To Quote the Third Draft of the Internal Memorandum of the Sheiling Trust

THORNLEIGHCAMPHILL COMMUNITIES

Job Description

Job Title: Assistant Head Teacher

Responsible to: Head Teacher

Responsible for: Education and Curriculum lead, Education Coordinator

Role Summary:

As a key figure in the EducationSenior Leadership team the Assistant Head Teacher will assist the Head Teacher in the evaluation of the school through the SEF. Along with the Head Teacher and Senior Leadership Team the Assistant Head teacher will coordinate the implementation of the School Improvement Plan and the relevant recording of evidence to support improvements.

The Assistant Head Teacheris responsible for the monitoring of strategic evaluation of teaching, learning and assessment. The Assistant Head Teacher will work with the Education and Curriculum Coordinator to oversee all quality assurance processes, ensuring the data provided to the Head Teacher and governors is moderated, accurate and timely.

The Assistant Head Teacherwill ensure that all quality assurance feedback to staff is timely and accurate, and includes specific guidance to ensure that all developmental feedback maintains and improves standards in Teaching, Learning and Assessment.

The Assistant Head Teacheris responsible for developing and co-ordinating a solid classroom based curriculum with clear guidelines and description of the value of Waldorf / therapeutic education, research and for collating evidence.

The Assistant Head Teacher will act on behalf of the Head Teacher or CEO in staff appraisal and disciplinary matters as required.

SUMMARY OF TASKS AND DUTIES:

A.STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHOOL

In co-operation with, and under the direction of, the Head Teacher to:

direct and monitor the work of the Education coordinator

develop a wide knowledge and understanding of a strategic whole school perspective;

support the vision, ethos and policies of the school and promote high levels of achievement;

support the creation and implementation of the school improvement plan within the national and local context, and to take sole responsibility for appropriately delegated aspects of it;

support all staff in achieving the priorities and targets which the school sets for itself, and to provide them with support and guidance in implementing schemes of work;

support the evaluation of the effectiveness of the school’s policies and developments with particular emphasis on the School Self Evaluation Form;

ensure that parents/carers are well informed about the school curriculum, its targets, children’s attainment and their part in the process of improvement.

through interaction with teaching staff, to ensure a healthy curricular balance between meeting external expectations, the demands of the various accreditation schemes and the therapeutic Waldorf approach central to the ethos of the Sheiling School.

To chair annual external meetings (such as annual reviews, EHCP reviews and LAC / CIN) and ensuring that the planning, preparation and documentation for the meetings is in place and to the required standard.

B.TEACHING AND LEARNING

lead a team as line manager for the Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment to successfully ensure pupil progress.

to oversee the implementation of strategies for emotional development behaviour and welfare and ensure such strategies are derived with a pedagogical imperative rather than a ‘containment of behaviour’ perspective.

develop a classroom environment and teaching practice which secures effective learning across the breadth of the EYFS, Foundation Stage Curriculum Guidance, National Curriculum, Waldorf Steiner Curriculum, Post Compulsory Education and Vocational Education. Providing a professional model, clearly demonstrating effective teaching, classroom organisation and display, and high standards of achievement, behaviour and discipline;

take responsibility for the development and monitoring of a curriculum area(s) or whole school curriculum aspect(s), as agreed from time to time;

take responsibility for the leadership of a core subject or phase within the school;

support the Head Teacher in the monitoring of the quality of teaching and children’s achievement including the analysis of performance data;

support the Head Teacher in developing links with parents/carers, other schools, educational institutions and the wider community, including business and industry, in order to enhance teaching and learning and children’s personal development.

C.THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT

to ensure the provision of a therapeutic, safe, stimulating and supportive learning environment that enables pupils to develop social and independent skills and ‘enables the greatest possible reduction in the occurrence of challenging behaviour in the context of the best possible quality of life.’
to ensure a coherent approach to the Pupils learning and development from the teaching and therapeutic interventions.
to support and liaise with the residential staff in ensuring the learning and development for residential pupils is consistent and communicated across the day and residential provision.

D.RECORDING AND ASSESSMENT

to assist and support develop the assessment and moderating of pupil work and standards.
to monitor and report on the quality assurance of the target setting process for raising achievement for pupils.
to ensure planning is effectively carried out and individual needs are being met.
to monitor the healthy implementation of accredited learningoutcomes in balance with the Waldorf-based educational approach of the school.

E.LEADERSHIP

support the Head Teacher in developing positive working relationships with and between all staff and provide and sustain motivation;
lead groups of staff in developmental activities, delegate appropriately and evaluate outcomes;
support the Head Teacher in the implementation of the school’s performance management policy.
To carry responsibility for the management and leadership of the School in the absence of the Head Teacher.
To establish good relationships, encourage good working practices including the support of teachers, assistant teachers, workshop leaders and learning support assistants.
To support the Head Teacher with Standards and Quality Assurance
To prepare, attend and participate in Parents Days and Open Days.
To ensure that good practice is carried out in all aspects of school life with particular emphasis on health and safety and the welfare of children and young people.

F.Effective deployment of staff and resources

support the Head Teacher in the appointment, deployment and development of staff to make the most effective use of their skills, expertise and experience and to ensure that all staff have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities;
support the Head Teacher in the management and organisation of relevant groupings of children and through liaison with individuals as appropriate, in order to ensure effective teaching and learning takes place and that children’s personal development needs are met;
work with the Head Teacher and governors in establishing priorities for expenditure and monitoring the effectiveness of spending and usage of resources with a view to achieving value for money.
To encourage moral and spiritual growth and positive contribution to the school and wider community.
To promote and sustain effective working relationship between Care, Education and Therapy staff
To assist and support and manage innovation and change and promote collaborative working

G.HUMAN AND MATERIAL RESOURCES AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT

To lead the professional development of staff by providing supervision, appraisal and supportthrough example, coaching, peer support and target setting, openly mirroring any strengths, weaknesses and concerns to ensure optimum performance.
To contribute to the audit of staffs’ development and training needs and the provision of effective INSET during the school training weeks.
To ensure support and training during the induction of new education staff and for trainee teachers, assistant teachers and LSAs, in line with the school’s policies and the School’s vision.

H.STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

To support the development of the school culture which takes account of the richness and diversity of the School
To create and promote positive strategies for challenging prejudice and dealing with discrimination.
To assist and support in ensuring learning experiences for pupils are linked into and integrated with the wider community.
To work in partnership with other agencies in providing for academic, spiritual, moral, social, emotional and cultural well-being of pupils and their families.
To co-operate and work with relevant agencies to protect children and young people.

I.TRAINING, MANAGEMENT, COMPLIANCE AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

To participate in the weekly Teachers Group meeting and the Integrated Working Group meetings.

To have a very good understanding and knowledge of the Sheiling School’s policies and procedures, e.g. on child protection, missing person, complaints procedures etc.

To attend regular supervision and appraisal with the Head Teacher. At these sessions your responsibilities will be reviewed and further training needs identified and agreed.

J.SAFEGUARDING

To implement and promote the Sheiling School’s Child Protection and Adult Protection Policies and Procedures.
To provide information, advice, support and raise awareness of the protection of children and adults.
To encourage good practice and support of procedures to protect children and adults.

K.CARRY AND SUPPORT THE CULTURAL AND SOCIAL LIFE

To work in accordance with the Mission Statement of the Sheiling School.
To support, arrange and carry cultural, artistic and other activities
To support and arrange occasional outings and events
To encourage a culture of mutual respect
To support or lead festival activities in cooperation and coordination with the School as a whole
To uphold the ideals and values of the Sheiling School as a Steiner Special School

L.ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To lead occasional timetabled lessons at short notice.
To attend regional meetings, conferences, and workshops identified as central to the role.
To perform with appropriate professional care any other tasks, duties and responsibilities within reason that further the aims and objectives of the trust – ThornleighCamphill Communities.

ThornleighCamphill Communities reserves the right to vary or amend the duties and responsibilities of the post and the post-holder at any time according to the needs of its charitable business.

Person Specification – Assistant Head Teacher

Criteria for Selection / Essential or Desirable / Method of Assessment
Education, Training and Qualifications
Diploma or Degree level qualification in Education or Teaching / E / Application form
Qualifications
Steiner Teacher diploma / D
QTS / D
Curative Education diploma / D
Experience
A minimum of 3 years teaching experience in a special school / D / Application form
Qualifications
References
Interview
A minimum of 2 years experience of supporting pupils with learning difficulties and challenging behaviour / E
Experience in a senior role in an education setting. / E
Specialist knowledge
Understanding and working knowledge of educational principles articulated by Rudolf Steiner. / E / Application form
Qualifications
References
Interview
Understanding and working knowledge of safeguarding processes and principles for children and adults. / E
Ability to write reports and monitor pupils’ progress / E
Experience in developing and implementing quality assurance systems and processes / E
Experience in performing Observations of Teaching and Learning and writing development plans for teachers. / E
Skills and abilities
Able to work with a variety of colleagues and professionals from different backgrounds as part of a team / E / Application form
References
Interview
Highly motivated and able to manage and inspire team members to achieve set goals. / E
Collaborative leadership skills / E
Good communication skills / E
Good decision making, based on evidence / E
Excellent time management and organisation / E
Delegation skills / E
Ability to manage and prioritise a varied work load / E
Good level ICT skills / E
Advanced ICT skills / D
Knowledge of the SEN Code of practice / D
Personal qualities and attitude
Ability to maintain confidentiality / E / References
Interview
Ability to work under pressure / E
Good communicator, diplomatic / E
Self motivated and motivates others / E
Team player, inclusive and respectful / E
Actively support the ethos of the School / E
Problem solver, strategic thinker and planner / E
Sense of humour / E