Bathwick St. Mary VA C of E Primary School Headteacher Application Pack Our new headteacher

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with flair to lead this outstanding Church of school. That someone will be an inspirational individual who is able to drive forward the learning achievement of the school whilst ensuring that our caring and inclusive environment, based upon Christian values, is happily supported. Bathwick St. Mary VA C of E Primary School is a wonderful school where every member of our school community is special and valued and every child is encouraged to have an understanding of their responsibility to value and respect everyone’s rights and beliefs both within school and beyond. Children are at the heart of all we do and our vision is to make sure that every child can become the best they can be.

The pupils, staff, governors and parents are We can offer: A 20 minute walk from Bath Spa railway looking for someone who will: station to our school would involve passing • happy, bright, well balanced and by Bath Abbey, walking over • embrace the opportunities available enthusiastic children; with views to Bath Rugby, down Great including the forthcoming expansion of the Pulteney Street to the , past • a caring, supportive environment between school; Bath’s oldest park, Sydney Gardens, and over staff and children; the Kennet and Avon Canal. • work with the school Governors as we • dedicated and experienced staff; make the successful transition towards Bathwick itself is a very attractive part of Bath becoming part of a Multi-Academy Trust; • supportive governors and parents; with city and countryside in close contact. Bathwick St. Mary School and the Church of • have a background in teaching and also • strong links with the local church. St. Mary are integral to the local community. a proven track record in leadership and managerial ability; Bathwick St. Mary is privileged to be located Applicants are invited to note that the deadline in the World Heritage City of Bath. It is a truly for completed applications is Thursday, 28 • have the enthusiasm and vision to work stunning city boasting enviable historical April 2016 at 5:00pm and interviews will take with our core Christian values and engage riches but also all the trappings of modern place Tuesday, 24 May and Wednesday, 25 with the local church; city life. May 2016. • enhance the special nature of our school.

Safeguarding statement We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We follow safer recruitment practices and appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

2 A word from the Chair of Governors

Thank you for the interest you have shown for adjacent for a school building. Headship of this school. the new Headship of our school. The school is, and has been for some years, • Your experience and skills which would I enclose information about the school and oversubscribed with the majority of children equip you for this role. the local community which I hope may assist attending from the local community. you to proceed with your Application. • Your online application form and Due to current DfE initiatives the school along accompanying letter should be returned The opportunity has arisen following the with others in the area is currently consulting to us at the school address as outlined in current Head Teacher’s notice of early on the Multi Academy issue and would the Application Process information at the retirement. Mr Kevin Burnett will be leaving welcome the participation of the appointed end of this document by 5.00 pm on 28 the school after sixteen years of inspirational Head Teacher in this important process. April 2016. service. The Governing Body is seeking to appoint a Listing of candidates for interview will take On taking up post the new Head Teacher Head Teacher who will build on current good place on 9 May and interviews will be held will be working closely with the Governing practice and also bring a fresh perspective. on the 24 May at school and 25 May at St. Body, staff, Local Authority and the Diocese As a church school we are very much at the Mary’s Church, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4EB. of Bath and Wells in addressing the school’s heart of the local community and the new key priorities which include the potential Head Teacher will have the opportunity to If you are invited for interview you will be school expansion as quoted in the Bath and enhance and extend the potentially new informed on 10 May and your referees will North East Council Primary and links beyond the school boundaries while then be sent a reference request. Secondary Organisation Plan 2015 to 2019: leading and developing our enthusiastic and I would like to thank you again for your ‘’It is planned to expand Bathwick St Mary experienced staff team. interest in the post and look forward to Primary C of E School to accommodate receiving your application. pupils generated by the MoD Warminster Included in this online Brochure is information which provides more details about the role Road development and for other smaller Yours sincerely, developments in the Bath North East and candidates are invited to informally visit Planning Area.’’ the school and meet the pupils.

The potential school expansion arises from When writing your letter of application, the development of land adjacent to the please address the priorities described in the school. The land has planning permission for information pack. Also please include: about 220 units of mixed housing. Planning • Your reasons for applying for the consent includes an agreed area of land Keith J Moss, Chair of Governors

3 Our school vision

‘BSM is an outstanding church school with a We have a pastoral system that listens to We aim to prepare children for positive very strong Christian ethos which permeates pupils and provides them with responsibility participation in the world community and we all aspects of school life.’(SIAMS 2014) for themselves and others. We foster good provide the attitudes and behaviours of an citizenship – accepting others and being a effective learner. We encourage children to Bathwick St. Mary VA C of E Primary School good friend. The older children are proud embrace a love of learning. is a wonderful school that promotes a caring, to be Blue Hats and Buddies, helping the supportive and secure environment based younger children and staff at playtimes. The needs of all pupil groups are consistently upon Christian values; through which children met in very well planned lessons that are can grow both as individuals and learners. The Christian ethos of our school is visible in presented to pupils in highly motivated, cross our day to day school life enhanced through curricular contexts that challenge thinking. We take, as our starting point, the Christian strong connections with our Parish church. Teachers make their expectations of effective Foundation - a love of God and neighbour. At Each class has a reflection area and our learning behaviours explicit so that the pupils the heart of that foundation is a commitment Spiritual Garden (situated in our Conservation understand themselves as learners and take to care and a belief that everyone is created area), is a place for children to reflect, learn and responsibility for their own progress. We in the image of God and is loved by him. In find peace. Within RE, Collective Worship and promote a positive learning culture where this way, we recognise that every member of PSHCE, children are encouraged to explore targets are used to recognise achievement our school community is special and valued what part ‘spirituality’ plays in their lives. and support development. irrespective of gender, race, disability, religion or any other protected characteristic.

We expect every child to have an understanding of their responsibility to value ‘The fundamentals are quickly and thoroughly learned’ and respect everyone’s rights and beliefs both within school, the community and the Parent wider world. The children support both local charities and those further afield, often responding with fund-raising activities to ‘Bathwick St. Mary’s feels more like family than a moments of need. Children are at the heart of all we do and our school will be a place where school. The headmaster and staff are supportive and every child strives to be the best they can be. we feel our three children are well looked after in a In support and promotion of this vision, the adults nurture and celebrate each child’s nurturing and loving environment. We couldn’t ask for a personality, talents and abilities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to shine. better school’ Parent

4 We are proud of our Arts, International and Eco weeks where children sample a wide ‘Much of the teaching is inspirational and this is range of themed activities – sometimes characterised by very high expectations of the pupils working with other year groups. In Y4/5 and 6 the children attend a residential - (The who respond to challenging tasks with enthusiasm and Magdalen project, Dean Field and the Isle of Wight). These opportunities challenge the make excellent progress’ Ofsted children to learn within teams and develop the whole child. The children in Y4 say ‘The Magdalen project was amazing. It was nerve racking and challenging but exciting for all’.

Our Basic Skills/Arts/ICT/Healthy Schools/ We are indebted to the excellent work that Children’s Charter and Active marks the parents of the PTA do; working tirelessly recognise the excellent work we do to ensure raising money for additional equipment and that all our pupils have an enriched, broad and opportunities for our children. balanced education. OFSTED (2009) says: We continue to work with other primary ‘Much of the teaching is inspirational and this schools within the South Bath cluster is characterised by very high expectations of and are developing various collaborative the pupils who respond well to challenging arrangements. We are currently liaising with targets making excellent progress’. Parent the LA and the Diocese about a possible SDP responses say: ‘The most extraordinary school expansion. standards are strived for and achieved. The fundamentals are quickly grasped and More information about our school can be thoroughly learned’. found on our school website (www.bathwickstmary.org) In addition to our rich curriculum, teachers, local specialists and parents offer a wide School Trust range of extra – curricular activities. The school has a strong sporting and musical The school has a Trust Fund and the income culture and children regularly participate in from it can be accessed following a formal tournaments and perform at both school and procedure which is considered by the Trust public events. Fund Committee which meets 3 times a year.

5 6 7 Person specification

The following is a summary of some of the main attributes that the Governing Body would wish to see in the successful candidate for Headteacher. Generic qualifications, knowledge, experience, skills and qualities needed to fulfil this role are set out in “National Standards for Headteachers” (DfES/0083/2004) to which candidates should refer.

Qualifications and experience Strategic direction and shaping the future Managing the organisation • Qualified teacher status (QTS) • Endeavour to maintain the special nature • Uses strong and effective management of our school systems, including performance • Significant leadership experience in the management primary sector i.e. Current Headship or • Able to think strategically and to build and Deputy or Assistant or equivalent communicate an effective vision • Encourages effective planning, delegation, support and evaluation of work undertaken • Record of outstanding classroom teaching • Able to inspire, challenge and empower by teams and individuals ensuring clear within the primary age-range others to carry out the vision accountabilities • Evidence of relevant & continuous • Works with staff and governors in setting, • Balances the demands of running our professional development monitoring and achieving challenging school, and engaging with children, staff, goals and targets and parents • Has excellent knowledge of, and is able Personal aptitudes and abilities • Understands financial issues, reporting to plan for, current and future educational and budget management • Passionate about teaching and learning developments and committed to delivering outstanding & creative curriculum Safeguarding • Welcoming and approachable to staff, children, families and the community • Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children ‘Pupils feel that they are • Able to demonstrate a reassuring presence and young people - optimism and positivity listened to and know that • Be able to form and maintain appropriate • Have the enthusiasm and vision to work relationships and personal boundaries staff take on board what with our core Christian values and is able to maintain and develop them further • Demonstrate knowledge of safeguarding they think’ Parent procedures • These criteria will be tested at interview. • Please note this post is also subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure

8 Leading learning and teaching Securing accountability • Able to demonstrate clear leadership • Accounts for the effectiveness of the balanced with a supportive approach to school to parents, governors, Diocesan staff, sensitive to the various demands Board of Education (Bath and Wells) and placed on them the Local Authority • Develops a curriculum which promotes the • Provides information, advice and support spiritual, moral, social, cultural, academic, to the Governing Body to enable it to meet creative and physical development and its responsibilities wellbeing of every child in the school. • Demonstrates experience of effective • Accesses, analyses and interprets whole school self-evaluation, and uses this information to form powerful diagnostic and the findings of external evaluations to concepts and solutions and an accurate drive real school improvement account of the school’s performance • Supports all pupils to achieve success and Developing self and working with others become engaged in their own learning by demonstrating and articulating high • Supports and empowers the experienced expectations and setting challenging targets staff teams and individuals • Seeks out and shares best practice • Is committed to continuing personal and techniques for effective learning, working professional development for all in partnership with cluster schools and promoting innovative initiatives within our school Strengthening the community • Recognises, celebrates and embraces inclusion and diversity • Builds and maintains effective relationships with parents, carers and the community that enhance the education of all pupils ‘Our Arts curriculum and the extra curricular activities • Committed to maintaining and developing strong collaborations with other agencies really engage pupils, increasing self esteem and maximising progress across all their learning’ Teacher

9 Job description

This job description should be read alongside the range of duties and responsibilities for Headteachers as set out in the DfE SchoolTeachers’ Pay and Conditions Document, 2015.

Responsibility: Responsible to the Governing Key Priorities Core Purpose Body and the Diocesan Board of Education of • To ensure that the school delivers a fully The core purpose of this role is to provide Bath and Wells rounded education where every child is professional leadership and management Local authority: Bath and North East given the opportunity to be the best that of the school in order to promote a secure Somerset they can be foundation from which excellent standards in all areas of the school’s work can be Start date: January 2017 or sooner by • To develop further a mastery-based achieved. arrangement curriculum and assessment framework that embrace the challenges of a 21st- To achieve success, the Headteacher will: Contract: Permanent full-time century school and prepare resilient • Provide vision, leadership and direction Salary: £54,503 - £62,521 L15-21 children to fulfil their potential depending on experience. • Effectively manage teaching and learning • To continue to raise standards across the school and narrow the gaps in • Promote excellence, equality and high achievement, particularly for vulnerable expectations of all pupils pupils • Deploy resources to achieve the school’s • To continue to develop the Christian ethos aims within the school • Evaluate school performance and identify • To work alongside other key people, priorities for continuous improvement including the Governing Body, Local • Carry out day-to-day management, ‘I have never heard the Authority and Dioceses to establish the organisation and administration appropriate route forward for the possible choir sing without getting expansion of the school • Secure the commitment of the wider community a tear in my eye. The • To further develop established clusters and promote innovative initiatives for the school • Create a safe and productive learning standard is phenomenal’ environment which is engaging and Parent fulfilling for all pupils.

10 Strategic direction and shaping the future Managing the organisation National Standards for Headteachers • To maintain and develop the Christian • Maintain an organisational structure that The Head will carry out his/her professional ethos of the school, ensuring that all reflects the school’s values, and enables duties in accordance with, and subject to, the National Conditions of Employment for Heads children are equally valued and reach their the management systems, structures and and Education and Employment legislation. The full potential. processes to work effectively in line with Head is accountable to the Governing Body legal requirements. • Work with the Governing Body to enable for the standards achieved and the conduct, management and administration of the school, the vision for the school to be clearly • Produce and implement clear, evidence- subject to any policies which the DfE may make. articulated, shared, understood and acted based improvement plans and policies This job description is subject to annual review. upon effectively by all. for the development of the school and its facilities. The Governing Body and Local Authority are • Demonstrate the vision and values in committed to safeguarding and promoting the everyday work and practice. • Be mindful that, within an autonomous welfare of children and young persons and culture, policies and practices Headteachers must ensure that the highest • Motivate and work with others to create a take account of national and local priority is given to following guidance and shared culture and positive environment. regulations to safeguard children and young circumstances, policies and initiatives. people. The successful candidate will be • Ensure that strategic planning takes • Manage the school’s financial and human required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure account of the diversity, values and resources effectively and efficiently to from the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). experience of the school and the achieve the school’s educational goals and community. priorities. • Together with the Governing Body, lead in • Recruit, retain and deploy staff formulating, implementing, monitoring and appropriately and assist in managing their reviewing policy and practice. workload to achieve the vision and goals of the school. • Manage and organise the school environment efficiently and effectively so that it meets the needs of the curriculum and health and safety regulations. • Ensure that the range, quality and use of all ‘I think that the Christian available resources is monitored, evaluated ethos/atmosphere and and reviewed to improve the quality of education for all pupils and provide value commitment of staff is for money. wonderful’ Parent

11 Application Process

Application Deadline: Thursday 28 April 2016 (5:00pm)

Interviews: Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 May 2016

Please send your completed application form and covering letter via email to: [email protected] stating clearly ‘Head Teacher Application’ in the subject line.

To download the application form please click here.

We welcome and encourage prospective applicants to visit the school. Please contact Lorraine Harper on 01225 465654 to make arrangements.

References

A professional reference is required in all cases. References will be taken up immediately after shortlisting. Referees must be warned of the need to respond within the timescale set. The post will be offered subject to satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Safeguarding

Prior to appointment, formal checks will be made in accordance with the current statutory requirements relating to child protection.

Bathwick St Mary Church of England Primary School Darlington Road Bathwick BATH BA2 6NN

Telephone: (01225) 465654 Fax: (01225) 484289/465654 Email address: [email protected] www.tesprime.com