Thomas Deacon Education Trust (TDET) Page 3

PA to Chief Executive Candidate Information Pack

Contents Page

Working for TDET Page 4

Queen Katharine Academy Page 5

Thomas Deacon Academy Page 6

TDET Primary Schools Page 7

Living and Working in Peterborough Page 11

Advert Page 12

Job Description Page 13

Person Specification Page 15

Thomas Deacon Education Trust (TDET)

The Thomas Deacon Education Trust (TDET) is a Multi-Academy Trust that unites and empowers like-minded Academies to achieve the very best for their students and communities. TDET is a dynamic and impactful organisation. In establishing the Trust, we have developed a highly effective, centralised business service as well as an education service which offers partnership work in teaching, learning and leadership. The Trust currently oversees the work of two secondary and three primary schools with two further primary schools in the process of joining the Trust. We also work in formal partnership with an independent Muslim faith girls’ secondary school.

We are unashamedly proud of our links to the city of Peterborough and its surrounding areas. We share the city’s ambitious vision for growth and believe that our Academies and the education of young people need to be at the heart of these plans.

As a Trust, we work across all key phases of education to provide every child in our community with the best life chances and high aspirations. We actively encourage our Academies and teachers to share best practice to benefit all children within the local area.

By focussing on the city of Peterborough and its immediate surroundings, the Trust’s Academies are in close proximity of one another. This close-working partnership and understanding of the local context enables real and meaningful collaboration between our Acadmies, teachers, and students, and with local business leaders.

All members of our Trust – our Academies, members of staff, students and communities – are united in purpose through a set of shared, common values and expectations:

1. Trust – we are honest and supportive 2. Diversity – we celebrate individual differences and needs 3. Excellence – we want the very best and never give up on doing what is right 4. Transformation – we embrace innovation and collaboration

Through experience, we know that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to education. Our Academies are individual members of the Trust community – united by values and purpose, but free to innovate and adapt to the needs of its students and local community within the TDET continuum.

We firmly believe that the Trust as a whole is more than the sum of its parts. Therefore, all of our Academies are equally valued and contribute to the development and direction of the Trust as we grow together. Working for Thomas Deacon Education Trust

What we can offer you:

• Excellent working facilities in a modern and inspirational environment. • Opportunity to work with a dedicated and committed team of professionals. • Excellent salary package. • Outstanding professional development and a high quality induction programme. • Fantastic training/development/CPD opportunities in a friendly supportive environment. • Opportunity for progression across Thomas Deacon Education Trust. • Use of Academy facilities (including a gym and onsite car parking). • Fantastic Nursery with competitive prices (based at QKA). • Enthusiastic and supportive SLT. • Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

Queen Katharine Academy

The Academy building that we know today opened in 2007 as a result of the merger between 2 existing schools and was known as The Voyager Academy. The Academy became part of the CAM Academy Trust in 2010 but was re-brokered to Thomas Deacon Education Trust in January 2017, changing its name to Queen Katharine Academy in September of that year. The name change signified a deep desire to be associated with its local community and to align itself with the admirable values of Katharine of Aragon who is buried in the city’s cathedral.

Whilst a building does not make a school, it is worth noting that the Academy building is a purpose built, modern facility, providing a range of impressive classrooms and multi-use communal spaces with expansive playing fields and sporting facilities.

Moving forward, our vision for the Academy is a simple one: we want every member of our learning community to be the very best that they can be and achieve their full potential as we seek to become an inclusive centre of educational excellence.

We seek to ensure that students receive a broad and balanced education that enables them to achieve their potential and take the appropriate next steps in their lives as valued and confident members of society. We have high expectations of our students in all that they do and this is underpinned by a set of guiding principles focussed around the key concept of respect, ensuring that our Academy is a purposeful, calm and safe place to learn. Similarly, we have high expectations of ourselves and strive to provide high quality support and guidance alongside stimulating and engaging learning experiences.

We are very much committed to working with parents and carers and firmly believe that effective, long-lasting partnerships are crucial in supporting our students to be the best that they can be.

Through high standards in teaching and pastoral care and the many opportunities provided both within the formal curriculum and beyond, our students are prepared for entrance to higher education, high quality employment and the future careers of their choice. Visitors to the Academy often comment on the calm purposeful learning environment which our staff and students create and enjoy. We are committed to providing an excellent education which allows every young person to achieve the best possible set of qualifications.

Equally, we value the importance of developing young people who are positive, confident, self-reflective citizens, fully equipped to take their place in the world. We offer students a range of exciting leadership roles and all learners are encouraged to participate in our excellent enrichment programme, which includes a very successful Combined Cadet Force, a flourishing Duke of Edinburgh programme and extensive extra-curricular opportunities in the sports and arts.

The existing leadership structure sees a Head of School (supported by the Trust’s Director of Secondary Education) leading a team of 1 Vice Principal and 5 Assistant Principals. Thomas Deacon Academy

Thomas Deacon was a wealthy wool merchant and philanthropist born in 1651. After his death the will of Thomas Deacon was shared and bequeathed the profits of several properties and their land to the setting up of a school and schoolhouse in Peterborough for teaching and instructing twenty poor boys to read, write and cast accounts. Between this time and the current day Academy the school started by Thomas Deacon moved to Deacon Street (originally called Crown Street) and then to Queen’s Gardens in 1949. It is this legacy and commitment to the development of education and enrichment of young people’s lives that lives on today in the modern Academy.

The Thomas Deacon Academy that we know today opened in 2007 as one of the UK’s first and largest Academies. Whilst a building does not make a school, it is worth noting that Thomas Deacon Academy was designed by Norman Foster and Partners and in addition to our impressive main Academy our beautiful 43-acre campus includes TDA Juniors - a modern, light and purpose-built Key Stage 2 facility - and expansive playing fields and sporting facilities.

Moving forward, our vision for the Academy is a simple one: we want every member of our learning community to be the very best that they can be and achieve their full potential.

The Academy’s core values of Trust, Discipline and Aspiration define who we are as a community and how we learn together. We believe that every member of our learning community should have the highest expectations and standards, showing trust and discipline in all that we do.

Visitors to the Academy often comment on the calm purposeful learning environment which our staff and students create and enjoy. We are committed to providing an excellent education which allows every young person to achieve the best possible set of qualifications.

In July 2015, TDA received a very positive Ofsted report, judging the Academy to be Good overall. Ofsted commented favourably, amongst other things, on the overall leadership of the Academy, good teaching, positive relationships between staff and students and students’ behaviour. These aspects of the Academy have been maintained alongside the identified areas for development being addressed.

In September 2018 a new extension to the existing main building led to new accommodation being created for a sixth form study centre, refectory expansion and staff professional learning centre.

The existing leadership structure sees an Acting Head of School (supported by the Trust’s Director of Secondary Education) leading a team of 2 Vice Principals and 5 Assistant Principals. The junior phase of the Academy has a separate leader supported by the Trust’s Director of Primary Education. It is envisaged that over time the leadership structure will need to be developed to provide clear and continuous oversight of the whole Academy from Year 3-13. Gladstone Primary Academy

Gladstone Primary Academy is a new school. The academy opened on the 1st February 2017, replacing Gladstone Primary School.

Gladstone Primary Academy is a multicultural primary school near the centre of Peterborough. The school is situated across two sites a few minutes walk apart, one on Gladstone Street (Reception and KS1) and the other on Bourges Boulevard (KS2). Having two sites gives Gladstone Primary Academy excellent facilities, including a 4G pitch, learning centre, a food technology suite, halls and computer rooms.

We are part of Thomas Deacon Education Trust (TDET). This is a local group of schools working together to improve the education, opportunities and life chances of children in Peterborough and the surrounding area. We work closely with other schools and organisations to ensure that our pupils have the best education and experiences.

Belief in the power of learning is the foundation of the high expectations, constant challenge and inspirational teaching that motivates our learners.

The journey that our learners embark upon builds confidence within them and shapes independent, resilient and reflective learners who care for each other, support each other and grow together.

Our pupils mature into skilled learners who can use the power of their learning to embrace diversity, meet the challenges that face them and adopt a “can do” attitude to their daily lives.

The aim of our Academy is to give every student coming through our doors an outstanding education they enjoy, which prepares them for academic success and happy lives. Our Academy is an exciting place to learn and our students work hard and behave well. We are very proud that our children are so friendly, polite and enthusiastic. It is important to us that they enjoy the opportunities on offer here and that they are given the support they need to thrive.

Our Ethos Belief in the power of learning is the foundation of the high expectations, constant challenge and inspirational teaching that motivates our learners. The journey that our learners embark upon builds confidence within them and shapes independent, resilient and reflective learners who care for each other, support each other and grow together. Our pupils mature into skilled learners who can use the power of their learning to embrace diversity, meet the challenges that face them and adopt a “can do” attitude to their daily lives.

GPA Values Growth We can always improve We know we can improve and work towards our goals. We understand that effort makes us better. We can learn anything with dedication and hard work.

Perseverance We keep trying We are always positive and never give up. We do our best, and keep doing it until the end, even if it’s hard. We take pride in our achievements. Aspiration We want the very best We aim high, focus on results and strive to improve. We know what we want to achieve and set ourselves challenging goals. We have the will to succeed.

Admissions There are 120 places in four Reception classes. Most other year groups have a maximum of 90 children. As with all schools, Looked After Children and those with a EHC Plan are given first priority. Children who have older brothers or sisters here are prioritised next for places, then those children who live in the catchment area.

Leadership Leadership is a key function of the Headteacher, Simon Martin, who is responsible for the overall running of the Academy. Simon is responsible for approx. 81 directly employed staff and for creating an outstanding learning environment for approx. 600 pupils. Simon is supported by 2 Assistant Heads of School, Amy Ludman (Head of School – Gladstone Street Site) and Ifrat Jawaid (Head of School – Bourges Boulevard Site) and Assistant Head, Paul Fountain.

Child Protection and Safeguarding Children Thomas Deacon Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all applicants, staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Staff leading recruitment activities are all qualified in Safer Recruitment practices. Shortlisted candidates must be willing to discuss their full employment history and their suitability for working with children at interview. All appointed staff will be required to undertake and complete a full induction and child protection training.

Staff Professional Development Thomas Deacon Education Trust is committed to continuous professional development for all its employees and promotes a learning environment for both employees and students. An internal CPD programme is also provided with allocated time each week for staff development. Such opportunities include leadership development programmes for teaching and associate staff, as well as ICT, data, subject and skills training.

Equal Opportunities Thomas Deacon Education Trust is committed to equal opportunities and fair treatment of its staff and all applicants, on the principle that no one is discriminated against on the basis of his or her actual or perceived race, ethnic or national origin, caste, nationality, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, disability, marital status or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, age, or criminal convictions. All employees and students will be treated and valued equally.

Thomas Deacon Education Trust complies fully with the Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of conviction or other information revealed. Upwood Primary Academy

Location The school is situated just outside the village of Upwood, on the edge of the Upwood ex RAF base which has been sold and reoccupied. It serves the rural communities of Upwood, Raveley and Wistow and draws pupils from outside the catchment area. These villages consist mainly of private dwellings and ex RAF housing adjacent.

The Building Upwood Primary School was built in 1961, for 210 pupils, and is a one-form entry Local Authority primary school.

The school comprises of 7 classes, together with an assembly hall, stage area, library, ICT suite, cooking area, dining room, two offices and staffroom. It is furnished and equipped to a high standard.

The Grounds The grounds are well landscaped. The all-weather bitumen surfaced playground is surrounded by, on one side a sheltered quiet area, and by play equipment provided by the PTA. We are very fortunate to have a large outdoor Foundation area which includes two hobbit houses, and permanent outdoor equipment for children to use, e.g. boulder wall.

There is a walled courtyard, landscaped with trees and shrubs. Behind the inner courtyard is an outdoor heated swimming pool, with a sports field at the back of the school.

School Community The current school roll is 186 pupils. The teaching staff consists of 9 full-time teachers, including the head teacher. All class teachers hold responsibilities for named areas of the curriculum, and manage aspects of school life beyond the curriculum.

The teaching assistants, 10 in total, are well qualified and experienced. The school has a secretary and a financial manager, 5 midday supervisors, cook-in-charge with an assistant, handyperson and 2 cleaners. Staff are very supportive and caring.

Upwood Primary enjoys the support of a very active PTA which organises social and fund raising events. Parents/carers are actively encouraged to be involved in the life of the school, and parent volunteers make a valuable contribution within the classroom. We allow children a term to settle before parents/carers become parent volunteers.

We are fortunate to have a breakfast club, pre-school club and after school club on site called ‘Upwood Small to Tall’ run by an external committee. For more details, please contact the Office Staff.

Links with Other Schools Upwood Primary works closely with other primary schools in the area. Pupils take part in a number of joint events and sports fixtures. Achievements The school was awarded the Basic Skills Quality Mark in 2004 for high standards in Literacy and Numeracy which was successfully renewed for the fourth time in 2013. The school was also awarded the Active Mark in 2008.

The school underwent an OfSTED (Office for Standards in Education) inspection in October 2012. The school was judged ‘Good’ overall and ‘Outstanding’ in Behaviour and Safety. Staff and governors are very proud of this statement and feel this represents the central ethos of the school.

School Website The school website is updated regularly – please visit: http://www.upwood.cambs.sch.uk/

Trust Growth

Thomas Deacon Education Trust is a rapidly expanding Multi-Academy Trust and two further primary schools, Warboys Community Primary School and Welbourne Primary School, will be joining the Trust in the coming months Living and Working in Peterborough

• The majority of schools are rated ‘Good’ or better by OfSTED • Education is firmly at the heart of the City’s development plans • The average price of property offers real choice as to where and how you want to live • Healthcare in Peterborough is forward thinking and innovative • Peterborough has a fast and efficient public transport system

Peterborough is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK. The city is delivering a billion-pound regeneration programme, and boasts unrivalled transport links and exciting plans for growth.

However, Peterborough isn’t all about work, it’s a great place to live and bring up a family too. It boasts one of the highest ratios of green space per person in the UK with beautiful landscapes, country parks and working farmland – and offers an excellent quality of life. In fact, you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city centre, and reach the stunning Ferry Meadows in just five minutes.

Peterborough has a vibrant leisure and culture scene with activities for all the family throughout the year. Theatre, arts, dining out, heritage and music, we’ve got it covered in Peterborough.

On top of this, Peterborough is also one of the most affordable places to live with excellent house prices and one of the lowest council tax levels in the country.

The heart of the city has undergone a £12 million transformation and Cathedral Square is now a buzzing piazza where you can eat, meet or shop. The regeneration has attracted new additions to the city centre such as Argo Lounge, Bill’s Restaurant, Turtle Bay, Puzzles, Wildwood and Nando’s all contributing to the vibrant evening social scene.

The next stage in the city’s billion-pound regeneration scheme continues with plans in place for expansion and refurbishment of the Queensgate Centre and a £100 million redevelopment of the North Westgate area which will include new housing, shops, restaurants and a cinema set around a new public square.

Peterborough’s history stretches back to the Bronze Age. Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Normans all left their marks. Predicted to be the fastest growing English city by 2025 Peterborough continues to attract people from far and wide, creating a diverse and outward looking community.

Just steps away from the bustling square is the splendour of the city’s Cathedral, one of the finest Norman examples in the country. The Cathedral has strong links to our Trust as it is the burial place of Queen Katherine of Aragon and there is a memorial to Thomas Deacon. The Cathedral also has a full programme of musical and cultural events as well as quiet spaces for reflection. Nearby you can visit the home of the ‘rural poet’ John Clare and the Elizabethan grandeur of Burghley House.

Advert

Closing Date: 13 May 2019 Interview Date: 22 May 2019 Start Date: As soon as possible Salary: Actual salary £25,404 (FTE £28,718) Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week / 46 weeks per year (term time plus 3 weeks). Monday to Thursday 8am – 4pm, Friday 8am – 3.30pm Contract type: Part Time (term time plus 3 weeks) / Permanent

We have a fantastic opportunity to appoint a Personal Assistant to provide high-quality PA and administrative support to the Chief Executive and Education Services Leadership Team at Thomas Deacon Education Trust. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional, self-motivated and experienced person to join our dynamic and impactful organisation.

Key responsibilities will include acting as a first point of contact for Business Services, managing the Chief Executive’s diary and preparation of meeting papers, note taking and minute writing for the TDET Board of Trustees, Education Committee and any other meetings as required.

The role will require a high level of accuracy and attention to detail whilst working efficiently and confidentially at all times. Working with initiative to make decisions will be key to this role, as well as the ability to take and transcribe minutes of meetings with a quick turnaround and building effective rapport with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

To be successful in this role you must have a minimum of three years experience of working as a PA, be able to work flexibly to meet the needs on the Trust and have excellent knowledge and use of grammar and spelling.

TDET are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Trust will require the successful candidate to provide satisfactory references and undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Job Description

Job Title PA to Chief Executive Academy/Trust Thomas Deacon Education Trust Reports to Chief Executive Line Management of None Working Hours & Pattern 37 hours per week / 46 weeks per year (term time plus 3 weeks). Monday to Thursday 8am – 4pm, Friday 8am – 3.30pm

Salary / Grade TD32 Date Last Evaluated April 2019 Core Purpose Provide professional PA and general administrative support to the Chief Executive and wider Education Services Leadership Team enabling them to be successful in leading and developing the work within Thomas Deacon Education Trust.

To work closely with the PA to the Director of Resources in delivering a comprehensive PA and administrative solution for TDET, in particular within the Head Office environment.

To play an active part in the Education Services Leadership Team, contributing to policy and strategy as required to ensure administrative standards continue to improve across the Education Services team and the Trust as a whole.

Key Responsibilities

 Provide timely and effective operation of secretarial and administrative support to the Chief Executive and Educational Services Leadership Team.  To act as a first point of contact for Business Services, dealing with correspondence and phone calls.  Manage the Chief Executive’s electronic diary, assessing priority of appointments and reallocation as necessary.  Use own initiative to deal with telephone calls and correspondence on behalf of the Chief Executive.  Advise the Chief Executive of impending work deadlines for both internal and external commitments, eg reports, presentations, conferences, projects.  Maintain the Chief Executive’s office systems, including data management and providing a confidential and efficient filing system.  Take decisions on day-to-day operational matters within agreed guidelines of policies and procedures.  Produce letters, documents, reports and other documents as required.  Provide secretarial and administrative support, including preparation of meeting papers, note taking and minute writing for the TDET Board of Trustees, Education Committee and any other meetings as required.  Manage the booking of event and associated hospitality at TDET Head Office as required.  Maintain good relationships with staff, parents, Academy Committee Chairs, contractors, partner organisations and representatives, external agencies and other stakeholders in order to promote the objectives of TDET.  Co-ordinate and arrange any travel requirements for the Chief Executive and the Educational Services Team.  Provide a role model of effective, efficient administrative support for the rest of the organisation, upholding the very highest professional standards.  Act as the lead in developing the TDET PA network and provide additional support to other TDET Pas as required  Liaise with other Pas across the Trust, participating fully in the Trust-wide PA meetings and contributing to building the Thomas Deacon Education Trust service culture and team ethos.  Oversee and maintain the Academy Committee training programme ensuring it continues to meet the expected standards in Department for Education and Ofsted requirements.  Ensure the Education Services Team receive adequate support to meet operational objectives.

Trust Responsibilities:

In addition to the specific responsibilities of this post, every member of staff at the Trust will commit to:

 Providing a courteous and efficient service at all times  Using their influence with other staff and students to promote high standards of behaviour and order within the Trust  Working to maintain the Trust at the forefront of educational practice  Fostering and sustaining a culture of leadership and creativity within all aspects of the Trust’s operation  Promote the safeguarding of all learners  Make arrangements for, and organise, the Annual Trust Conference and the Annual Leadership Conference.  Regularly check local press for relevant articles and advise the Chief Executive and other interested parties of relevant articles  Provide support to the Chief Executive in key Trust and public events.

General Responsibilities  Comply with any reasonable request from a manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.  Promote a flexible approach to meet the changing needs of the Trust.  Create and maintain positive and supportive relationships with staff, parents, business, community and other stakeholders.  Be aware of the School’s duty of care in relation to staff, students and visitors and to comply with all health and safety policies at all times.  To engage with appropriate training opportunities to promote professional effectiveness in this role.  Participate in the ongoing development, implementation and monitoring of the Trust and Academy Improvement Plans.  To treat all information acquired through employment, both formally and informally, in strict confidence.  To be aware of the school's responsibilities under the General Data Protection regulations (GDPR) for the security, accuracy and relevance of personal data held on such systems and ensure that all processes comply with this.  Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, reporting all concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.  Be aware of and comply with the codes of conduct, regulations and policies of the Trust and Academy and its commitment to equal opportunities.

The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present. It cannot be read as an exhaustive list of duties and may be altered at any time with Academy approval.

Note: Every job description in the organisation will be subject to a review either:

 On an annual basis at the time of the annual appraisal meeting, or  As a result of a change in strategic direction, or  As a result of a team/operational requirements, or

It is the shared responsibility of the post holder and their manager to ensure that the job description is kept up to date. Person Specification

Attribute Essential or Assessment Desirable Qualifications GCSE Maths and English A* - C (or equivalent) E A A-Level degree. D A Administration qualification D A Knowledge and Understanding A high degree of inter-personal awareness, including initiative, E A/T diplomacy, discretion and a professional approach Excellent numeracy skills D A/T Excellent administrative and organisational skills E A/I Excellent written and oral communication skills E A/I/T High computer literacy with experience using Microsoft Office E A/I/T including Word (advanced), Excel (intermediate), PowerPoint (intermediate), and Outlook (advanced) Willingness and ability to learn and operate new IT systems and D A databases Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines E A/T Skills and Abilities Ability to work under the direction of the CE and to follow E A/T instructions as appropriate Ability to demonstrate flexibility- to deal with changing priorities E A/I and/or deadlines Ability to problem-solve and be creative when approaching E A/I/R challenges Ability to maintain effective relationships and liaise with different E A/I/R members of staff including the CE, TDET staff, Trustees, Academy Committee members and external networks. Committed to TDET ethos and direction E A/I Ability to exercise sound judgment, especially relating to E A/I confidentiality and discretion Ability to take ownership of tasks, work with minimal supervision E A/I and take responsibility for dealing with some matters in the appropriate manner. The ability to write accurately, clearly and concisely and to E A/I/T produce and maintain documents and systems Experience Previous experience in a Personal Assistant or secretarial role at a E A/I senior level (3 years minimum) Minute taking experience E A/I Typing speed of 60 wpm D A/I Personal Commitment Demonstrate and adhere to TDET Core Values. E A/I Commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace. E A Adhere to GDPR guidelines and the Trust’s internal procedures. E A Adhere to the TDET’s Safeguarding and Prevent policy and procedures. E A/I Adhere to TDET’s Health and Safety policy and procedures. E A

Assessment methods A – Application I – Interview T – Task/Activity L – Lesson Observation R – References