St John’s Church of England Primary School
APPLICATION PACK FOR HEADTEACHER OF St John’s Church of England Primary School Contents
Letter from our Chair of Governors P3 Our Children P4 Our School P5 Our Partnership School P6 Birds Eye View P7 Our Children’s voice P8 Headteacher P9 – P11 Job Description P12 Key Responsibilities P13 – P19 Person Specification P20 - P24 Application Process P25
Letter from the Chair
We are delighted that you have an interest in applying for the important post of Headteacher at St John’s Church of England Primary School. This is a challenging and demanding role and we are excited at the prospect of finding an inspirational new Headteacher who can lead St John’s forward with ambition and vision. This is an excellent opportunity to further develop a school which was rated good in the last Ofsted inspection in 2013 and our aspiration is that the hard work by the outgoing Headteacher, the staff and the children will be continued and built upon to achieve outstanding and thereby be able to provide the best possible opportunities for our children to achieve and exceed their potential.
As a Church of England School, our values are firmly founded in the Christian faith and we enjoy close links with the three churches in the parish, St John the Evangelist, Christ the King and Digswell Village Church. We are well supported by the Diocese of St Albans. We have good links with other local schools, especially Monks Walk Secondary School which most of our children will attend after St John’s.
St John’s is a school with a warm, family atmosphere which is valued by the parents, as is the Christian ethos that pervades the school. The aims of the school reflect this ethos particularly in attitudes of respect, love and care, as a result every child is valued for who they are. As many visitors to our school observe, our children are happy in school and caring towards each other. We give our children every opportunity that we can to learn, develop and flourish and have high expectations of them in all areas of school life.
You will join us at an interesting time in the life of St John’s, as we have opportunities to further develop the school building and grounds to provide an excellent environment for learning. All schools face huge challenges over the coming years and we do not underestimate this. If you have the vision to inspire pupils, staff and the school community and excellent leadership skills then we look forward to receiving your completed application.
I would positively encourage you to visit our website, and additionally, we would welcome the opportunity to show you around our school. Visits can be arranged by phoning the school office on 01438 714283. Thank you for your interest in St John’s Church of England Primary School
Our children are at the heart of all we do The background of our school
The school is situated in the village of Digswell on the Hertford Road approximately two miles from Welwyn and four miles from Hertford. The village is adjacent to the northern outskirts of Welwyn Garden City. Digswell is a pleasant area situated in rural surroundings, yet close to the A1(M) and railway, which makes for easy access to London and destinations north.
In common with many church schools, the original buildings date from 1872 and 1893 and these are still used as a classroom and library. An additional classroom was added in 1948 and a hall, kitchen and linking corridor in 1959. Three light and spacious classrooms were added in 1973 and these usually accommodate the children in Key Stage 2. A sixth classroom was opened in 1983. The old school house has been converted to create the reception area, offices, staff room, medical room and group learning room. Our purpose built nursery was opened in 1981 and stands across the playground from the main building. A seventh and final classroom was built alongside the nursery in 2002 to house the Reception class, thus making a Foundation Stage unit. Both Nursery and Reception have the Hertfordshire Quality Standards award (HQS) with the latest accreditation in 2014.
As well as the usual hard play area, a playing field runs along the back of the school and it is surrounded by trees and is bordered on one side by the River Mimram. We have developed a riverside nature reserve for scientific and environmental work and also have a woodland area for Forest Schools activities. There are also vegetable beds and a pond and the school grounds generally lend themselves to outdoor learning and investigations.
The Governors have an on-going building development plan which ultimately includes the replacement of our rather inadequate hall of 1959. The plan is constantly reviewed so that we have buildings which can provide the facilities to meet the demands of new educational initiatives. For example we have refurbished our school library to enhance ICT provision and a first floor group room for music lessons and learning support.
St John’s is a popular school with good academic standards, with an ethos of care and consideration for all, underpinned by Christian Values. OfSTED last inspected St John’s in July 2013 when they found a ‘good’ school in every respect. Our school is proud of the achievements of our children and the staff team and our current awards can be seen below. Approximately 50% of our children come from the village of Digswell with others from further a field across Welwyn Garden city. The school is concerned with the education of the ‘whole child’, in that religious, moral and social values play an important part in the life of the school.
As a Church of England school, we aim to give a broadly Christian education. The local clergy are actively involved, particularly with our Friday morning Act of Worship when parents are welcome to attend, birthdays are celebrated and awards presented. On two or three Fridays each term, a communion service is held in the hall and parents join us for this pleasant family worship. Class assemblies take place on three occasions each term.
We offer a Breakfast Club each morning and after school care too, both run by school staff. We also work with Digswell Pre School who provide Monday – Friday afternoon sessions each week in our nursery classroom.
The school tries to maintain a family atmosphere and parents are welcome visitors to the school. They help in a variety of ways, both in and outside the classroom. Other events involving parents, mainly social, are held throughout the year run by an active PTS ‘The Friends of St John’s School’
School will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England in partnership with the Church and Diocesan community. Our School strives to provide the highest quality education for all our children and to serve the community within the context of Christian belief and practice. Our School encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all children.
Our Partnership School
We have a very active partnership with a school in Zambia, which helps us understand our place in the wider world. St John’s staff have been on several visits to Kalomo and their staff have visited us to exchange skills and experiences, the pupils exchange PenPal letters and we organise regular fundraising activities.
Birds Eye View… What our children would like…
We want our school to soar on wings like eagles.
To help us, we would like……….. … someone who … someone who is kind, nice, maintains the Christian helpful, calm and cares about ethos of our school and our school. who has perseverance. … someone who believes in all children. … someone supportive.
… someone who can help raise money for … someone passionate charity. about our learning. … someone who sets good examples. … someone who has … someone that is good at good ideas. doing assemblies.
… someone fun but fair.
St John’s School Council Headteacher
Are you an inspirational, strong leader who puts children at the heart of all you do? Do you have passion, drive and the ability to motivate your team to deliver the best possible outcomes for children? Would you like to work in a school which has a good balance between education, environment and faith? If so, then this could be just the role for you!
The Governing Body are looking to appoint a highly motivated, inspirational and supportive Headteacher who is able to work collaboratively with them, school staff and children to provide excellent opportunities and educational outcomes for all. Building on the successes of the current Headteacher, this is an exciting time to continue to lead St. John’s from a ‘Good’ school to an ‘Outstanding’ school.
Our staff are experienced, highly motivated professionals, committed to the school and its pupils and very supportive of each other. With a hard-working Governing Body offering a good mix of skills to support the work of the school too, this enables the children to be confident, happy, well-behaved and caring towards each other, their school and the world around them.
As a Church of England school there are strong connections with the local parish with Christian ethos at the forefront. This includes regular visits from the ministry team who lead assemblies, plan worship in the three churches in the parish and help in a variety of other ways. The successful candidate must be able to maintain the wonderful and distinctive Christian ethos and character of the school, leading Christian collective worship and continuing the strong links with the Parish of Digswell.
The children are encouraged to share their ideas and get involved in the life of their school, enabling them to build their confidence and preparing them for the journey through the remainder of their education and into later life. All those connected with St John’s have the children’s interests at the forefront of all they do!
The school is set in beautiful grounds with a river and wooded area close by and provides a stimulating environment for work and play. The long history of St John’s also adds to the richness of the school experience.
Headteacher
The successful candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, experience: ideally a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role; ability to delegate responsibilities to allow others to grow; have the vision to deliver an exciting, stimulating and challenging curriculum; strong communication and interpersonal skills; committed to supporting staff development; be a motivational leader; able to care for and encourage children in all aspects of their development; demonstrate good relationship management to build and maintain existing relationships with all stakeholders; ability to manage the school budget and identify grant application opportunities; commitment to the Christian ethos.
St John’s can offer the successful candidate: a welcoming, well-behaved community of children who are keen to learn; a dedicated, hard-working, and knowledgeable staff team; an experienced, committed Governing Body; a commitment towards positive evolution and progress; a friendly, supportive parent body, active in the life of the school; an active Friends Association contributing valuable fundraising and social activities; excellent links with local churches and the Diocese of St Albans.
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Headteacher
You are encouraged to visit the school prior to application and such visits can be arranged through the school office. Please telephone Mrs Samantha Cole on 01438 714283 to book a convenient time.
Please visit our school website at; http://www.digswell.herts.sch.uk/ourschool.htm
Key dates for your diary;
The closing date for applications is noon 3rd March 2017 Shortlisting is on 6th March 2017 Interviews will take place on 16th March 2017
St. John’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring and background check Job Description
Role: Headteacher Start: 1st September 2017 Pay range: L18 – L24
CORE PURPOSE The Headteacher shall carry out the professional duties as described in the School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document.
The Headteacher is accountable to the Governing Body for ensuring the educational success of the school within the framework of the school’s strategic plans. The Headteacher will provide professional leadership and management to the school and must establish a culture that promotes excellence, equality and high expectations of all pupils.
The Head Teacher will need to be able to maintain the wonderful and distinctive Christian ethos and character of St John’s School, leading Christian collective worship and continuing the strong links with the Parish of Digswell.
Key Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Ensuring that all children make good progress including where there are barriers to learning, through clear, To be accountable to the Governing Body for: consistent and excellent systems and provision for all, actively promoting inclusion; The effective implementation and embedding of the agreed school vision, principles and policies within the Ensuring effective and appropriate pastoral support is school; available to children in the school; Through robust and effective monitoring and evaluation, Providing leadership across all aspects of the internal organisation, management and control of the school; identify and act on areas of improvement in relation to the curriculum and assessment; Creating a culture of constant improvement and being an inspirational leader, committed to the highest Keeping informed of developments within the National achievement for all in all areas of the school’s work; Curriculum and other relevant curriculum development sources, to ensure that the curriculum is rich, relevant Line managing for the Senior Leadership Team and and inspirational and contributes to outstanding teaching staff; educational and whole-child outcomes; Promoting excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring a Ensuring creativity, innovation and the use of appropriate continuous and consistent focus on pupils’ achievement new technologies to achieve excellence; and development (whole-child as well as academic); Developing an inclusive and supportive approach so that Ensuring that a high quality educational experience is the school is a place where all young people and the wider available for all children and young people; school community feel welcome; Creating a positive culture of challenge, support and high Ensuring the Christian ethos of the school is clearly expectations, in order to achieve the school’s articulated, shared and translates into the daily life of the Development Plan, continue to raise standards and school. improve the quality of teaching;
Ensuring that teaching in all year groups is improving to outstanding;
Key Responsibilities
DEVELOPING SELF AND WORKING WITH OTHERS Manage and organise the school environment efficiently and effectively to ensure that it meets the needs of the curriculum and health and safety regulations; Treat everyone within the school fairly and equitably; Ensure that the allocation and use of accommodation Share roles and responsibilities, supporting and encouraging other members of staff to step up, to ensure within the school provides a positive learning that school is truly run as a team; environment that promotes the highest achievement for all; Develop a culture of personal responsibility that recognises both excellence and supports appropriate Work with SLT, Governors, the local community and strategies to deal with under performance in accordance School Finance Officer to maximise the level of external with school’s Appraisal and Capability policies and funding that is attracted to support the school’s procedures; development; Promote, embed, secure and monitor all agreed school Ensure a high standard of professional development for all staff and for self, including attending all mandatory policies. training events; Work with the SLT and Governors to recruit and retain staff of the highest quality, in line with safer recruitment procedures; Manage the workload of staff to ensure the effective running of the school, delivery of priorities and work-life balance; Work with senior colleagues to deploy all staff effectively in order to improve the quality of education provided; With the School Finance Officer, regularly monitor the budget for the school and the use of resources;
Key Responsibilities
SECURING ACCOUNTABILITY STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
Work with the Governing Body to enable them to meet Continue a school culture and curriculum which takes their responsibilities; account of the richness and diversity of the school’s Equip governors with a solid understanding of data for communities; the school to support their role in planning and critically Ensure learning experiences for pupils are linked into and evaluating performance and to meet their responsibilities integrated with the wider community; for teaching and learning; Create and maintain an effective partnership with parents Be accountable for the efficiency and effectiveness of the and carers to support and improve pupils’ achievement school to the Governing Body, staff, Diocese, parents, and personal development; Local Authority and community; Encourage family involvement in, and support for, the Ensure that individual staff accountabilities are clearly school and its Friends Association, including access to defined, understood and agreed and are subject to extended services, extra-curricular opportunities, home rigorous review and evaluation; learning and other educational and social experiences; To maintain a school ethos which will enable everyone to Nurture the school’s close relationship with St John the work collaboratively, share knowledge and Evangelist, Christ the King and Digswell Village Church understanding, celebrate success and accept and ensure the school is an integral part of the local responsibility for outcomes; community; Develop and present a coherent, understandable and Take account of, and respond to feedback sought from accurate account of the school’s performance to a range of pupils, parents and the wider community. audiences including governors, parents and carers; Maintain the good relationship and continue sharing Reflect on personal contribution to school achievements knowledge and resources with our local partner schools, and take account of feedback from others. St John’s Lemsford and Oaklands.
Key Responsibilities
SHAPING THE FUTURE (STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP) Challenge, motivate and empower others to attain ambitious outcomes; Work with the SLT and the Governing Body to develop the Working with the SLT, develop strategies for school shared vision and strategic plan for the school, which is readiness in Early Years and a positive transition across Key responsive to the community it serves. At the core of this stages and into both primary and secondary education for should be the educational and personal development of the children and parents. pupils; Work with the Diocese, Local Authority, Governors and staff to define and implement the school’s vision and strategic direction so that it is understood and acted upon by all stakeholders; Work within the school community to translate the vision into agreed objectives and operational plans, which will drive forward and sustain school improvement; Ensure the sustained raising of aspiration, achievement and attainment is met through an inclusive, sustainable and innovative lifelong education environment; Ensure the school achieves its performance targets; Demonstrate the vision and values of the school in everyday work and practice; Motivate and work with others to create a shared culture and positive climate; Promote the school and develop effective and productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders; Secure the commitment of parents and the wider community to the vision and direction of the school;
Key Responsibilities
LEADING LEARNING AND TEACHING Motivate and enable all staff to carry out their respective Drive and inspire a passion for learning in every member of roles to the highest standard, through high quality the school community; continuing professional development based on assessment of needs and identified through the appraisal process; Provide a model of outstanding practice to all staff in teaching and school leadership; Develop and maintain respect across all stakeholders, inspiring individuals to contribute positively to shared ideas Secure and sustain effective teaching and learning throughout the school by ensuring sound strategies are in and plans for the school; place for monitoring and evaluating the quality of teaching Develop capacity through coaching and mentoring members and standards of pupils’ achievement, using benchmarks of the SLT; and setting targets for rapid improvement of all children Keep abreast of educational developments and best including those in vulnerable groups; management practice in order to introduce appropriate To build a collaborative learning culture within the school innovation and contribute to joint practice development and community; Work with all staff to build effective teams; Sustain their own enthusiasm and motivation and develop and sustain that of other staff; To ensure effective planning, allocation, support and evaluation of work undertaken by teams and individuals, ensuring clear delegation of tasks and devolution of responsibilities; Develop and maintain effective strategies and procedures for staff induction, professional development and appraisal as below; Effective and consistent implementation of the Teachers’ Appraisal Policy and other systems of quality assurance and professional development of teachers; . Key Responsibilities
MANAGING THE ORGANISATION EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Produce and implement clear, evidence-based improvement To take responsibility, appropriate to the post for tackling plans and policies for the development of the school and its unlawful discrimination amongst all groups in line with the facilities; Equalities Act 2010. Advise Governors on the formulation of the annual budget in order that the school secures its objectives; SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND SAFER Working with the School Finance Officer, present to the RECRUITMENT Finance Committee a balanced budget which meets the needs of the school and takes particular account of the To have due regard for safeguarding and promoting the school Development Plan; welfare of children and young people and to follow all Manage the school’s financial and human resources associated child protection and safeguarding policies as effectively and efficiently to achieve the school’s educational adopted by the school; goals and priorities; Ensure that all policies and procedures adopted by the To seek opportunities to invite parents and carers, Governing Body are fully implemented and followed by all community figures, business or other organisations into the staff; school to enhance and enrich the school and its value to the Ensure that sufficient resources and time are allocated to wider community; enable the designated person and other staff to discharge Maintain high morale and set an example of professional their responsibilities, including taking part in inter-agency standards of leadership; meetings, and contributing to the assessment of children; Continue to develop and maintain the Christian ethos of the All staff and volunteers feel able to raise concerns about poor school and provide educational vision by determining the or unsafe practice in regard to children, and such concerns values and standards of learning, behaviour and are addressed sensitively and effectively in a timely manner relationships. in accordance with agreed whistle blowing practices. Arrange for parents/carers to be given regular information about the progress of their children, the school curriculum and other matters affecting the school, so as to promote common understanding of its aims.
Key Responsibilities
HEALTH AND SAFETY REVIEW OF DUTIES
To work in compliance with the school’s Health and Safety The specific duties attached to the Headteacher are subject policies and under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), to annual review and may, after discussion, be changed. The ensuring the safety of all parties with whom contact is made, post-holder is expected to perform reasonable duties such as members of the public, in premises or sites requested by the Governing Body from time to time, controlled by the school; commensurate with experience, role and salary. To ensure compliance with procedures is observed at all times under the provision of safe systems of work through a safe and healthy environment and including such information, training, instruction and supervision as necessary to accomplish those goals.
DATA PROTECTION
To ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act (1974) and the Freedom of Information Act (2000).
Person Specification
THE SELECTION DECISIONS WILL BE BASED ON THE CRITERIA OUTLINED IN THE PERSON SPECIFICATION. AT EACH STAGE OF THE PROCESS, AN ASSESSMENT WILL BE MADE BY THE APPOINTMENT PANEL TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE CRITERIA HAVE BEEN MET.
WHEN COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION FORM AND SUPPORTING STATEMENT IN THE PERSON SPECIFICATION, YOU SHOULD ENSURE THAT YOU ADDRESS EACH OF THE SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROVIDE SUPPORTING EVIDENCE OF HOW YOU MEET THE CRITERIA THROUGH REFERENCE TO WORK OR OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.
Person Specification
or or
or or
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Criteria Criteria Criteria Desirable
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Desireable
Interview
Essential
Application
Interview
References
Application
References
Interview Application References Experience of developing a differentiated E KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATIONS AND KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE and creative curriculum to pupils with a EXPERIENCE diverse range of social, emotional, cultural, intellectual and physical needs Graduate with Qualified Teacher Status Graduate with Qualified Teacher Status E Ability to use a range of evidence, including E
NPQH (or equivalent) achieved or underway performance data, to support, monitor, NPQH (or equivalent) achieved or underway D evaluate and improve aspects of school life,
including challenging poor performance Evidence of further qualifications Evidence of further qualifications D E Ability to engage the school community in the systematic and rigorous self-evaluation Significant experience at senior leadership Significant experience at senior leadership E of the work of the school (assistant, deputy headteacher) (assistant, deputy headteacher) Evidence of recent professional E development that prepares for this post Understanding of leading a school Understanding of leading a school E Experience of monitoring and improving E
Experience of leading a school the quality of teaching and learning Experience of leading a school D
Understanding of the challenges of leading a Experience of having led, or made a E Understanding of the challenges of leading E Church of England school significant contribution to, the success of a a Church of England school school, through its leadership, pupil outcomes and ethos Person Specification
or or
or or
or or
CriteriaCriteria Criteria Desirable
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Desireable
Essential
Interview
Interview
Application
Application
References
References
Interview
Application References Experience of supporting staff to optimise E Proven ability to deliver a collective vision E KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE attainment and progress of pupils and shared purpose Evidence of an ability to plan strategically, E Graduatebuild and with communicate Qualified Teacher a coherent Status vision in a range of compelling ways Outstanding teaching E NPQH (or equivalent) achieved or underway Extensive experience of working with D
children with significant barriers to learning Experience of effectively managing the E Evidence of further qualifications SKILLS AND ABILITIES AND PROFESSIONAL impact of change on organisations and individuals SignificantATTRIBUTES experience at senior leadership (assistant,Proven ability deputy to inspire,headteacher) lead and E The ability to deliver effective strategic E participate actively in building and financial planning, financial management Understandingsustaining a learning of leading community a school and including budgetary control and value for network with others within and beyond the money Experienceschool of leading a school An understanding of and competent use of E Understanding and ability to communicate E ICT including emerging technologies to aid Understanding of the challenges of leading a and successfully implement strategies and promote the quality of teaching, Church of England school across all aspects of the school including learning and administration accountability, learning, curriculum, Excellent organisational skills E administration and communication Person Specification
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or or
Criteria Criteria
Desirable
Desirable
Essential
Essential
Interview
Application
References
Interview
Application References Well-developed interpersonal and E Commitment to maintain and strengthen E communication skills and ability to use new the significant Christian nature of the and emerging technologies to secure impact school. Clear understanding of the ethos and E strategies required to establish consistently Understands the importance of maintaining E high standards in outcomes, progress, and developing the cooperative attitudes and behaviour relationships with the Diocese, Local Able to meet national standards for E Authority and the local community Headteachers Demonstrate a personal enthusiasm and E commitment to leadership aimed at making a positive difference to children and young people and raising standards Demonstrate personal and professional E integrity, including modelling values and vision Evidence of a commitment to safeguarding E and promoting the welfare of children and young people Person Specification
Note to applicants:
Safeguarding: It is essential that this post requires up to date knowledge and the understanding of relevant legislation and guidance in relation to working with and the protection of children and young people.
This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. An enhanced disclosure will be sought through the DBS as part of Hertfordshire County Council’s pre-employment checks. Please note that additional information referring to the Disclosure and barring Service is in the guidance notes to the application form. If you are invited to an interview you will receive more information.
This role will be reviewed annually as part of the PMD process The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present. The post holder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that may from time to time be necessary. Application and selection process
Important Information for Applicants
This vacancy is for a Headteacher to start 1st September 2017
The salary will be Leadership scale L18 – L24
Job Description This tells you the main responsibilities of the post and explains what we are looking for. It tells you about the personal and professional qualities you need for this post. These criteria will be used to make the appointment. Please be aware that the job description contains the full range of responsibilities of the role. Person Specification This specification sets out the criteria which will be used to shortlist candidates for interview and during the interview process. Applying If you decide to apply for this post would you please complete the supporting statement within your application form. Please include the following in your supporting statement, which should be no longer than 2 sides of A4. • A clear, succinct statement of your educational philosophy and practice • Demonstrate how this relates to the post of Headteacher at our school
Please return your completed application to [email protected] For application queries please contact our SPLASH Team on 01438 843465
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. For further information and to visit the school please contact the School Office on 01438 714283