Applicant Information Pack
Deputy Head - Prep
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
A Foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer About Berkhamsted Prep
Job Description
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Reporting to: Headteacher, Berkhamsted Prep School
Duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Headteacher are as follows:
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
To lead and model outstanding practice, ensuring the vision, culture and values of the school are clearly articulated, understood and acted upon effectively by all.
To shape the strategic vision and development of the school in partnership with the Head of Prep, so that the high standards of pastoral care and education is maintained.
To undertake the professional duties of the Deputy Headteacher reasonably delegated by the Headteacher.
Education: Leading Teaching and Learning
• Have an in-depth pedagogical knowledge of teaching and learning within the primary curriculum.
• Lead on teaching and learning throughout the school, including the curriculum.
• Lead the monitoring and evaluation of the quality of teaching and learning across the school.
• Oversee and ensure all practice and provision promotes a culture of continuous improvement and meets the high expectations of the Berkhamsted Schools Group.
• Ensure all aspects of the regulatory requirements are met and delivered to the highest standard
• Take a key role in promoting and leading high expectations for attainment related to raising standards and achievement for all.
• Support and lead the development of good practice with regards to inclusion.
• Model and promote high expectations of pastoral care and pupil wellbeing.
• Lead and maintain a culture of self-evaluation and reflective practice throughout the Prep.
Job Description
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Pupils
• Monitor and evaluate pupil progress, including target setting as part of whole school improvement targets.
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
• Lead on and ensure analysis of data and systems of monitoring track and identify areas of underachievement and gaps in learning for all pupils.
• Take a leading role in the pastoral care of all children in the school including behaviour management, child protection and safeguarding
• Promote and facilitate positive partnerships with parents, including providing regular advice and talks for parents.
• Facilitate high quality induction for new children and their families.
Assessment
• Lead on and evaluate assessment, testing and target setting.
• Co-ordinate informal and formal assessment arrangements, including for admissions
• Monitor assessment records, including reporting to parents
• Analyse assessment data utilising a range of sources to inform whole school planning and resourcing.
• Evaluate analysis of data including the identification of trends and barriers to learning and strategic planning for school improvement targets, in partnership with SMT and Learning Support.
• Attend/lead Pupil Progress Meetings and evaluate outcomes.
• Undertake and co-ordinate entry point assessments to Prep in partnership with the SMT
Job Description
Leadership and Management
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• To provide professional leadership and management of School Development Plan priorities alongside the Head and SMT
• To take an active role in school development and improvement, including writing action plans.
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
• Work with the Head and SMT to build a professional learning community which promotes personal professional learning and development.
• Motivate and work with others to create a shared culture and positive climate.
• Lead and develop Continuous Professional Development to ensure a well-qualified and experienced team, including auditing and evaluating training undertaken by the staff
• Lead Professional Development Reviews of staff using coaching and mentoring to enhance performance, and secure engagement in a collaborative learning approach and culture that impacts on personal development and improved outcomes for pupils.
• Manage any performance issues, seeking advice where relevant.
• Support the recruitment of and induction of staff.
• Liaise with the Finance department in relation to budgets and resources management.
Operational
• Ensure all policies and documentation practice is up to date, compliant and of a high standard as per ISI requirements.
• Support the Head to facilitate inspections by regulatory bodies and implement any recommendations.
• Be responsible for ensuring that all complaints and concerns are actively resolved in a timely manner and follow the School’s policy.
• Provide outstanding communication to parents.
Job Description
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Health and Safety
• Liaise with key departments within the school to ensure that health and safety is compliant.
• Be fully aware of all safeguarding procedures, including emergency and security procedures.
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
• Ensure that the day-to-day operation meets the health and safety requirements and regulations and, ensures the safety of the children, their parents, the staff and any visitors to the site.
• Ensure an excellent working environment is maintained, reporting all maintenance issues quickly and safely and ensuring they are dealt with.
• Ensure that all staff are aware of and adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures.
• Oversee the writing and administration of Risk Assessments, liaising with the Health and Safety Officer where necessary
• Be responsible for ensuring that all staff complete Health and Safety training provided by the School.
Marketing
• Proactively represent Berkhamsted Prep for all open events including tours.
• Promote and advance the interests of the Prep School and Berkhamsted Schools Group.
• Liaise with the Head and the marketing department to ensure all information related to the School is current and up to date.
General
• Be a role model of excellence promoting exemplary practice.
• Regularly review own practice, set personal targets and actively take responsibility for own professional development and learning.
Job Description
• Adhere to all policies and procedures of Berkhamsted Schools Group.
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• Ensure policies of diversity and equal opportunities are adhered to.
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
• Liaise with staff from across Berkhamsted School, especially across the Pre-Prep and Prep to ensure parity of practice and for cohesion
• Undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by Berkhamsted Schools Group management.
Personal Attributes
Good management and leadership skills.
Excellent written and spoken communication skills
Excellent organisational skills
Excellent understanding of the primary age range, including child development and learning.
Experience of working as a senior leader.
Have a full understanding of inspection standards and criteria and the ability to produce documentation required by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.
Ability to work under pressure and to targets and deadlines, including experience of leading and managing whole school development projects
To be flexible and able to adapt at short notice to unforeseen circumstances.
Note: This job description is indicative of the duties and responsibilities of the post but does not form part of any contract of employment. All jobs within the School evolve over time and their features vary from year to year.
BenefitsBenefits
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 Watch our video
Watch our video and hear from our colleagues why they enjoy working at the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Find out more about what it is really like to be a member of the community.
