of the functions of principal at any time when the principal is absent from the school; (23) participating, to such extent as may be appropriate having regard to any other duties, in the teaching of the pupils at the school, including the provision of cover for absent teachers; (24) promoting the development of extra-curricular activities within the school; (25) delegating duties to the vice-principal; (26) ensuring that teachers receive information they need to carry out their duties effectively; (27) ensuring that newly qualified teachers and returners have adequate support.
PART VI FUNCTIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL General 28 (1) In addition to his/her statutory functions and subject to the provisions of the Education Orders and regulations, orders and directions made thereunder and to the provisions of this scheme and a scheme under Article 46 of the 1989 Order and such directions as may, from time to time, be given to him/her by the Board of Governors, the principal shall control the internal organisation, management and discipline of the school. (2) Unless the board otherwise approves nothing in paragraph (1) shall apply to- (a) (b) the school meals service or staff employed solely for the purpose of the school meals service; or non-teaching staff, other than school meals staff, employed by the board on a contract; where the school has no delegated budget or where it does have a delegated budget but no allowance is made for expenditure on or in connection with the items of expenditure referred to in paragraph 2 (a) or (b) as appropriate in determining the school s budget share (within the meaning of Part V of the 1989 Order). 29 (1) Subject to a scheme under Article 46 of the 1989 Order the Board of Governors may delegate to the principal such of its functions in respect of the school for which the principal is appointed, as it considers desirable except functions relating to powers conferred or duties imposed by or under the following provisions - (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) Articles 4, 10 and 11 of the 1989 Order which relate to duties with respect to the curriculum. Article 13(3A) and (3B) of the 1986 Order appointment of parent governors and Articles 122 and 139(5) of the 1989 Order co-option of members to the Board of Governors. Articles 31 and 42(3) of the 1989 Order which relate to the provision and publication of information. Article 38 of the 1989 Order which relates to the criteria for selecting pupils for admission to the school. Article 69 of the 1989 Order which relates to the initiation of procedures for the acquisition of grant-maintained integrated status. Article 69 of the 1989 Order as applied by Article 91 of that Order which relates to the initiation of procedures for the acquisition of controlled integrated status. Article 88 of the 1986 Order which relates to the appointment of nonteaching staff.
(h) (i) (j) (k) (l) (m) (n) (o) Article 124(1)(b) of the 1989 Order which relates to the provision of a statement of general principles concerning pupil discipline. Article 125 of the 1989 Order in so far as approval of the annual report of the Board of Governors is concerned. Article 131 of the 1989 Order which relates to charges and remissions policies. Paragraph 5 of Schedule 4 to the 1989 Order which relates to the dismissal of staff. Article 34(3) of this scheme with relates to the convening of meetings. Article 42 of this scheme which relates to the election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Governors. This Article of this scheme which relates to the delegation of functions to the principal. Any functions of the Board of Governors under the Board s scheme for teaching appointments under Article 153 of the 1989 Order or under the Board s scheme for the promotion of teachers other than functions relating to the appointment of full-time temporary teachers for periods of less than twelve months. (2) The functions to be delegated to a principal under this Article shall not, unless the Board of Governors otherwise determines, include the power to take decisions on behalf of or in the name of the Board of Governors without the approval of the Board of Governors. Curriculum 30 In relation to the curriculum the principal shall carry out the functions allocated to him/her under paragraph (4) of Article 14 of this scheme. Communication 31 The principal shall - (a) (b) promote regular communication between assistant teachers and parents of pupils; and maintain regular communication and consultation between himself/herself and assistant teachers on the management of the school, curricular matters and on matters relating to the education, health and welfare and discipline of the pupils; and shall report to the Board of Governors on these matters as necessary or when so requested by the Board of Governors.
Delegated Functions 32 The principal shall carry out any functions delegated to him by the Board of Governors under Article 26 of this scheme and shall report any action or decision taken by him/her in relation to those functions to the next meeting of the Board of Governors or as soon as practicable thereafter. Discipline 33 (1) The principal shall determine measures (which may include the making of rules and provision for enforcing them) to be taken with a view to (a) (b) (c) (d) promoting, among pupils, self-discipline and proper regard for authority; encouraging good behaviour on the part of pupils; securing that the standard of behaviour of pupils is acceptable; and otherwise regulating the conduct of pupils. (2) In determining any such measures the principal shall - (a) act in accordance with the scheme prepared by the Board under Article 49 of the 1986 Order in respect of the suspension and expulsion of pupils and any written statement of general principles provided for him/her by the Board of Governors; and (b) have regard to any guidance that the Board of Governors may offer in relation to particular matters. (3) The principal shall prepare a written statement of such measures and secure that - (a) (b) a copy of that statement is given (free of charge) to the parents of all registered pupils at the school and the Chief Executive of the Board; and copies of that statement are available for inspection (at all reasonable times and free of charge) at the school. (4) The standard of behaviour which is to be regarded as acceptable at the school shall be determined by the principal so far as it is not determined by the Board of Governors. Meetings of the Board of Governors and Committees Thereof 34 Unless prevented from doing so by illness or other unavoidable cause and subject to paragraph 2(5) of Schedule 5 to the 1986 Order and to Articles 35(4), 44, 45, 47 and 48 of this scheme the principal shall attend every meeting of the Board of Governors and of any committees established under Article 22 of this scheme of which he/she is a member. If the principal is unable to attend a meeting of the Board of Governors or a committee of which he/she is a member he/she shall inform the Board of Governors of the reason for his/her inability to attend. In these
circumstances the Board of Governors may require the attendance of a vice-principal. Resolutions of Annual Parents Meetings 35 When so requested by the Board of Governors the principal shall comment in writing on any resolution which is duly passed by an annual parents meeting and which the Board of Governors consider is a matter for him/her and report on any action he/she has taken thereon.