Grazeley Parochial Primary School Great oaks from little acorns Grazeley Parochial Primary School

Mereoak Lane, Grazeley, Reading, RG7 1JY Telephone: 0118 9883340 Fax: 0118 9886342 Head Teacher: Mrs J Bateman Email address: admin@grazeley..sch.uk December 2012

Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in our school.

The Governors are seeking a new Headteacher for September 2013 and are looking forward to working in partnership with the successful candidate. The school is currently rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, and has the potential to become ‘outstanding’ and we believe that this can be achieved in the future. The consistent improvement in our pupils’ achievements over the past years and our growing reputation has made it a much sought-after school, providing the new leader with a secure foundation to build on and develop further.

We are proud of our staff, who are professional, friendly and fully committed to the ethos of this Church of School. This has resulted in both our latest Ofsted and SIAS (2011) inspections being judged as ‘good’.

If you are interested in this post please contact Jenny Kilbane, the school secretary, to make an appointment for an informal visit.

The information enclosed with this letter will support you in understanding the context of our school and its priorities.

Please look very carefully at the job description and person specification for this post. Your personal statement must relate to the specification and to meet the particular priorities of our school.

Please also check that you have given details of your referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer, and another should be someone who is able to comment on your performance at work from a position of responsibility, not as a peer. Please note that CVs will not be accepted as applications.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 3.00pm on Friday 25th January 2013.

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th February 2013. We will be contacting short-listed candidates as soon as possible after Thursday 31st January 2013.

Please return completed applications to Rowena Green at [email protected] or by post to Rowena Green, ‘Shavano’, 55a Ride, , Berkshire, RG40 4HA. Thank you very much for your interest in this position, and we wish you every success with your application.

Yours sincerely,

Jim Clark Chairman of Governors

Please note: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to respect this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced CRB check.

Great oaks from little acorns Grazeley Parochial Primary School

School Information Pack

Introduction

Grazeley Parochial Church of England (VA) Primary School is a successful school. It is situated within the in a small rural hamlet, around one mile from junction 11 of the M4 at Reading. Bordering Reading and , Grazeley Primary is easily accessed from Reading, Newbury and Basingstoke.

Community Our school is small and friendly. We are very proud of our distinct Christian ethos that shines through the school, and of the happy, nurturing environment that our children learn in. Children and staff respect and care for each other. We have an excellent reputation in the local community as a caring family school where every child and adult matters, and very strong links with St Michael’s Church in .

School size The school currently has 103 pupils on roll who come from Grazeley and the surrounding villages of the Benefice of Loddon Reach as well as further afield from the town of Reading. Although a smaller than average primary school, the enthusiasm for learning from both pupils and staff sets Grazeley apart.

Awards The school holds a number of awards including Healthy Schools, ICT Mark and Active Mark. We are looking for a special person to build on the strengths of our highly regarded primary school. Our diverse and dynamic curriculum is driven by inclusion, with excellent provision for AGT and SEN. This is reflected in our SATs results, Ofsted and SIAS inspections.

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Great oaks from little acorns Grazeley Parochial Primary School

School Information Pack (continued)

Aims and values

Grazeley School is a place where everyone is respected as a member of our community. Everyone is part of the team, which works towards excellence in all that it does.

We aim to:

● Provide the best possible all-round education with a broad and balanced curriculum within a caring Christian community. ● Meet the needs of all pupils so they may realise their full potential. ● Create a secure and stimulating environment where pupils can develop enquiring minds, together with the enthusiasm to learn within and beyond the classroom. ● Foster the development of a positive self-image, independence and responsibility through self-respect, self-confidence and self-discipline. ● Enable pupils to become aware of their own feelings and to be sensitive to the feelings and the needs of others. ● Develop a concern for all living things and for the environment both inside and outside the school. ● Seek to develop self-motivated and caring young people who will find their place in the community and have a practical concern for its welfare in both a local and wider setting. ● Provide a curriculum of breadth and balance for all the children in our care regardless of ability, gender, race or creed. ● Enable the school to be a joyful part of children's lives, with all learning having purpose and meaning.

The school premises

Grazeley School was first established in the 19th century, built in 1861 at a cost of £442 16s 9d and has expanded greatly over the years since then with the addition of new class rooms, a school hall (built in 2007) and a new classroom and staff room added this term.

Internally, the school is bright and spacious with four large classrooms, which are light and airy. The school has a large hall which is well utilised for school activities and there is an open plan computer suite within the school.

The school has open grounds with views over the surrounding countryside. We have excellent playing field provision with a five-a-side football pitch and a netball court in the playground. Teams represent the school at football and netball. A Sports Day is held in the summer term for the whole school. Whilst there is an emphasis on fun there is an element of competition as each of the house teams compete for points. continued:

Great oaks from little acorns Grazeley Parochial Primary School

School Information Pack (continued)

Organisation of the school

The school is organised into four vertically grouped classes: ● Foundation Stage ● Year 3 and Year 4 (Key Stage 2) ● Year 1 and Year 2 (Key Stage 1) ● Year 5 and Year 6 (Key Stage 2)

Our Foundation Stage class have their own well equipped outside play area, secured from the rest of the school site.

Links with the church

Grazeley School is a Church of England (VA) School and has very strong ties with the local church, St Michael’s Church in Spencers Wood (part of the Benefice of Loddon Reach), and with the . The vicar at St Michael’s is also a governor of the school and leads an assembly in school each week. We have informal services in the church for Harvest Festival and Christmas.

Ofsted

“[Grazeley School] is on a journey of sustained improvement and has many strengths with a few areas in need of improvement.”

Our most recent Ofsted inspection (May 2011) highlighted many good and outstanding features of the school, particularly the pupils’ personal development and well-being. Here are their findings in the letter to the children:

Here are some of the many things your school does well:

● You make good progress and your attainment is above average in reading, writing and mathematics by the end of Year 6. ● You enjoy reading and your progress is excellent in reading in Key Stage 2. ● You make your school a special place because you are good learners, are friendly, work hard and behave well. ● You have many exciting learning opportunities including in information and communication technology, music, art, design and technology and sport, as well as for after-school clubs. ● Your teachers are good at making your lessons interesting. ● Staff take very good care of you and you told us how extremely safe you feel. ● Your Headteacher leads you all very well and all the staff and governors think very carefully about what is best for you.

This is what we are asking your school to do to improve:

● In Reception, make sure you do as well in reading and writing as you do in problem solving, reasoning and numeracy, and also give you better choices for learning through play. ● Make sure you make as good progress in Year 1 as you do in Years 2 to 6. ● Help your teachers to always plan activities for you that build on what you already know.

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Great oaks from little acorns Grazeley Parochial Primary School

School Information Pack (continued)

The children would like someone who: ● Is smiley and happy ● Is fun but firm at the same time ● Is a little bit strict, but not a lot! ● Is friendly and understanding ● Is kind hearted and loving, honest and respectful ● Has good ideas

The parents would like someone who: ● Is receptive, approachable and child-centred. ● Goes out of their way to get to know each individual child. ● Values children and takes pride in all their achievements and those of the whole school. ● Ensures that their children make progress in all aspects of the curriculum. ● Is in touch with the needs of SEN/AGT children.

The staff would like someone who: ● Leads and develops effective teams who will work together to deliver exceptional school improvement, whilst maintaining the community feel of the school. ● Is an excellent communicator and team player who relishes empowering, encouraging, motivating and supporting their staff. ● Is creative and innovative with a zeal for teaching, learning and working with children. ● Is approachable, hands-on and not afraid to “get stuck in” – never expecting a staff member to do something they wouldn’t be prepared to do themselves!

The governors would like someone who: ● Demonstrates high aspirations and the ability to motivate and challenge the children and staff to fulfil their potential. ● Has a clear vision for the future, and the passion and enthusiasm to take our school forward. ● Is committed to maintaining and raising standards. ● Is a dedicated, independent and open-minded educator willing to embrace the Christian and inclusive ethos of our school.

For more information about our school please visit our website at www.grazeley.wokingham.sch.uk

We always warmly extend an invitation to visit. Please call Mrs Jenny Kilbane in the School Office on 0118 988 3340 to arrange a visit.

Great oaks from little acorns Grazeley Parochial Primary School

Headteacher Job Description

Introduction

Grazeley Parochial Primary School is committed to providing the highest standards of teaching and care for pupils, and affording children opportunities to achieve their best possible academic, personal, social and spiritual outcomes.

We are recruiting a new Headteacher; our current Headteacher is retiring after a long and successful career.

Our Headteacher will be responsible for inspiring and motivating pupils, staff and the school community. In partnership with the Governing Body, the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education and Wokingham Borough Council, our Headteacher will provide leadership and shared vision for the continuing development of the school which reflects its educational and Christian values.

The Headteacher will undertake all the duties as prescribed by the Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document 2012. This position attracts salary grade L6–-L12.

We expect our Headteacher to:

Lead and manage the school

● Be an inspirational leader ● Model and promote high standards of professionalism throughout the school. ● Lead and inspire all stakeholders to be committed to the aims of the school and be involved in meeting its short, medium and long-term objectives and targets. ● Formulate, implement and continually review the School Development Plan with all stakeholders. ● Regularly review the school’s self-evaluation process with staff and governors and use it to inform the School Development Plan. ● Develop, monitor, evaluate and review the effects of policies, priorities and targets and, in consultation with the governing body, take appropriate action. ● Liaise frequently with the Chair of Governors and communicate effectively with the governing body, reporting on relevant matters and highlighting key issues. Liaise with the LA and Diocese as necessary. ● Manage change effectively ● Determine, manage and monitor the school’s budget in accordance with LA guidelines, working with the Finance Officer and the governing body. ● Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and requirements. ● Ensure that the school buildings, contents and grounds are safe, secure, well maintained and used to their full potential, identifying future needs and opportunities.

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Great oaks from little acorns Grazeley Parochial Primary School

Headteacher Job Description (continued)

Ensure effective teaching and learning

● Promote an innovative, rich, and exciting curriculum that meets the needs of all learners. ● Monitor, evaluate and review the quality of teaching and learning to improve outcomes for our children. ● Inspire, support and challenge our learners to further enhance their own educational outcomes and personal development. ● Maintain and evaluate high quality assessment procedures and systems for tracking pupil progress and forming appropriate teaching strategies.

Appoint, lead and develop staff

● Develop, motivate and lead all staff to achieve the highest professional standards. ● Motivate and inspire all staff so that they achieve their personal goals, whilst developing their skills, knowledge and expertise. ● Work closely with staff and value their professional contributions. ● Oversee and co-ordinate performance management of all staff in accordance with current legislation. ● Ensure that students and NQTs are trained, monitored, supported and assessed in relation to the appropriate standards.

Develop our Christian school ethos

● Empower every child so they feel included, cared for and secure. ● Forge relationships with pupils, staff, parents/carers and governors that are built on mutual support, trust and respect.

● Uphold Christian values and ethos, ensuring that they are embedded in all aspects of school life. ● Value and celebrate the achievements of the whole school community. ● Actively participate in all aspects of school life to create excellence, enjoyment and fun.

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Great oaks from little acorns Grazeley Parochial Primary School

Headteacher Job Description (continued)

Work in partnership with parents/carers, the Church and community

● Improve partnerships between parents/carers and our school to support and encourage participation in their children’s learning. ● Provide parents/carers with regular information on their child’s progress, learning, curriculum and school activities. ● Maintain and develop existing community links. ● Promote community cohesion by developing the school’s relationship with key stakeholders, local businesses and the local community. ● Ensure the continued commitment of parents/carers to the vision and direction of the school and its strategic development plan. ● Continue to foster effective links with local secondary schools and feeder nurseries, while nurturing relationships with other primary schools. ● Maintain effective links with the Church so that the distinctive Christian ethos of the school continues. ● Contribute to the working of the wider education system by sharing effective good practice and promoting innovative initiatives. ● Work with the local community to provide extended services.

Be accountable

● Be accountable for the efficiency and effectiveness of the school to the governing body, LA, Diocese, all stakeholders and the wider community. ● Provide information, objective advice and support to the governing body to enable it to meet its responsibilities for securing effective teaching and learning and good standards of achievement, and for achieving efficiency and value for money. ● Maintain a culture in which all governors and staff recognise that they are accountable for the success of the school. ● Present a coherent and accurate account of the school’s performance in a form appropriate to a range of audiences, including parents/carers, governors, the LA, Ofsted and SIAS.

Develop the strategic vision for the school

● Develop a strategic vision for the future of the school, incorporating long-term developments and improvements into the School Development Plan. ● Encompass the aims of ‘Every Child Matters’ and safeguarding in all aspects of school life. ● Anticipate the consequences of future trends and initiatives and articulate these to the key stakeholders in the school. ● Promote creativity, innovation and the use of appropriate new technologies to achieve excellence. ● Ensure vision is clearly and effectively articulated, shared and understood.

Great oaks from little acorns Grazeley Parochial Primary School

Headteacher Person Specification

Qualities Essential Desirable Qualifications Degree NPQH and experience Qualified Teacher Status Experience of working with the governing Experience of headship/deputy headship/senior management across body EYFS, KS 1 and KS 2 Breadth of experience in at least two primary schools Leading, Demonstrate an ability to give clear, strong and skilled leadership teaching and and direction for the school. learning Demonstrate a full understanding of the primary curriculum that provides a rich, balanced and coherent experience for all pupils. A good understanding of SEN issues. The ability to promote challenge and support more able children. A commitment to a culture of inclusion, diversity and access. Ability to inspire and motivate the whole staff team through clear and effective communication to ensure the highest standard of pupil achievement. Have high aspirations for every child through a caring, supportive and positive approach. Have a willingness and ability to organise and lead collective worship, promoting the Christian ethos of the school. A commitment to lead and promote spiritual, moral, social and cultural development within the school. Have the capacity to anticipate and respond to changing needs with vision, and the ability to translate that vision into practical policies. Demonstrate a personal commitment to quality and excellence in learning and teaching. Philosophy and Have a broad-minded Christian faith, or a sympathetic approach to commitment Christianity. Able to understand and accommodate the diversity of beliefs and faiths, or none, as represented among the school community. Develop the Christian ethos of the school alongside all members of the community. A commitment to upholding the Christian foundation of the school. Awareness and understanding of the spiritual aspects of life.

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Great oaks from little acorns Grazeley Parochial Primary School

Headteacher Person Specification (continued)

Qualities Essential Desirable Philosophy and A highly visible presence and good role model which inspires commitment confidence and trust. (continued) Accessible, approachable and caring, with good communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate the school's vision and ethos to all stakeholders, staff, pupils, parents and carers. Ability to innovate and deliver change, following through to a successful implementation. Ability to foster a feeling of mutual respect in both pupils and adults. Ability and willingness to delegate. Committed to ensuring a good work/life balance for self and others. Positive attitude to partnership with local schools network and community. Enthusiasm and good sense of humour.

Managing the Effective decision maker, able to initiate, implement and monitor Have experience of organisation policies and practices. extended services Ability to collect, analyse and interpret data to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school. Able to share data in a clear and accessible way with staff, governors and parents and carers. Have good understanding of financial planning and budgets. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the statutory framework for education and the legal framework that underpins school management. Work constructively with the local community, Diocese and the Local Authority. Have an understanding of the Ofsted and SIAS inspection processes.

Great oaks from little acorns Grazeley Parochial C of E Aided Primary School Mereoak Lane Grazeley Reading Berkshire RG7 1JY Tel: 0118 988 3340 Email: [email protected]