Job Introduction

School Description

Samuel Cody School is a special school for students aged from 4 -16 with moderate learning difficulties and autism. Our school is a successful, friendly and forward thinking school where everyone is encouraged to do their best and achieve their full potential, a place where everybody is valued and respected.

We are looking for an outstanding individual to oversee our KS3 students within the secondary MLD part of our school.

We offer you a skilled, hardworking and dedicated staff team willing to offer support and expertise to develop your own practise

You will be a strong team player, excellent role model, teacher and leader, with high expectations of students’ achievement and behaviour. You will be committed to improving standards and ensuring all learners achieve their very best and have the personal skills to create a stimulating and purposeful learning environment. 

You will have a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to working in partnership with parents/carers, our Governors, and the local community to secure the best possible learning experience for all.

Job Description

Working with the Headteacher and other members of SLT you will actively contribute to the overall leadership and management of Key Stage 3, providing strategies and oversight of students’ achievements and behaviour thus promoting and developing the quality of KS3 provision and student engagement.

Qualifications/Experience

1. Degree or Equivalent
2. Qualified Teacher Status
3. NPQSL or similar (desirable)
4. Evidence of on-going CPD
5. Experience of senior leadership
6. Experience of working pastorally

Main purpose of the job 

• Carry out the duties of this post in line with the remit outlined in the current School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document including the conditions of employment for assistant Headteachers and the school’s own policy
• Under the overall direction of the Headteacher play a major role in formulating the aims, objectives of the schools and establishing the policies through which they are to be achieved 
• Be responsible for the educational engagement and progress of KS3 students including monitoring of progress towards achievement in line with students EHCP’s
• Oversee the annual review process for KS3 students
• Proactively manage and respond to pastoral support needs of KS3 students 
• Proactively manage and respond to referrals for placement including allocation of support staff and resources
• Work closely with KS3 tutors to promote enhanced attendance, educational engagement and attainment
• Manage the transition process of YR 6 into YR 7
• Plan and deliver KS3 additional curriculum experiences including residential activities
• Take on the responsibilities of the Headteacher as agreed and appropriate in the absence of the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher
• Carry out the professional duties of a teacher as required
  • Take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people within the school and in particular allotted Key Stage 3 students

Duties and responsibilities

Shaping the future 

• Support the Headteacher and governors in establishing an ambitious vision and ethos for the future of the school
• Play a major role in the school improvement and school self-evaluation planning process, through agreed priorities.
• Contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of action plans and other policy developments where appropriate

• Lead by example to motivate and work with others 
• In partnership with the Headteacher, lead by example when implementing and managing change initiatives
• Promote a culture of inclusion within the school community where all views are valued and taken into account 

Teaching and learning

• Be prepared to teach up to thirty per cent timetable
• Be an excellent role model, exemplifying a high standard of teaching and promoting high expectations for all members of the school community
• Work with the Headteacher to raise standards through staff performance management
• Assist with the development and delivery of training and support for staff
• Lead the review of student progress including planning, recording, reporting, assessment for learning and the development of a creative and appropriate curriculum for all KS3 students
• Support the senior leadership team with the processes involved in monitoring and evaluating the quality of education and personal development taking place throughout the school, including supporting with lesson walks and observations 
• Ensure robust evaluation of school performance, progress data and actions to secure improvements comparable to appropriate national standards  
• Ensure through leading by example the active involvement of pupils and staff in their own learning

Developing self and others

• Support the development of collaborative approaches to learning within the school and beyond
• Support the induction of staff new to the school and those being trained within the school as appropriate
• Participate in the selection and appointment of teaching and support staff as appropriate
• Be an excellent role model for both staff and pupils in terms of being reflective and demonstrating a desire to improve and learn
• Take responsibility and accountability for identified areas of leadership, including statistical analysis of pupil groups, progress data and target setting
• Work with the senior leadership team in ensuring an appropriate programme of professional development for staff, in line with the school development plan and performance management including coaching and mentoring as appropriate
• Lead the annual appraisal process for all identified support and teaching staff 

Managing the organisation

• Contribute to regular reviews of the school’s systems to ensure statutory requirements are being met
• Ensure the effective dissemination of information and the maintenance of agreed systems for internal communication
• As appropriate and under the leadership of the Headteacher, undertake activities related to professional, personnel/HR issues 
• Ensure a consistent approach to standards of behaviour, attendance and punctuality are implemented across the school
• Be a proactive and effective member of the senior leadership team 
• Contribute to the day-to-day effective organisation and running of the school

Securing accountability

• Promote and protect the health and safety welfare of pupils and staff
• Take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people within the school
• Attend meetings with parents and carers as appropriate to ensure positive outcomes for all parties
• Strengthen partnership and community working
• Promote positive relationships and work with parents, colleagues in other schools and external agencies to the benefit of all students

Specific Responsibilities

To undertake any professional duties, reasonably delegated by the Headteacher

This job description is not your contract of employment, or any part of it. It has been prepared only for the purpose of school organisation and may change either as your contract changes or as the organisation of the school is changed. Nothing will be changed without consultation. This document must not be altered once it has been signed but it will be reviewed annually as part of the performance management process or as appropriate.

Application Procedure

Applicants are required to fill in an application form.

Visits to the school are essential. Please contact 01252 514194 to make an appointment

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.