Class Teacher - Reception / KS1 (maternity cover)

Job Introduction

Appointment of Class Teacher, Reception / KS1 (maternity cover)

Required from September 2025

The Role

For September 2025, an opportunity has arisen to join the team at Castle Primary School as a class teacher on fixed contract for up to one year, to cover a period of maternity leave.

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated class teacher. 

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an enthusiastic and engaging teacher with the ability to inspire and motivate our pupils
• Has high expectations of and for all
• Is able to work collaboratively with children, parents and colleagues, fostering positive relationships with all
• Secure knowledge of the primary curriculum, including the teaching of reading phonics
• Is a reflective practitioner

In return, we can offer:

• Happy and friendly children who are keen to learn
• A supportive and motivated team
• The opportunity to contribute to the development of the school
• A tailored CPD programme, structured around personal professional ambitions as well as whole school development needs
• Weekly PPA time alongside your Year group colleague
• A large, impressive site

Castle Primary School – Job Description

Post Title:   Class Teacher (KS1 / Early Years).

Responsible to:   Team leader, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher

Core Purpose:   To secure high standards of learning and achievement for all pupils through high quality teaching and effective use of resources.

To teach in accordance with the Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document, Part XII – “Conditions of Employment of Teachers other than Headteachers.”

Job Specification 

Standards for Teaching

1. Set high expectations which inspire, motivate and challenge pupils
2. Promote good progress and outcomes by pupils
3. Demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge
4. Plan and teach well-structured lessons
5. Adapt teaching to respond to the strengths and needs of all pupils
6. Make accurate and productive use of assessment
7. Manage behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment
8. Fulfil wider professional responsibilities

Personal & Professional Conduct

1.   Uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school, by:

·       treating pupils with dignity, building relationships rooted in mutual respect, and at all times observing proper boundaries appropriate to a teacher’s professional position 

·       having regard for the need to safeguard pupils’ well-being, in accordance with statutory provisions 

·       showing tolerance of and respect for the rights of others 

·       not undermining fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs 

·       ensuring that personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.

1. Have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school in which they teach, and maintain high standards in their own attendance and punctuality.

3.   Have an understanding of, and always act within, the statutory frameworks which set out their professional duties and responsibilities. 

(All the above are part of Teacher’s Professional Standards from September 2012)

 Person Specification

 Essential

• Degree

• QTS
• A consistent exemplar of good to outstanding classroom practice
• Commitment to high academic and behavioural standards
• Thorough and clear knowledge of the national curriculum and EYFS.
• Ability to articulate characteristics of effective primary practice
• Proven ability to analyse data to target teaching
• Ability to analyse, prioritise and meet deadlines
• Ability to support others
• Self-motivated and able to motivate others
• Commitment to teamwork and encouraging others 
• Commitment to own professional development
• Shows an understanding of recent developments in thinking and learning
• Can explain ideas with clarity, energy and conviction
• Ability to tackle difficult issues tactfully for positive resolution
• Shows initiative

 The School Site and Environment

 The school currently has 390 children on roll arranged across year groups from Reception to 6. We are two-form entry and have a maximum of 30 in each class. The majority of our pupils come from the Portchester East ward. We are situated on a very large site - the school field has room for several sports pitches as well as woodland areas and a smaller wild 'meadow' for environmental education. Reception children enjoy their own smaller play area with various play equipment. We have two halls, the larger of which has a large theatrical stage, sound system and stage lighting. 

Pupils

 Pupils from across Portchester and beyond thrive at Castle. The number of children who are eligible for free school meals is lower than average. Pupil’s voice is heard through several pupil groups – the School Council meet regularly to discuss issues pertinent to the school. 

 Curriculum

 We believe that children should experience a broad and balanced curriculum that challenges and inspires them. 
 
 We endeavour to ensure that children experience a wide ranging curriculum that encompasses the creative arts, sport, humanities, science and computing. Learning is enhanced by the numerous educational visits organised for children to enjoy. 

Our commitment to providing the very best opportunities for our children has been recognised through a number of awards. These include: the 'Artsmark', for the quality of our performing arts curriculum and the 'Platinum Sportsmark' for the level of sporting provision provided. 

 However, we continue to innovate our curriculum to ensure it is engaging and meets the needs of our learners. 

 Recent Background

 The school has enjoyed a positive reputation locally for many years. Performance information is positive, with outcomes invariably above national average figures.

 The school was judges to be ‘good’ in its most recent Ofsted inspection (March 2024), with behaviour, personal development and EYFS graded as ‘outstanding’.

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.