Senior Librarian - Details of Post

AN INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR PUPILS AGED 7 TO 18 IN THE HEART OF SURREY

Information for prospective staff

Senior Librarian

About Freemen's

was founded. We are proudly co-educational and have been since 1854, which was radical at the time, and we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with our forward-thinking, progressive approach.

We believe that if we can motivate pupils and staff to always give their best, the School will continue to grow and thrive. Community engagement and our impact on the world beyond our walls are at the forefront of everything we do at Freemen’s.

The School was founded in Brixton in 1854 to provide an education for the orphaned children of Freemen of the City of London before moving to the present site, Ashtead Park, in 1926. We have a magnificent site with modern buildings alongside the original Main House set in a stunning 57 acres of parkland. This idyllic setting further supports the wellbeing of our students and staff, as being here, in the park, makes coming to work a pleasure. It looks striking in every season and we are lucky to have a vast array of wildlife living in our woods.

Today, Freemen’s is an independent day and boarding school for students aged 7-18, with a strong ethos of community and service in accordance with the values on which the School

You can expect stellar exam results and academic excellence, but that’s not all. The focus within the School is on every individual finding a path which is appropriate for them, be that in the classroom, on a sports pitch or in one of the many co-curricular activities we encourage our young people to throw themselves into. Our mission is built upon four pillars of the Freemen’s education: pastoral support, House activities, academic achievement, and our varied cocurricular programme (including sport) to ensure every student realises their potential to be able to learn, lead and make a difference. Freemen’s is a place where students are keen to learn and eager to engage in the wider aspects of life at our School.

Teachers at Freemen's embody our principles for excellent classroom practice, offering innovative and forward-thinking approaches, enabling us to be a beacon of learning and teaching. We take risks in the pursuit of excellence by being brave and radical, willing to challenge the status quo. Through our 1-1 iPad programme, we

Our mission is to inspire our people to learn, to lead and to make a difference.

About Freemen's

aim to create discerning users of technology, so that staff and students can thrive in the modern dynamic world. We do all of this, in an environment where staff feel supported, by investing in life-long learning through research-led enquiry and building learning communities. The emphasis in the Junior School is on Kindness, Honesty and Fun and the Senior School picks up that message with a pastoral programme that emphasizes the importance of a strong, supportive community in which every member, staff and student, feels respected, supported and valued. As a result, we are able to support our young people to successfully navigate the tests of life they face every day.

The School is one of four independent schools managed by the City of London Corporation (The City). The City provides financial support in the form of bursaries and scholarships. Other links with the City of London and the Livery Companies are strong, which presents opportunities for staff to attend events at Guildhall and elsewhere in the City, as well as the possibility of gaining the honour of the Freedom of the City of London.

Transport links are good; the School is a mile from Ashtead station with regular services to Epsom and London and south to Leatherhead and Guildford. The M25 junction 9 is a sevenminute drive from the School.

Libraries at Freemen's

The libraries lie at the heart of the School and play an important part in day to day life.

Staffed by a professional librarian and two assistant librarians (one full-time and one 22 hours per week), they are modern spacious environments ideally suited to support the School’s aims of encouraging reading for pleasure and developing independent learning.

Junior Library

The Junior Library allows pupils to take part in a wide range of activities:

• borrow one of more than 11,000 books and DVDs, including e-books and e-audiobooks;

• browse our selection of graphic novels and comics;

• play board games or puzzles;

• take part in regular Library competitions and activities.

Every Junior class has a timetabled session in the Library each week, which is spent exchanging books, improving research skills and engaging in fun activities and discussions, all of which

help to develop independent learning and an enthusiasm for reading.

Each year group has its own Book Club from Year 6 through to Sixth Form. Members meet weekly to exchange recommendations, discuss news and views, and help create promotional material to share the joy of reading throughout the School.

Learn, lead and make a difference

Senior Library

The Senior Library in the Haywood Centre is the perfect place for private study or catching up on the latest fiction. Class bookings also make the most of the research facilities, especially in support of the EPQ and FPQ qualifications.

The Senior Library offers a wide range of resources:

• More than 17,000 books and movies, as well as e-books and e-audiobooks.

• Curriculum-related and leisure interest magazines and journals.

• Daily newspapers.

• Subscriptions to numerous online databases for academic research (password access).

There are also computers, photocopying, scanning and printing facilities, iPads, projector and big-screen viewing capability.

Sixth Form Library

The Sixth form library is located in Main House, and is a beautiful wood panelled room used predominantly for private study. The book stock is varied: a combination of 'aspirational fiction', autobiographies and non-fiction reference materials for History, Classics and English.

Information about the role

The Senior Librarian is responsible for the delivery of the School’s Aims via the provision of library services across the whole school, including supervision of the School’s Sixth Form, Senior and Junior Libraries. The Libraries act as a central resource for the Curriculum and a support structure for all departments. They should give an opportunity for pupils to read more widely, think more deeply, develop skills in learning and in seeking information and meet pupils’ leisure needs.

The Senior Librarian should ensure Library Services provide a range of digital and physical resources, including but not limited to acting as a lending library, promoting information and digital literacy, critical thinking, scholarship and, most importantly, a love of reading.

Main duties and responsibilities

• To keep abreast of key themes in education and develop and deliver a vision and strategy for Library Services at Freemen’s appropriate for the medium and long term.

• Promote a love of reading for pleasure and ensure the Libraries are places of wonder and discovery.

• Manage the supervision of pupils, behaviour, organisation and timings in the Libraries.

• Promote the school and Library to current and prospective students, including being present at all Open events. Attend welcome events for new and seek to actively promote the Library to those who don’t use its resources.

• Attend all Heads of Departments’ meeting and liaise with Curriculum Leaders over their specific areas within the School Library.

• Lead the development of IT within the Library in liaison with the Head of IT.

• Be responsible for the appointment, training and supervision of the Assistant Librarians.

• Be responsible for the instruction in the use of the Library to pupils, especially pupils starting at the School. Develop information-handling skills in pupils and reinforce these skills progressively throughout the pupil’s school life in conjunction with the teachers. Teach students how to find and critically evaluate research material to support the curriculum e.g. the FPQ and EPQ.

• Measure and report to SLT the impact the Library’s services are having on students at Freemen’s.

• Manage the School’s Library budgets.

• Work with the Assistant Head - Learning, Teaching and Innovation on the management and distribution of digital learning resources that support students in the library and

Job Description - Senior Librarian

around the school. This includes software such as ClickView, TurnitIn, digital textbooks and other online tools. Library services should actively seek to teach the use of these tools to students and staff.

• Responsible for the classification, issuance, security and cataloguing of all books and other visual aid material, using the Library’s IT system.

• Be responsible for general information and research to provide advice to staff and pupils on suitability of books and other materials.

• Be responsible for the circulation of lists of new books purchased for the Library and production of book lists of Library stocks.

• Be responsible for the management of overdue loan items and the necessary letters to chase up recovery.

• Arrange regular library and reading promotional events, such as book fairs, author visits, literary themed days/weeks etc.

• Promote a sustainable approach to resources within both libraries; such us offering resources no longer required by Freemen’s to others, etc.

• Liaise with other School Librarians and with Independent Schools’ Librarian Association and the CILIP.

Forward planning

• Forward plan tasks in consultation with the Assistant Librarian and with academic staff.

• Identify changing needs and advise the Chief Operating Officer (COO), through their SLT line manager, of recommendations for correct resources.

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Job Description - Senior Librarian

Selection and maintenance of equipment

• Provide the COO, after consultation with their SLT line manager, with recommendations for equipment for inclusion in the annual capital and revenue budget bids.

Other points

• Actively seek to implement and comply with the School’s Safeguarding policies and procedures and to demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children.

• Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy in relation to the duties of the post, and at all times give due regard to the health and safety of both themselves and others when carrying out their duties.

• Reporting all accidents to the COO via the School’s Accident Report Form procedure. Report forms are held in the Medical Centre.

• Informing the COO of any concerns regarding Health & Safety and safe working practices.

• Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Equal Opportunity Policy and the objective to promote equality of opportunity in relation to the duties of the post.

• To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be requested appropriate to the grade.

Revision of job description

• According to the development and requirement of the School, job descriptions may need to be reviewed and updated periodically after consultation with the job holder.

Person specification

Professional qualifications, relevant education and training

• Educated to First Degree Library Studies or Post Graduate Library qualification, or Professional Library Examinations.

• Committed to continuing CPD.

Experience required, including budget holding experience (if appropriate)

• Passionate about reading and books, and enthusiastic about promoting literacy and learning to pupils.

• Previous library management experience, ideally in an education setting.

• Enthusiastic in sourcing books and information and expertise in online searching using a range of digital services.

• Strong knowledge of e-learning and e-resources and up to date knowledge of trending relevant library articles through social media plaforms.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport with young people and initiate ways to support them with their research.

• Wide-ranging knowledge of children’s and Young Adult literature.

• Good organisational and time management skills.

• Flexibility to take on new challenges.

• Proactive and creative approach.

• Experience of working with children and a demonstrable commitment to the safety and welfare of children.

Technical skills

• Excellent IT skills

• Experience of using a library management system, or aptitude to learn new software.

Other relevant information eg. working hours or desirables

• Experience and confidence working with a diverse range of pupils aged 7 to 18 is desirable.

• The libraries are open between 8.30am and 6.00pm so a shift pattern is in place.

Professional expectations of staff

Safeguarding

Staff will be kind, fair and respectful to students and each other, challenge others when they are unkind, unfair or disrespectful and have the highest regard for the students’ safety and their safeguarding duties, whether on or off the school premises.

Appearance

Smart professional dress, or appropriate co-curricular clothing, at all times.

Availability

Prompt attendance during the School’s operating hours and a commitment to completing School business is expected.

Awareness and use of Freemen’s policies

Staff will be able to access and use policies as necessary, and read and act upon them appropriately.

Behaviour

Staff will establish Freemen’s as a place of learning and will determine clear boundaries of behaviour, based on mutual respect and trust. Staff will have high expectations of students and will manage their behaviour effectively.

Collective responsibility

Staff share collective responsibility for Freemen’s standards, reputation and property, should treat them with respect and care, and insist others do likewise.

Communication

Staff will expect high standards of communication from students and will, in turn, demonstrate accurate, timely and appropriate communication when dealing with students, parents and colleagues.

Ethics and behaviour

Staff will uphold public trust in the profession and the reputation of Freemen’s by maintaining high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside School. They will be respectful and tolerant of the rights of others, including colleagues, and not undermine fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They will ensure that their personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.

Learn, lead and make a difference

Leaders

Staff will be leaders in the School, exercising good judgement and modelling the behaviour and habits that are expected of the students.

Learners

Staff will show and share a passion for their subject or discipline(s). They will seek to develop as professionals and as specialists, will be open to feedback and will seek opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and engage with relevant research.

Planning

Teaching staff will have a sense of where the lesson fits within the scheme of work and plan well-structured lessons using an appropriate range of pedagogies.

Use of feedback

Staff will seek to use feedback for themselves and if appropriate, their students and will complete assessments and reports in a timely fashion in the appropriate manner and style.

How to apply

Applicants should send a letter of application and a completed application form to the Headmaster via CLFS-Recruitment@cityoflondon.gov.uk, by 12 noon on Monday 30 October 2023.

Interviews will take place shorty after the closing date. Early applications are encouraged and candidates are asked to note that Freemen’s retains the right to interview and appoint at any time during the application process.

Freemen’s acknowledges receipt of all applications, if you have not received confirmation of the safe receipt of your application within two working days please call the School or email CLFS-Recruitment@ cityoflondon.gov.uk to check on its status.

The successful candidate must be able to satisfy the City of London’s health requirements and a confidential medical assessment by the City of London’s Medical Officer is required.

The City of London Freemen’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced Disclosure).

The Good Schools Guide

"Friendly was the single most uttered word used to describe the school by students, while parents report that their offspring are happy. ‘Kind’ and ‘non-judgemental,’ we also heard, with support on tap."

Your benefits

City of London benefits:

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Contributory defined benefit

• CityBenefits - discounts and cashback.

• Wellbeing resources.

• Sponsorship to become a Freeman of the City of London.

Family friendly

Significantly enhanced maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement

Sports and Leisure:

Free lunch and refreshments

The option to join Supper Club at a subsidised rate

• Discounted gym membership.

• Free use of the fitness suite.

• Staff social and sporting opportunities including pilates, yoga and five-a-side football.

• Free staff swimming and weekend family swimming for staff.

Annual Leave 25/29 days (subject to grade) plus bank holidays increasing with service.

Cycle to work scheme

Up to £3,000 salary sacrifice

Learning and Development:

• In-house and externally run CPL

• Enquiring Schools project

• Support for professional development appropriate to the role including Apprenticeships/Masters.

Season Ticket Loan

Free parking on site

Access to on-site facilities

Wellbeing:

• Up to 2 days’ paid leave for volunteering.

• Cash back on private health care treatment.

• Access to on-site Medical Centre.

• Staff Wellbeing Committee.

• Confidential Employee Assistance for staff and their families.

• Emergencies-only approach to out of hours email.

Campus Map

Centre 11. Junior School (Kemp House) 12. Boarding (Walbrook House)

13. Music School and Recital Hall

14. Main House

15. Sports Hall

16. Swimming Pool

17. Cricket Pavilion

18. Tennis and Netball Courts

19. Astro Pitch

20. Cricket Nets

21. Cricket Pitch

22. Italian Garden

23. Rugby and Football Pitches

24. Green Room

Click here to view 360 Tour of campus

25. Fire Assembly Point

26. Bus Stop

27. Upper Car Park

28. Lower Car Park

29. Service Gate (KT21 1JB)

"A down-to-earth, friendly school that’s comfortable in its own skin rather than relentlessly trying to show off its most polished side – and is all the better for it. Just the ticket for parents after a high-quality, stress-free route for their academically bright sons and daughters from age 7 right through to 18. Almost unique around here."

The Good Schools Guide