Premises Manager Information Pack
October 2010
October 2010 Dear applicant, Thank you for taking the time to find out more about King Solomon Academy (KSA) in Westminster and the possibility of working here. Included in this information pack is information about the academy, ARK Schools (who sponsor the academy) and the role of a Premises Manager at KSA. The academy opened in September 2007 with an intake of two reception classes and is growing each year with a new intake. The secondary school opened in September 2009 with just 60 Year 7 pupils, and will continue to grow at a two form entry year on year. The academy is based in new, state of the art facilities, and will be structured into four small schools for infant, junior, middle and upper pupils. We are committed to high standards of academic excellence for all our pupils and recognise that this requires time and dedication on the part of both pupils and teachers. As such, our school runs from 7.55am – 5:00pm every day. This is a unique opportunity to join a committed team of staff, striving to create an outstanding comprehensive academy. The Premises Manager will take responsibility for the building and ground maintenance across the academy site, locking up and securing the academy premises, overseeing lettings, and managing the Premises staff and contractors providing services to the academy. The ideal candidate will have the relevant skills and expertise, excellent inter‐personal and people management skills and the ability to gain the confidence of contractors, premises staff and other staff across the academy site. The academy is part of the ARK Schools network and so it will have access to resources, opportunities, ideas and expertise from across the group. ARK Schools is committed to developing excellent staff within its network: through training, remuneration and network benefits. To apply for the role please go to www.kingsolomonacademy.org and return the application to Gemma McPhail on g.mcphail@arkonline.org , by 9am on Wednesday 20th November. First round interviews will take place on Tuesday 26th November, there will also be second stage of interviews and references will be gathered in between these. If you have any queries regarding the role or assessment process please contact Gemma on 0203 116 0742. We look forward to receiving your application. Yours sincerely, Max Haimendorf Secondary School Headteacher King Solomon Academy
Venessa Willms Primary Headteacher King Solomon Academy
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About King Solomon Academy King Solomon Academy (KSA) is a brand new, all‐through school for 3 ‐ 18 year olds. It opened in September 2007 with two reception classes and is growing each year, until there are classes for children from nursery age right through to sixth form. The secondary school opened in 2009 with year 7 pupils. Pupils and their immense potential are at the heart of King Solomon Academy. They live and work by the philosophy that there are no excuses and no short cuts to success, and promote excellence in every aspect of academy life. King Solomon Academy has achieved an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted for the whole academy (primary and secondary). This is a truly remarkable achievement for an academy that opened just two years ago. Among the points highlighted by the inspectors they say: “King Solomon Academy is an outstanding and unique 21st century school". Among many other points Ofsted praise KSA's creation and inspiration of "a community of enthusiastic learners, who are passionate about achieving academic excellence.” The KSA ethos: their belief that guides how they act as a community • • • • •
Every child has the potential to excel It is through hard work and discipline that success is achieved Outstanding teachers, willing to do whatever it takes, can transform pupils' lives School should be a caring, safe place where pupils are happy Pupils’ and parents are their most important partners
Students entering the school agree to follow two school rules • •
Work hard Be nice to others
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New Facilities King Solomon Academy has now moved into its purpose built new buildings. The original Grade II listed buildings, previously the North Westminster Community School have been extensively refurbished and expanded providing: • • • • • •
Accommodation for 660 junior, middle and upper school pupils A multi use games area with flood lighting for year round use A new sports building with excellent indoor sports facilities and equipment A well equipped design and technology suite On site catering facilities to provide high quality hot meals every day A brand new infant school for 180 reception and key stage one pupils with a sixty place nursery.
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About ARK Schools
ARK Schools is an education charity that runs a network of eight academies in London, Portsmouth and Birmingham. ARK Schools was created in 2004 to work with the DfE and local authorities to create new schools offering exceptional opportunities to local children in inner cities through the academies programme. ARK Schools’ aim is to help close the achievement gap between children from disadvantaged and more affluent backgrounds. Its academies focus on raising attainment so that every pupil has a real choice of going on to higher education when they complete school. Its schools are non‐ selective, community schools for local children. They are non‐denominational other than where they replace a school that previously had a religious affiliation.
BOROUGH
OPENED
AGE
OFSTED
Burlington Danes
Hammersmith
2006
11‐18
Special measures
Satisfactory
Good
King Solomon
Westminster
2007
3‐18
N/A
Outstanding
Outstanding
Walworth
Southwark
2007
11‐18
Satisfactory
Good
Good (with outstanding capacity to improve)
Globe
Southwark
2008
3‐18
Special measures
Good
N/A
Evelyn Grace
Lambeth
2008
11‐18
N/A
Good
N/A
Ark
Brent
2008
3‐18
N/A
Good
N/A
Charter
Portsmouth
2009
11‐16 (due to18)
Notice to improve
N/A
N/A
St Alban’s
Birmingham
2009
11‐16 (due to 18)
Good
N/A
N/A
•
Isaac Newton Academy, a new academy in Redbridge for 11‐18 year olds, is to open in
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2012. ARK academies’ achievement to date The latest complete set of data (2010) demonstrates that ARK Schools is the top performing multiple academy sponsor on the basis of average annual increase in GCSE attainment since opening (including English and maths). In 2010 the five ARK academies with GCSE results achieved an average improvement rate of 12.6 percentage points on last year’s results.
GCSE performance (% achieving 5 GCSEs A* ‐ C including English and Maths)
Predecessor school
2009
2010
Burlington Danes
31% (2006)
50%
70%
Walworth
26% (2007)
45%
60%
Globe
26% (2008)
34%
40%
St Alban’s
23% (2008)
30% (predecessor)
50%
Charter
8% (2008)
21% (predecessor)
25%
The ARK Schools ethos Academic achievement – no excuses • ARK Schools has high expectations for its pupils. We believe every child can realise their potential given the right encouragement, teaching and support. We want every pupil at our academies to leave with the qualifications and skills they need to have real choice at 18, whether that is to continue their education or to pursue a career. Culture – personal responsibility and mutual respect • Our academies aim to maintain a respectful and orderly environment so that pupils can focus on learning and teachers on teaching. The core curriculum: depth before breadth • Our curriculum is designed and structured to ensure that all children master essential knowledge in English and Mathematics, with all schools having a specialist status in mathematics. In our infant schools, pupils have four literacy classes and three numeracy classes each day. School Structure • ARK academies are organised into a set of ‘small schools’, so that every pupil knows and is known by every teacher within their small school. • Where the local structure allows we aim to establish “all through” schools. Primary school children have access to specialist facilities normally exclusive to secondary schools. Commitment • All pupils, parents, teachers and support staff sign a home‐school agreement before school starts, so that everyone is committed to putting in the effort to ensure that each
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child succeeds. ARK Schools staff benefits ARK Schools also provides the following benefits to staff in its academies. Staff training: in addition to staff training from individual academies, staff will also benefit from a range of different training opportunities available from ARK leaders. MA bursary: ARK offers teaching staff the opportunity to further their knowledge and understanding of education through a subsidised part‐time MA in education at King’s College London. The MA bursary covers the majority of the £3,600 course fee, with teachers expected to contribute just £500. Scholarships: for staff wishing to undertake a qualification or training in a more specific area ARK has three scholarships each year worth £1,500. International development opportunities: in spring 2010, 13 members of staff from ARK academies visited Jamaica with the Department for Children, Schools and Families/British Council’s Teachers’ International Professional Development programme. ARK also has strong links with charter school groups in the USA and staff may have the opportunity to visit and share best practice. Financial planning and assistance: there are also several benefits to help staff plan their finances. All ARK academies provide childcare vouchers, interest free annual season ticket, or bicycle purchase loans (for which monthly repayments are deducted from the employee’s salary before tax) through the ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme. Discounted gym membership: all ARK Schools employees receive a minimum 20% discount at Fitness First clubs around the country.
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Reports to: Start date: Salary: Hours of work:
JOB DESCRIPTION PREMISES MANAGER Finance and Resources Director As soon as possible £23,731‐£29,058 per annum (band 7 of the ARK salary scale) Full time 36 hours per week worked over a varying shift pattern (some out of hours and weekend working required).
The Role To manage all premises activities across the academy site, resolving issues quickly and effectively to maintain a safe, clean, secure and pleasant learning environment for our students, staff and visitors. To take responsibility for unlocking, locking up and securing the site and overseeing lettings in order to maximise the security of the site. To manage the Premises staff and oversee contractors providing services to the Academy in order to ensure these are of the highest standards. Key responsibilities Site Security • To act as the first keyholder, responding to emergency call‐outs and contacting approved suppliers as appropriate, so that safety and security is maintained, risk minimised and the buildings protected • To ensure systems are in operation to keep the academy secure, including CCTV, entry systems and intruder and fire alarms, making sure these are set when the academy is closed • To take responsibility for the safe custody of keys, signing issued keys in and out when required • To ensure that the building is locked and secure at the end of the academy day and unlocked in preparation for the school day • To ensure that the member of staff on duty patrols the building at least once each evening. Health and Safety • To keep up‐ to ‐date with changes in relevant health and safety law, fire and building regulations, ensuring prompt compliance, implementation and monitoring • To comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations, ensuring the safety of themselves and others are maintained and that Health and Safety responsibilities are carried out • To make safe any hazards on site, reporting any hazards or defects which cannot be resolved • To maintain up‐to‐date fire and health and safety risk assessments and organise fire evacuation drills each term •
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• • •
To regularly inspect/test the fire extinguishers, lifts, fire alarms and refuge alarm call points and ensure all fire exits and escape routes are kept free from obstruction at all times To ensure the appropriate signs and notices are visible throughout the academy. To undertake relevant risk assessment during bad weather, taking necessary action, for example using rock salt during icy conditions to reduce hazards.
Premises Management • To regularly assess the condition of the building, reporting any defects and assessing the nature and extent of any repair work required • To undertake minor repairs and maintenance within the post holder’s competence, arranging for other repairs to be carried out by qualified contractors, following the principles of ‘best value’ • To manage all utilities, in order to ensure quality of service, cost‐optimisation and best practice implementation. To take monthly meter readings and submit them to the relevant supplier, reconciling readings against invoices when received. • To be competent in operating the Building Management System (BMS) database • To adjust the boiler to maximize efficiency, ensuring that the boiler house is tidy and nothing flammable is stored there • To take responsibility for the ordering, receiving and storage of goods, maintaining an inventory of tools and premises equipment and furniture, fixtures and fittings • To oversee the daily contract cleaning and organise deep cleans and ad hoc cleaning cover as required. Grounds Maintenance • To be responsible for maintaining the grounds to a high standard, undertaking rubbish removal, path clearance, weeding and tree and shrub pruning • To ensure the multi‐use games area (MUGA) is kept free from debris at all times • To monitor the landscape/MUGA contract and ensure that it is performed to a high standard and to organise specialist grounds work as required. Lettings • To oversee all lettings, ensuring the safe and efficient use of the site and carrying out appropriate induction for hirers, including fire evacuation procedures • To resolve issues as they arise and report any abuse of the letting system • To ensure that the facilities are set up for hirers in accordance with the hire agreement, and that the area left clean after use • To ensure there is an appropriately trained Duty Manager on site during lettings. Other • To attend weekly meetings with the Finance and Resources Director to plan and review progress • To ensure premises staff receive appropriate training in accordance with their role and responsibilities • To undertake other various responsibilities as directed by Line Manager or the Principals • To undertake the main professional duties of Premises Manager as set out in the ARK Schools pay and conditions of service document • The post holder will be expected to arrange holiday/sickness cover within the team to ensure there are sufficient staff on site at all times.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION Qualification Criteria • Right to work in the UK. • Relevant Health and Safety qualifications and/or willingness to undergo training as required • Understanding and ability to apply regulations ( such as health & safety, fire, manual handling regulations) Essential Experience • Highly skilled/ experienced in caretaking, building and/or garden maintenance • Experience of plumbing, carpentry or electrical work desirable • Experience of maintaining grounds (knowledge of synthetic sports surfaces an advantage) • Previous experience of working in a school environment is desirable Personal Characteristics • Excellent team leader with a ‘can‐do’ attitude and ability to prioritise tasks • Helpful, caring and willing to undertake extra tasks and support colleagues • Strong oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate tactfully and effectively • Understands the importance of confidentiality and discretion • Able to follow instructions, as well as show initiative, make good judgments and lead when required • Self motivated and resilient with the ability to work calmly under pressure • Flexible attitude towards work (able to work varied shift patterns and be on call for emergenices) Specific Skills • Ability to manage, motivate and develop an effective team including managing and reviewing performance against agreed targets • Ability to organise, manage and supervise the work of others (eg contractors and cleaners) • The post holder must be able to meet the physical demands of the role • Ability to use computer control systems and undertake basic administrative tasks • Skills in plumbing, electrical work, carpentry/joinery, painting and glazing Other • Commitment to equality of opportunity and the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils • Willingness to undertake training • This post is subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure Alignment with KSA vision • Relentless energy and drive to do what it takes to ensure all students succeed • Ability to instill and ensure high expectations • The courage and conviction to make a difference
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ATTRIBUTES Qualifications
Experience
Knowledge
Skills, Ability & Availability
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
ONC, OND, Ordinary City & Guilds or equivalent qualifications in relevant areas, recognised time served in building trade or apprenticeship or appropriate experience or college/local authority training courses A First Aid qualification Experience of managing and At least 3 years relevant experience motivating staff preferably in a school environment Experience of overseeing other works Experience in building industry i.e. contractors, cleaners etc, and Experience of administrative tasks experience of undertaking and record keeping responsibility for the care and maintenance of premises. Experience of a range of computerised systems (e.g., Word Considerable DIY experience at the processing, e‐mail spreadsheets, level of minor maintenance etc.) Knowledge of the organisation and Knowledge of Health and Safety administration, aims and objectives regulations in relation to the post of a school Knowledge of the operation of heating, Knowledge of how to operate a ventilating systems and common causes of malfunctions. Knowledge of computerised Building Management maintenance and security systems and System (BMS) Basic understanding of school procedures budgeting Knowledge of energy conservation measures Ability to drive. Ability to monitor and report on structural faults/repairs. Ability to monitor and order stocks of materials. Skills in plumbing, electrical work, Ability to undertake annual testing of carpentry/joinery, painting and electrical equipment (PAT) or willing glazing to competent DIY standard. Ability for some heavy lifting, to train physical fitness appropriate to tasks required Be prepared to work evenings and weekends as required, ability to deal with emergencies occurring outside normal working hours following appropriate procedures Ability to communicate and liaise effectively with persons at all levels Basic training in one or more of the following; plumbing, general and ground maintenance, electrical/building maintenance, heating systems (or sound experience of same)
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ARK Schools, Safe Recruitment Procedure ARK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its’ academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. This process is outlined below, but can be provided in more detail if requested. Disclosure This post is classified as having substantial access to children, and appointment is subject to an enhanced police check of previous criminal convictions (CRB). Applicants are required, before appointment, to disclose any conviction, caution or binding over including ‘spent convictions’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975. Non‐ disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar individuals from employment – this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. Shortlisting Only those candidates meeting the right criteria will be taken forward from application. Interview 1. Candidates will be subject to an in‐depth interview (of which there may be two such sessions; a screening at ARK followed by academy specific interview and, where appropriate, lesson observation) 2. Candidates will be asked to address any discrepancies, anomalies or gaps in their application form. Reference checking References from the previous and current employer will be taken up for shortlisted candidates, and where necessary employers may be contacted to gather further information. Probation All new staff will be subject to a probation period of six months (which may, in certain circumstances, be extended by up to 10 weeks). The probation period is a trial period, to enable the assessment of an employee’s suitability for the job for which they have been employed. It provides the academies with the opportunity to monitor and review the performance of new staff in relation to various areas, but also in terms of their commitment to safe guarding and relationships with pupils.
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