MERSEA ISLAND SCHOOL MERSEA ISLAND NURSERY & WRAP AROUND CHILDCARE

Barfield Road, , , . C05 8QX

Tel: 01206 382736 Email: [email protected] Fax: 01206 384362 Website: www.merseaschool.org

Head Teacher: Miss N Sirett Bursar: Mrs. L. Cook Deputy Head Teacher: Mrs. T. Wright

Early Years teaching assistant

The School

Mersea Island School currently has 441 pupils aged 4-11, and a nursery for up to 52 children aged 2-4. It is the only school on the island, serving a closely knit community. The school is located on Mersea Island, off the coast of Essex and close to Colchester. The area surrounding the school in the town of West Mersea is semi-rural. The island is famous for its cultivation and traditional fishing boats, and has a history of sailing. Pupils derive from a very mixed social background, and many of the pupils have parents and grandparents who attended the school.

The school opened in 1871 on its current site, but has expanded over the years and now sits in 5.5 acres. The accommodation is across seven buildings and includes a new hall, kitchen, reception area, staffroom and offices. We completed a major building project funded through the primary capital programme in 2011, to build two new classrooms and refurbish a further six in order to accommodate our rising pupils on roll in modern, spacious classrooms.

Mersea Island School is a nurturing school that promotes high standards for pupils and staff. Our curriculum is set in the context of the island as a rich learning resource and is continually evolving and developing. The children come from a wide background and range of life experiences, but are all encouraged to be confident and articulate. There are a good range of clubs and activities beyond the school day.

Mersea Island School has a good reputation with local people and has established links with a variety of community organisations and businesses, including sailing clubs, leisure parks, the RNLI, the Rotary Club, the Lions Club, the town council, local museums and the library. It runs several events open to the community, and local sporting groups use its facilities. The school is a prominent feature of island life and is the largest employer on the island.

The staff

The school has 2 classes in most year groups and staff collaborate on planning and sharing expertise. Some year groups have more than 60 children, so there are additional classes in these year groups. Teaching staff include experienced teachers and those in their first few years of teaching. They are ably supported by a team of teaching assistants. Higher level teaching assistants provide the majority of cover throughout the school. The staff are a close-knit and supportive team who work collaboratively to ensure the best learning opportunities for the children.

The leadership team includes 4 phase leaders who direct and co-ordinate the work of year group teams. The phase leader is responsible for the curriculum and pastoral care of the pupils in their phase. They are also accountable for attainment and progress of the pupils. There is also an inclusion manager. The deputy head does not have a class responsibility.

The role

The position of early years teaching assistant has become available due to the promotion of the current post holder. Early years is an area of strength in the school. Pupils achieve well and have an excellent start to their school careers. The double class base in early years is quite separate from the rest of the school which allows the curriculum and timetable to be tailored closely to the needs of the pupils. The school makes good use of the local environment for early learning, including being a ‘Beach School’.

The team in early years comprises 2 class teachers, early years teaching assistant and support staff who work with pupils with additional needs. Every member of staff contributes to planning and assessment through observation and discussion. The early years teaching assistant will have key children to work with and will be expected to plan and lead activities, build excellent relationships with parents and guide and support other teaching assistants in the setting.

Pupils usually settle very quickly in early years. Many children attend the nursery attached to the school, but we also work closely with other pre-school providers on the island. Outcomes are above national average for early years pupils and children continue to make very good progress through year 1. Staff work together closely with regular team meetings. They are a reflective and proactive team, who are happy to adapt their practice to meet the needs of every pupil and constantly reflect to evaluate their practice.

The school’s priorities

The school’s curriculum themes are planned collaboratively and staff teams share ideas and resources. Our thematic approach is underpinned with key texts being set for each term and a strong emphasis on a clear teaching sequence, based on Chris Quigley’s ‘milestones’. We also use Assertive Mentoring to ensure a consistent approach and expectations in behaviour, attitudes and next step learning across the school. The school is a ‘Beach School’ (linked to Forest Schools).

Attainment is generally at or above national average. The school was judged by OFSTED

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as requiring improvement in May 2014 and the leadership team and governors aim for the school to be re-inspected in the near future and to achieve a good grading. There is therefore a strong emphasis on raising outcomes further for all pupils, based on relevant and engaging learning activities, underpinned by a clear learning sequence and analysis of data to identify and address weaknesses. KRM is used as a systematic phonics scheme and training is available for new staff.

The successful candidate will join a dedicated team. This is an exciting time to join the school as we continue to develop the curriculum and strive to be good and outstanding in all areas of the school’s work.

Visits to the school are encouraged by appointment.

If you require any further information please contact Sharon Jay at the above address or e-mail [email protected]

Closing date: midday: 7 th July

Interview date: 11 th July

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