APPOINTMENT OF HEAD OF PRE-PREP SEPTEMBER 2020
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AN INTRODUCTION FROM THE HEADMASTER ______
We are delighted that you have shown an interest in the role of Head of Pre-Prep at Hoe Bridge. Hoe Bridge is an academically focused IAPS school that is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational Head of Pre-Prep, someone who can inspire the staff, the children, liaise comfortably with the parents and bring energy and humour into daily school life. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven professional to join a forward thinking school which has outstanding facilities and a reputation for preparing children for future success in a large number of the best senior schools in the South of England.
The ideal candidate is someone with character, driven to captivate children’s minds and passionate about making education exciting and stimulating. Our expectation is that leaders at our school show a desire to collaborate, inspire and develop within their areas, demonstrating the highest standards in terms of leadership, organisational and pedagogical skills as well as a willingness to contribute to the rich co-curricular life of this busy school.
Our staff are sparky, innovative, dedicated and friendly, always looking for new ways to engage the children’s interest. With a mentoring programme for every new member of staff and excellent career progression opportunities, all staff are encouraged to develop and extend themselves and to get involved in all aspects of school life. The information in this application pack and on our website will support you in understanding the context of our school, our ethos and culture. Thank you for your interest in this position. I very much hope that you will consider making an application for this very exciting opportunity.
Chris Webster Headmaster
______Our school was awarded a grade of ‘excellent’ during our last inspection, ABOUT HOE BRIDGE something that both the girls and boys, staff and parents are extremely ______proud of. The atmosphere of every school is unique and the strength and attraction of Hoe Bridge School is a thriving co-educational prep school for boys and girls Hoe Bridge lies in the atmosphere generated by the staff and pupils. aged between 3 & 13. There are 480 children on roll split between the Pre-Prep Standards and targets are realistic, though set as high as possible, the bright and Prep Departments. It is set in a perfect location just on the outskirts of are challenged and the less able supported. The staff endeavour to instil Woking surrounded by 22 acres of beautiful grounds and is only 25 minutes confidence in all the children and visitors are amazed to see just how happy from central London. the children are, how determined they are to succeed and how much they Welcoming new children to our vibrant and dynamic family is a very exciting care about each other. "A busy and fun action packed adventure" is one way moment for our teaching staff. They collectively embrace the trust placed in life at Hoe Bridge has been described.... What a great and accurate them by parents to help them to nurture happy, confident, achieving children, description! There is never a dull moment nor is there time to be bored and so vital in these formative years. The staff are all experienced and highly trained the children are proud to call Hoe Bridge their school. and follow our ethos of high expectation, individual determination, enthusiasm, The School has an exceptional reputation not just in the local area but county respect, warmth and care from the outset. A walk around the school will wide as well. There is a real energy throughout to preserve the family demonstrate these qualities in abundance but also show that we never forget atmosphere, to constantly strive to improve results and explore all the that children are children and should be having fun while they are learning. possibilities available to enrich both the School and the lives of the children.
Our Pre-Prep years see the children immersed in learning, creativity and exercise. These are closely interlinked with enthusiasm and success in one area leading to greater confidence in others. The children will be challenged in an age appropriate way, encouraged to do their very best within their own abilities, with individual efforts recognised and rewarded. Our creative curriculum is topic- based making learning engaging, memorable and relevant. Topics frequently extend across the whole of Pre-Prep through lessons and assemblies. Each topic is designed to have a ‘stunning start’ and ‘fabulous finish’ to ensure engagement throughout. Conservation and sustainability are also woven throughout the curriculum. Our facilities are unparalleled in the area. Within our estate, the Pre-Prep Department enjoys its own purpose-built building with assembly hall, fully equipped gym, well-stocked library, ICT suite, art and music rooms, as well as modern classrooms with indoor and outdoor learning areas. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards and we make extensive use of iPads and LearnPads. We share with the Prep Department our heated open-air swimming pool, new 110-seat Performing Arts Centre and our stunning 22 acre estate with its playing fields, meadow, woods, river and pond. Lunchtime is keenly anticipated not just for playtime but a choice of tempting and nutritious food and a wonderful opportunity to socialise in our family style setting where children are encouraged to try new foods and develop their best table manners.
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ETHOS ______
Happiness: to have fun, friends and fulfilment
Confidence: to develop respect, self-reliance, independence and leadership enabling pupils to use their breadth of knowledge practically in school and throughout their lives
Achievement: to develop the intellectual/academic, sporting, social and cultural/creative skills in order that pupils excel both within Hoe Bridge and beyond
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JOB DESCRIPTION ______
We are seeking an outstanding leader with the vision, energy and focus required to lead and manage a highly successful Pre-Prep Department. As Head of Pre-Prep, he or she will be responsible for leading, managing and developing the Department. The successful candidate would benefit from a proven track record of leadership and teaching from Nursery through to Year Two. The Head of Pre-Prep is a key leadership position and will require close collaboration with other senior leaders across the School in the development and implementation of Hoe Bridge strategic vision.
The Pre-Prep Department is one part of Hoe Bridge School, a thriving IAPS school. The Head of Pre-Prep is a member of the Senior Management Team, reporting to the Headmaster and attending relevant meetings with the Governors. Working closely with the Headmaster, the Head of Pre-Prep will have leadership responsibility for the Pre-Prep Department, ensuring continued excellence in academic, pastoral and co-curricular provision. The post holder will also work closely with other members of the Senior Management Team and will have a significant input into delivering the School’s strategic intentions.
The Senior Management Team consists of the Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster, Bursar, Assistant Head Academic, Assistant Head Pastoral, Head of Communications & Development, Head of Pre-Prep, Pre-Prep Senior Teacher and Facilities Manager.
The Head of Pre-Prep is a member of IAPS and the School and staff benefit from the support of this association.
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RESPONSIBILITIES ______
The post will have responsibility for the following areas within the Pre-Prep Department, as well as allowing scope for development in line with the candidate’s interests and strengths. Therefore, this job description is designed to be indicative rather than restrictive and will be subject to review.
______ Leading, mentoring and monitoring the work of all Pre-Prep KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES Department staff ______ Leading an effective staff Performance Management process which rests on self-evaluation and is fundamentally supportive Strategic Direction Ensuring that lessons and activities delivered by staff across the Pre- Prep Department provide appropriate stretch and challenge as well as Working closely with the Senior Management Team in the development of fostering high expectation for all pupils and that every child is a strong whole school ethos, underpinned by the articulation of shared supported to meet their maximum potential values throughout the school Ensuring that parents receive regular, timely and informative feedback Promoting strong working relationships between different sections of the about their children’s progress, including clear direction about how school to support effective pupil progression and staff learning they may improve Working with the Headmaster, contributing actively towards the
development and implementation of the strategic plan Pastoral Leadership Being aware of, and responding to, the local and wider external environment of the School and sector, adapting plans and strategies as Ensuring that the personal, academic and developmental needs of necessary every Pre-Prep child are considered, met and monitored appropriately Actively pursuing the development of an open culture and an ethos of Leadership & Management kindness, ensuring that bullying and antisocial behaviour are Setting an excellent example of professional standards and leadership, understood to be unacceptable and that any inappropriate behaviour inspiring among staff a culture of excellence across all areas of school life, is actively challenged and effectively addressed and a deep commitment to standards of excellence as part of a high- Ensuring the provision of the highest possible standards of pastoral achieving community care and that the health, happiness, safety and wellbeing of all pupils Being a member of the Senior Management Team remains at the heart of the School’s mission Attending Governors’ meetings as required To be a Designated Safeguarding Lead and working with other senior Managing the Pre-Prep Department budget effectively and liaising with the members of staff to oversee all aspects of monitoring and Headmaster and Bursar to ensure appropriate deployment and overall safeguarding management of all resources (financial, human and physical) in support of the strategic plan Communication & External Engagement Ensuring that all arrangements are in place to facilitate inspections taking a leading role through the inspection process Taking an active part in the life of the whole School and fostering links Taking an active part in the recruitment process for all Pre-Prep within it for the benefit of pupils, parents and staff Department staff in consultation with the Headmaster Ensuring excellent communication with the whole school community and being a visible presence within the Pre-Prep Department to staff, Academic Leadership pupils and parents Leading workshops for parents on relevant matters Being responsible for the day-to-day management of teaching and Attending school events as appropriate (e.g. concerts, fixtures, talks) learning in the Pre-Prep Department, working with others as appropriate Representing the Pre-Prep Department to parents and prospective Fostering and developing a culture of excellence; reflection and parents; meeting prospective parents as part of the initial admissions innovation in teaching and learning; ensuring that excellent standards of process and supporting the pupil admissions processes as necessary teaching and learning are maintained in all areas
______ Taking all appropriate opportunities to publicise the Pre-Prep Department and ensuring positive relationships with current and potential parents PERSON SPECIFICATION Liaising with the Headmaster to develop links with the wider community ______and with outside organisations to support the proactive recruitment of pupils The Governors are keen to appoint a dynamic and well-qualified graduate to Assisting in the planning and preparation of Open Days and other be Head of Pre-Prep from September 2020. This is a full-time post. All marketing-focused events, attending and contributing as required teaching appointments are probationary for a period of two terms. The In addition, the Head of Pre-Prep will be expected to undertake other successful candidate will be an experienced teacher within the pre-prep reasonable duties or requests as directed by the Headmaster years who has had some level of co-ordinating or management experience within education. The capacity and imagination to inspire, guide and General Duties challenge pupils and staff is a key part of the role. We are looking to appoint a person who, in interview and by virtue of their To uphold and enforce school rules and to work in co-operation with qualifications and experience, best demonstrates that he/she: colleagues to promote the high standards of behaviour and concern for others that are part of the School’s tradition and mission has the ability to fulfil the responsibilities of the post with energy, To act in accordance with the Staff Handbook and the Staff Code of enthusiasm and excellence Conduct has strong interpersonal and communication skills To be fully aware of and to implement the School’s policy on Health and has good listening skills and respect for all pupils Safety, both when pupils are in school and when they are engaged in has the ability to explain clearly and has good presentation skills school activities elsewhere has the ability to form relationships with and to motivate all pupils To undertake such other duties which the Headmaster may from has the ability to generate enthusiasm for the work of the Department time-to-time reasonably request and that he/she has the ability to achieve high standards in:
teaching effectively throughout the age and ability range subject knowledge and application classroom management assessment, recording and reporting pupils’ progress
and:
is willing to be involved in the co-curricular life of the School is a team player has a commitment to personal and professional development has a sense of humour
The offer of appointment at Hoe Bridge School is conditional upon the provision of a self-declaration of physical and mental fitness to discharge the responsibilities of the post.
______Closing date: 5.00 pm Thursday 31 October 2019 SALARY & PENSION 1st round of interviews: week beginning Monday 4 November 2019 ______2nd round of interviews: week beginning Monday 11 November 2019
The post commands a competitive salary and benefits package, including Applicants selected for interview will be informed within a week of the closing pension contributions, as well as (where applicable) a generous remission on date for applications. Candidates short-listed for interview will be required school fees. to bring to interview proof of ID, qualifications and their right to work in the UK. The School has its own salary scale. Teachers are entitled to take holiday during the usual Hoe Bridge School holiday periods; holiday cannot be taken during The School is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. To school term time. In addition, the Head of Pre-Prep will be required to work for enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know at varying short periods after the end and before the beginning of any term. application stage if you have any special requirements.
Applications will be considered as they are received and the School reserves ______the right to appoint at any time during the application process.
HOW TO APPLY Hoe Bridge School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare ______of pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any person offered a position will be required to complete an enhanced Candidates are invited to contact the current Head of Pre-Prep, Mrs Linda DBS disclosure. Renfrew, by email or telephone for an informal discussion about the role or the School on 01483 760018 or via email: [email protected]
A letter of application to the Headmaster together with a completed application form should be sent to:
Mrs Sue Christmas, HR Secretary, Hoe Bridge School, Hoe Place, Old Woking Road, Woking, Surrey GU22 8JE.
All electronic applications should be sent to: [email protected]
Hoe Bridge School, Hoe Place, Old Woking Road, Woking, Surrey GU22 8JE 01483 760018 [email protected] www.hoebridgeschool.co.uk