Blanche Nevile School Headteacher recruitment pack

Burlington Road • • London • N10 1NJ Blanche Nevile School

Contents

Letter from the Chair of Governors 3

History of Blanche Nevile 4

Mission Statement 5

Challenges for the School 6

Children Quotes 7

Testimonials 8

Staffing Structure 9

Key Facts and Statistics 10

Advert 11

Job Description 12

Person Specification 14

School Location 16

How to Apply 17

2 Blanche Nevile School

Welcome from the Chair of governors

Alongside our specialist teaching, we work closely with our partners to offer mainstream inclusion opportunities so that our children benefit from playing, learning and excelling alongside their hearing peers.

While we are based in north London, in practice we are a regional provision. Around one third of our intake live in Haringey whilst the remainder come from 12 other London boroughs. Our intake is ethnically diverse and many families speak a language other than English at home. Our exams analysis for 2016 shows that the vast majority of pupils make progress in the upper level quartile against their starting points in Year 7.

Dear candidate, Around a quarter of our pupils already benefit from a cochlear implant, which gives them greater Thank you for considering Blanche Nevile School! access to spoken language. But the profile of the school is changing even further, reflecting improved Blanche Nevile is a unique provision for children implant technology and national trends in multiple with hearing loss, aged 3-16, situated in the heart special needs. A growing number of pupils have of north London. The school is currently rated additional needs, such as Autism, Global Delay, as ‘Good’ (October 2012); we are now Visual Impairment and physical needs. seeking a leader to make us truly outstanding. We are seeking a leader to work with a re-energised At Blanche Nevile we aim to offer our children ‘the governing body, who can develop a shared vision best of both worlds’. We approach this in two ways: for the school as it grows and develops.

• We are a bi-lingual school where British Sign I would be delighted for you to visit the school, to Language is taught to all pupils and used to deliver meet our wonderful children and talented and the curriculum alongside English, as well as to staff committed staff. and parents, including those from our partner schools. I look forward to meeting you.

• We are co-located with two excellent mainstream schools. Our primary department is in Highgate, and shares a building with Highgate . Our secondary department is less Jonathan Duff than a mile away in Muswell Hill, in a dedicated Chair of governors building on the same site as .

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History of Blanche Nevile

Our founder, Blanche Nevile, was born on 16th February 1871. Blanche was the youngest of 13 children. Blanche lived in Tottenham and became a Teacher of the Deaf at 23 years old. This was the start of a remarkable career with a far-reaching impact on how deaf children would learn to communicate and actively participate in their community.

Blanche Nevile started the school for deaf children on 14th January 1895 and worked at the school for 30 years.

Blanche Nevile was not only an exceptional teacher and formidable headteacher, she studied new methods of teaching, travelled widely and, through her work with Manchester Leeds University, was involved in training and inspiring a new generation of Teachers of the Deaf.

Our school, which she established, has an unbroken tradition of leadership in standards, in communication techniques and in caring for and valuing every child.

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Mission Statement

At Blanche Nevile School the child is at the centre of our philosophy to create a safe, positive and effective learning environment in which all members of our community are respected. We have high expectations of children’s social, emotional and academic development. We believe that effective communication, praise, celebration of success and quality teaching and learning will enable each individual to reach their full potential.

Developing Sign Bilingual and Bicultural Education for Deaf Children.

Aims for our children:

• Develop fluency of language (English and/or British Sign Language) • Develop Proficiency in Literacy (English) • Ensure high expectations of each pupil to enable them to reach their potential in all areas of their development • Develop a positive self image and identity • Develop emotional understanding, resilience and awareness • Develop social communication skills with deaf and hearing peers and adults • Celebrate and value all successes

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Challenges for the school

The Key Development Priorities for 2016-2019, as set out in our School Development Plan, are as follows:

• Balance the budget • Develop consistently outstanding teaching and learning across the whole school • Assess all pupils accurately without levels and ensure challenging targets so that every child can achieve their true potential • Further develop and diversify the curriculum to meet all pupil needs • Further develop and strengthen the partnerships with both Highgate Primary and Fortismere Schools to enable our pupils to benefit from ‘the best of both worlds’ • Develop Post-16 provision at Blanche Nevile School to meet the needs of students with AEN • Further develop new ways of recruiting and succession planning, making use of social media • Further strengthen Safeguarding policies and practice, including the embedding of British Values, the Prevent Strategy and e-Safety, all within the Social Moral Spiritual and Cultural framework

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What our children like about the school

In pupil surveys, children were asked what they liked about the school .

Here are some of their responses:

“I like talking to my friends”

“I like the staff”

“I like learning new things and learning more BSL”

“I like learning about being Deaf”

‘PE is very enjoyableis fun’ and BSL

“I like the people in the school”

“I like all deaf together”

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Testimonials from Parents and Professionals

Here are some of the responses from Here are some comments from our parents following parent surveys: Open Day for Professionals, November 2016:

- “Always excellent in all aspects” - “Fantastic day. It was lovely to see the children so confident and obviously - “I commend the staff ability to enjoying their work and learning so much.” recognise individual student needs and the way they are - “It has been great to see how you work in an integrated way across specialisms addressed” and year groups. It will provide a positive - “Very pleased with the school” blueprint for adapting how we work in the community.” - “I am happy with my child’s progress. She enjoys coming to - “Absolutely loved seeing the BSL story school every day and enjoys the sessions what young, yet confident, deaf work” children! Great to see BSL being valued as an essential part of the deaf culture.”

-“Brilliant to see gold standard communications and learning environments where children obviously flourish. Lots of ideas to take forward and to think about it.“

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Staff Structure

HEADTEACHER

Secondary School Primary HSL Deputy Business Senior CSW Audiologist Deputy Officer Headteacher Manager Headteacher

Admin CSW’s Senior Teachers Primary & Primary & Senior Teachers Secondary Secondary

Teaching Staff Teaching Staff

Secondary Primary Schools Meals Schools Meals Supervisory Supervisory Assistants Assistants

Secondary Primary Learning Learning Support Support Assistants Assistants

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Key Facts and Statistics

Type of school Community Special School

Age range 3-19 (currently no sixth form)

Location Burlington Road, Muswell Hill, London, N10 1NJ School website www.blanchenevile.org.uk

Denomination None

Budget £2,533,239 income for 2016/17

Number of children 68

Attendance 91.35% Primary, 91.59% Secondary

Total number of staff 52

Number of teaching staff 16

Number of education support 32 staff % of children on FSM 47%

% of children with SEN 100%

% of children with EAL 57%

KS1 Progress 40% of pupils made expected or above ex- pected progress KS2 Progress 88% of pupils made expected or above ex- pected progress KS3 Progress 87% of pupils made expected or above ex- pected progress KS4 Attainment 64% of GCSE entries Grade C or above 77% of Entry Level Certificate Grade Level 3 Does the school have a nursery Yes - Early years foundation stage

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Advert Blanche Nevile Special School For more information on our school, please visit: www.blanchenevile.org.uk London Borough of Haringey School Group: 4 We would warmly welcome you for a visit to the Salary: L24 – L27 (£76,017 - £81,249) per annum school. Please contact Deborah Lissowski, the Salary negotiable for outstanding candidate. school Business Manager, on 020 8442 2750 to make an appointment. Blanche Nevile is a unique provision for children with hearing loss, aged 3-16, situated in the heart Closing date: Midday Monday 27th February 2017 of north London and co-located with two excellent mainstream schools. We are a bi-lingual school Applicants will be advised of the selection date after where British Sign Language is taught and used shortlisting has taken place. alongside spoken English. Blanche Nevile is a Haringey maintained school. To apply, please go to the following website www.islington.gov.uk and follow the jobs link. If We are seeking a leader to make us truly outstanding; you require any assistance, please contact the a leader with: Schools’ HR Team on • A passion for and commitment [email protected]. to the very best outcomes for children • A strong commitment to school improvement Blanche Nevile School is committed to safeguarding • The ability to collaborate and build partnerships and promoting the welfare of children and young • Capacity to inspire and motivate people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced • The vision to take the school from good to DBS disclosure. Also, this post is likely to come under outstanding the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations and the successful applicant will be In return, Blanche Nevile School can offer you: required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations. • A rewarding opportunity to lead a unique, regional provision for children and young people with hearing loss • A fantastic group of pupils • A partnerships with two mainstream schools, co-located with Blanche Nevile • An enthusiastic governing body, who are committed to taking the school forward • A motivated and highly-skilled staff team • Significant opportunities to develop the school further, including post-16 • A north-London location in Highgate and Muswell Hill

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Job Description An inspirational leader, committed • Recruit pupils/students and staff, ensure the statutory requirements, the decisions of to the highest achievement for all. the Governing Body and the needs of the pupils/students, their parents/carers and the Purpose of the post community are met • Manage the school effectively and ensure Provide the professional leadership of the the successful and timely implementation of school to achieve outstanding success. developmental initiatives • Work in harmony with governors, other local Key responsibility areas schools the local authority and other partners as appropriate • Strategic leadership and management • Ensure compliance with legislation and • Leadership and management of pupils’/ Haringey policies students’ attainment and progress • Promote equality, diversity and inclusion • Leadership and management of staff • Leadership and management of the Teaching, learning and pupils/students curriculum • Leadership of learning and teaching and The headteacher will: attitudes to learning • Meet the requirements of the National ` Curriculum • Strategic leadership of safeguarding and • Provide a motivational, broad and relevant child protection curriculum underpinned by e-learning • Financial and resources leadership and technologies management • Ensure pupils/students receive learning and • Management and control of risk support in compliance with their statements or • Management of resources and premises Education, Health and Care Plans • Leadership and management of the • Ensure that the curriculum appropriately school within its community matches the diverse and individual needs of all pupils/students Strategic direction and development • Achieve a sense of harmony through the effective management of pupil/student The headteacher will: behaviour and attitudes to learning • Develop and communicate a clear strategic • Involve pupils/students in the decision-making vision in close collaboration with governors processes in the school by developing policies and stakeholders and practices that treat pupils/students as • Motivate and empower others to carry the partners in the learning process vision and values of the school forward • Lead and manage pastoral care, pupil/student • Implement, manage and resource school welfare, safeguarding (including e-safety) and policies consistent with LA and government anti-bullying procedures effectively guidelines 12 Blanche Nevile School

Job Description continued • Maintain effective assessment, recording and Accountability reporting systems of pupil/student progress, ensuring evidence is appropriate for The headteacher will: supporting improvements and for Ofsted • Work collaboratively with the Chair of the • Maintain high expectations for pupil/student Governing Body and those of sub-committees achievement especially where there is social as appropriate deprivation • Secure a positive working relationship with the • Monitor and evaluate the curriculum for both Governing Body quality and value for money • Provide information, objective advice and • Ensure high levels of consistent pupil/student support to the local authority to enable it to attendance to promote high achievement meet its statutory responsibilities • Promote the school’s commitment to child • Present a coherent and accurate account protection and safeguarding of the school’s performance in a form appropriate to a range of audiences, Leading and managing staff including parents/carers and pupils/students • Ensure that parents/carers and pupils/students The headteacher will: are well informed about curriculum • Lead on the recruitment and selection of achievement and progress and are able to teaching and support staff understand targets for improvement • Exercise effective staff management, lead • Develop and encourage good relations and motivate others and generate effective between the school, our partner schools working relationships at all levels Highgate Primary and Fortismere School, and • Optimise the contribution of all staff to ensure the wider local community excellent quality of education and learning, • Work closely with other schools in the local to improve the quality of education authority and beyond • Manage performance and lead on appraisal, • Work with other schools and partners, locally, utilising all staff by ensuring their professional nationally and internationally, as appropriate. development, including in new methods of teaching and assessment The duties of the Headteacher include those outlined • Create and maintain good working in the Conditions of Employment of Headteachers published within the School Teachers Pay and Condi- relationships among all members of the school tions Document. community • Promote the Blanche Nevile ethos in which The Headteacher shall also be subject to the expec- the highest achievements are expected tations set out in the National Standards of excellence from all members of the school community for headteachers.

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Person Specification Qualifications Knowledge

1. Qualified Teacher Status 10. Knowledge and experience of current Teaching experience good practice and developments in special education, including Ofsted frameworks and 2. Substantial and recent experience of teaching requirements pupils/students with special needs, including 11. Understanding of new approaches to hearing loss, to a high standard assessment and how pupil/student progress can be effectively demonstrated following Professional skills the removal of National Curriculum levels 12. Knowledge of successful practice in relation 3. Proven ability to demonstrate and lead to the teaching of and pastoral support for outstanding classroom practice, including pupils/students with hearing loss innovative curriculum development 13. Knowledge of current best practice and 4. Proven ability to use assessment effectively to initiatives in relation to Safeguarding inform pupil/student progress and to analyse and Child Protection data to help the target setting process 14. Commitment to own continuing professional 5. Evidence of successful inter-agency and multi-agency partnership working, including with parents/carers Leadership and management

6. Evidence of successful and recent experience in a senior leadership and management role in a school setting 7. Proven ability in building and leading a staff team, including a dynamic Senior Leadership Team, and the continuous development of staff – including professional training where required 8. Evidence of effective delegation and distribution of leadership to staff and effective follow-up to ensure tasks are completed to a high standard and tackle staff under- performance where appropriate 9. Evidence of a proven ability to manage school finances effectively, set and stick to a budget and make informed choices between competing priorities, in discussion and agreement with governors. 14 Blanche Nevile School

Person Specification continued

Personal skills

15. Develop and communicate a clear strategic vision for school improvement allied to a well- articulated plan of action 16. Generate enthusiasm for new ideas in both pupils/students and staff, and inspire others with confidence and professional autonomy 17. Communicate effectively to a range of different audiences, orally and in writing 18. Ability to demonstrate flexibility in conflict resolution and problem solving 19. Prioritise effectively and manage a varied and complex workload to a high standard.

Philosophy

20. Expectation of high achievement for all pupils/students, regardless of ability, need or starting points 21. Evidence of understanding and commitment to equality of opportunity and diversity 22. Commitment to parent/carer partnership in education and pastoral support and

Desirable, but could be gained after appointment:

1. Teacher of the Deaf 2. An advanced qualification in the education of pupils with additional and/or complex needs 3. NPQSL and/or NPQH 4. Experience of working with children with physical disabilities including profound and multiple learning difficulties and autism 5. Evidence of innovative and creative work with parents and carers 6. Recent experience of Ofsted inspections and/or monitoring visits

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How to find us:

The Blanche Nevile Primary Department is based on the site of Highgate Primary School. The address for the Primary Department is Storey Road, North Hill, London, N6 4ED. The Blanche Nevile Secondary Department is based on the site of Fortismere (between North and South Wings). The address for the Secondary Department is Burlington Road, Muswell Hill, London N10 1NJ.

Secondary Department Primary Department

Nearest Tube: Best parking: Highgate, Northern Line (for Primary) Gaskell Road (behind the school). , Northern Line (for Secondary) - about 15 minutes’ walk or a 5-minute bus ride on the 102 or 234 bus Entry via Kenwood Road (Storey Road one way onto North Hill) Muswell Hill Broadway is also served by various buses: 144 bus from Edmonton Green, 134 from Disabled Access: North Finchley to Tottenham Court Rd Station, 43 There is a no step entrance. There is a lift and a from Friern Barnet to London Bridge, 234 from Barnet disabled toilet to Highgate Wood and 102 from Edmonton Green to Brent Cross (these last 2 buses go through Fortis Green Road).

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How to apply:

Application Deadline Selection procedure Completed application forms must be received by The selection will be by a panel of Governors. Midday, Monday 27th February 2017 Candidates will be notified immediately after this has taken place. Please would all applicants Please apply online via www.islington.gov.uk, fol- ensure that their preferred means of urgent contact lowing the jobs link. If you would like assistance, (phone, mobile phone, e-mail or fax) are clearly please contact the Schools’ HR team on identifiable from the application form, so that your [email protected]. confidentiality is maintained.

Please note that application forms should not be Applicants will be notified of the selection day after returned to the school. shortlisting has taken place. Shortlisted candidates will be given more details. Completing your application Candidates are asked to complete all the standard References information required on the application form, and Candidates are advised that references will be tak- to submit a supporting statement, addressing all of en up immediately after shortlisting. Candidates are the criteria identified at application stage. asked to ensure that their referees are warned of the need to respond within the timescale set. In all When preparing your personal statement, please cases at least one professional reference is required. provide no more than 2 sides of A4 and ensure that you: For candidates who are already Headteachers, it is • Set out why you are the right person to lead expected that their professional referee will be the Blanche Nevile School Director of Education or equivalent. • Evidence your skills and experience • Set out how your skills will enable you to address The post will be offered subject to satisfactory the challenges ahead for Blanche Nevile School completion of pre-employment checks. and make the most of the opportunities. Safeguarding children Visits Prior to appointment, formal checks will be made in We would warmly welcome you for a visit to the accordance with the current statutory requirements school. Please contact Deborah Lissowski, the relating to child protection. school Business Manager, on 020 8442 2750 to make an appointment.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role you can speak to Islington Schools’ HR or the Chair of Governors. Please contact 020 7527 2875 to arrange.

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Burlington Road • Muswell Hill • London • N10 1NJ