A Foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer
Richard Backhouse - Principal
Berkhamsted is among the schools leading the way in pursuing a ‘foundation structure’. As a group of six schools, it combines scale of resource with individual attention and development of pupils – and staff. We start with our values: we aim for excellence – aiming high with integrity –in all that we do. We are adventurous, and support development, research, and experimentation in teaching and learning We serve others – at both pupil and staff level: ours is a non-hierarchical school in which the opinions of all matter, and in which we all share in the support and contribution to our local community
Above all, we are committed to developing remarkable people, both among our pupils and our staff We are looking for highly committed, ambitious and adventurous people to join a thriving staff body, whom we can support to flourish here, and whom we can help to grow. Our staff are so important that we have a Chief People Officer as one of our most senior members of staff
Tracey Evans - Chief People Officer
Our staff are our most important asset at Berkhamsted; investing in their professional development with their wellbeing a key priority. We foster a working environment that supports staff both professionally and personally. We offer a wide range of staff wellbeing initiatives. Colleagues can easily access financial, physical, emotional and social well-being support from school
We seek to enable all members of the school community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality, equity, respect and opportunity We work hard at Berkhamsted, but we also know how to come together as a community and enjoy downtime, building relationships which last a lifetime and enrich our professional and personal experience
About Berkhamsted Pre-Prep
Early years and Key Stage one Education for boys and girls is provided at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep, located at the Schools Haresfoot site, is set in a delightful eight acre woodland area at the edge of Berkhamsted
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Berkhamsted Pre-Prep places each child at the centre of everything we do Wellbeing is our first priority, and providing a high level of nurture and care is our primary focus Our team are skilled professionals who have an in-depth understanding of early child development At Pre-Prep we aim high to give children the best possible start to their education Learning opportunities are planned to provide challenge, developing not only knowledge but also the skills and aptitudes that allow our children to question, debate, collaborate and problem solve from a very young age.
Children are taught to recognise failure as the key to success and school is a safe space where mistakes are key to acquiring mastery Our hope is to encourage their natural curiosity and passion for learning, laying the foundations that will allow them to make the most of the opportunities available to them
The latest ISI inspection of Berkhamsted Day Nursery and Pre-Prep in June 2016 captures our philosophy perfectly: “Outcomes for children are outstanding All children make excellent, continuous progress in relation to their individual starting points and capabilities due to the nurturing and supportive environment that recognises each child as an individual ”
We strive to build positive relationships where children learn to socialise and work with each other and where kindness and respect are qualities that are celebrated and embraced Our excellent pastoral care gives our school a family feel where children learn the importance of serving others and the importance of being part of a community where everyone is valued.
There are currently 205 pupils at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep School (aged 3-7).
Part of the Berkhamsted Schools Group
Berkhamsted Pre-Prep School is one of six schools that make up Berkhamsted Schools Group Berkhamsted School is one of the country’s leading independent schools It has a structure that provides the best in both co-educational and single-sex education, offering small class sizes and appropriate teaching environments for each age group, from age 3 to 18
The School’s ‘diamond’ structure allows boys and girls to be taught together until the age of 11 (at Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and at Berkhamsted Prep), separately from 11-16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint Sixth Form (Berkhamsted Sixth).
Responsible to:
1.The Headteacher
Job Description
2.The Deputy Head through the school’s management structure.
Main Responsibilities
Classroom and Teaching
To prepare and teach lessons, that stimulate and enthuse children to reach their full potential
To prepare and teach lessons based on objectives set by the School.
To prepare and teach lessons that are in line with the agreed syllabus and schemes of work of the school
To complete planning documentation as required.
To incorporate the use of ICT, where appropriate
To teach the pupils assigned to you according to their educational need.
To mark and assess pupils’ work in line with school and departmental policy and to record assessments in a clear and useful way.
To ensure that pupils present their work carefully in line with school policy
To decorate allocated areas/classrooms with posters and displays of children’s work. These should be replaced regularly.
To be prepared to teach all subjects across the curriculum and/or a specialist subject, if required.
To maintain good order and discipline among the pupils and safeguard their health and safety both when they are on school premises and when they are engaged in school activities elsewhere.
Job Description
To maintain a tidy, organised and stimulating classroom and a high standard of display.
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To use non-contact time effectively for preparation/marking etc.
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
To assess, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils in line with agreed policy.
To correct any pupil whose standard of behaviour, dress or cooperation fall below required standards and advise a member of SMT.
To ensure the pastoral curriculum is delivered with sensitivity and understanding meeting the emotional and social needs of the pupils.
Policies and Procedures
To be familiar with the School’s Staff Handbook and general policies for staff
To be familiar with the school’s Child Protection policy
To be familiar with the School’s Health and Safety Procedure.
To be familiar with the School’s ICT Acceptable Use Policy
Extra-curricular Responsibilities, Duties, Cover
It is the nature of the work at the School that tasks and responsibilities are varied Therefore all staff are expected to work in a flexible way when occasion arises, when tasks which are not specifically covered in their job descriptions have to be undertaken
Job Description
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These additional duties will normally be to cover unforeseen circumstances or changes and they will normally be compatible with the regular type of work.
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
If an additional responsibility or task becomes a regular or frequent part of the member of staff’s job, it will be included in the job description after consultation with that member of staff.
To take a full and active part in the extracurricular life of the school, specifically:
To run at least one after-school club per term, as directed by the Headteacher.
To attend and assist at least four events during the school year that take place on a weekend These might include:
Sporting events, such as sports days
Musical and cultural events, such as fairs and concerts.
Marketing events, such as Open Days.
There is an expectation that staff will attend School plays, productions, and other events that take place in the evenings, as required.
School Trips and Visits
To participate in (and lead) educational day visits.
There is an expectation that staff will participate in school residential trips, as required
To participate in parent-teacher and curriculum meetings, which may be after-school or in the evenings, as required by the Headteacher
Part-time staff may be required to attend these meetings even when the meeting falls on a day on which they do not teach in school.
Job Description
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To attend Prize Day, which may also fall on a weekend, as required by the Headteacher. Part-time staff will be required to attend Prize Day.
To undertake additional duties
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
To register the attendance of pupils.
To participate fully in arranging assemblies and contributing to the spiritual and moral life of the school
To supervise children outside lesson time as agreed in the prepared rota, before/during/after school sessions as directed.
To provide cover for absent colleagues, as required by the Headteacher.
Relationship with Colleagues and Meetings
To co-operate with colleagues and the SMT and contribute professionally as a member of the team.
To play an active part in department meetings, daily briefings and staff meetings.
To accept advice and instruction from the Subject Co-ordinator/s with regard to departmental policies and schemes of work, maintenance of records and care of resources etc.
To assist the Subject Co-ordinator/s in writing, revising and updating aspects of the School’s Development Plan.
To keep the Subject Co-ordinator/s and Form Teachers informed of any pupils who may be experiencing difficulties with the subject. They in turn may refer your concerns to the school’s Special Needs Coordinator.
Job Description
Maintaining Professional Standards
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To maintain high personal standards of appearance, behaviour and punctuality.
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
To take responsibility and be proactive in pursuing opportunities for Continuing Professional Development. To keep abreast of developments in the subjects taught and in pedagogy and to implement best practice in the classroom
To maintain a level of ICT competence that enables effective administration and communication both with colleagues and with parents that supports the needs of pupils in the classroom.
To attend Whole School INSET days, which may fall before, or after the end of term. Part-time staff may be required to attend these INSET days even when they fall on a day on which they do not teach in school
To take part in INSET and additional training as directed, including twilight sessions after school. To participate in the School appraisal process
Absence from School
It is expected that, whenever possible, the teacher will request prior approval from the Headteacher for any absence from school and to give notice in writing to appropriate people so that cover can be organised.
It is expected that the teacher will set work whenever absent, and the work given to the Deputy / Head in good time.
Job Description
Confidentiality and Loyalty
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It is expected that all School employees will understand that our work is confidential and that personal details about children and families should not be discussed outside school.
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
It is expected that all School employees shall remain loyal to the aims and values of the School and conduct themselves accordingly at all times.
Note
The job description may be reviewed at the end of an academic year or earlier if necessary. In addition, it may be amended at any time after consultation with you.
This Job Description should be read in conjunction with the Contract, which outlines Grievance/Capability Procedures.
We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme.
The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing.
Free classes and advisory services. memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme.
Safeguarding and Child Protection BenefitsBenefits
Berkhamsted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding
A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630
Application and Next Steps
The closing date for applications is 23 March 2025
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Please note, the interviews for this position will take place on 1 April 2025.
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group along with documentary evidence of qualifications.
Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK. Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn).
Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.
Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview
If you have any questions relating to this role please contact the HR department at recruitment@berkhamsted.com
Early applications are encouraged, and interviews may take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to extend or close the deadline
