Administrator Application Pack PRIMARY ADVANTAGE FEDERATION
Primary Advantage Federation c/o Holy Trinity Primary School 13 Richmond Road Dalston London E8 3HY Tel: 020 7254 1010 www.primaryadvantage.co.uk
Contents Welcome
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Our Vision & Approaches
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Outcomes & Achievements
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OfSTED Survey Inspection February 2011 Application Process Primary Advantage Job Description Contact Information
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Welcome Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in applying for a post across our federated schools. I hope this pack supports you in finding out more about us. The pack includes some background information about the federation, information about the application process and the job description. More information about each school can be found on the schools’ websites. If you have any questions or would like to arrange a visit, please contact Mrs Laura Lee, Federation Business Manager on 07837 387 997. Our journey started in 2000 when St John and St James opened as a Fresh Start School. Since then we have worked with many schools and teachers in Hackney and have grown into a Federation of six schools. We believe we can achieve more by working collaboratively than on our own and have lived out that vision through our partnership work with other schools since 2003. The Governing Body has made a commitment to a shared responsibility to the wider school community, the provision of good quality education and the improvement of life chances for pupils in the community beyond that of our own schools. We are looking for a self motivated, approachable and organised individual to be a part of our administration team. Our schools are exciting places which have high aspirations and promote innovation and excellence. We offer a professional and supportive work environment and a hardworking, motivated and caring team to work with. If you are hardworking and willing to work as a team we would like to hear from you.
Kind regards,
Sian Davies Executive Principal
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Our Vision & Approach Primary Advantage Vision We are a Federation of six schools called Primary Advantage. We believe our schools can gain many benefits from working collaboratively and can achieve more by working together. We have made a commitment to a shared responsibility to the wider education community, the provision of good quality education and the improvement of life chances for pupils in the community beyond that of our own schools. Teachers, support staff, school leaders and Governors have added expertise in working alongside colleagues to improve provision and outcomes for pupils.
What is our approach?
We work in partnership, pooling our expertise and resources in order to achieve collectively what we may not be able to achieve individually.
We believe passionately in improving the life chances for our pupils.
We do not tolerate low expectations.
We match tried and tested strategies that we know work to the needs of the schools and use our experience of supporting schools in successfully implementing them.
We promote a collaborative approach whilst developing the capacity of each school to serve its own community and retain it’s distinct identity.
We recognise the importance of individuality, spontaneity and creativity in developing innovation.
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Outcomes & Achievements What outcomes do we want?
Every teacher is a good teacher; every school is a good school.
Teachers use the most effective teaching methods to motivate learners and raise aspirations. As a result all pupils will make good or better progress.
Quality learning environments where pupils feel safe and secure, known and valued and motivated to learn. Robust teaching and application of ICT skills ensure our pupils are properly equipped for the next stage of learning.
Curriculum provision which inspires and motivates pupils and broadens their horizons. Our curriculum supports community cohesion through an international curriculum strand.
We work with precision and move incrementally towards achieving outstanding grades in all aspects of each school’s work.
Through pupil partnership work we continue to break down locally perceived boundaries and help pupils to work harmoniously with pupils from other areas of Hackney.
We seek to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness of each school by capitalising on centralised services and sharing systems and procedures.
How will we achieve our goals? Effective Leadership Our leadership structure aims to make the most of our shared resources, maintain high expectations and secure high standards. The Executive Principal has significant, successful experience in school improvement and working across more than one school.
Well trained and experienced staff Our schools are special places to work. We attract and retain staff at all levels that are willing to think flexibly, work with rigour and precision and go the extra mile. We have been successful in retaining experienced staff because of the opportunities we are able to offer across the partnership. We have identified that working in partnership offers us improved opportunities for centralised training and development. Each school in the Federation is able to offer a range of skills and support to other schools. The schools have identified lead practitioners to provide support in key areas.
Each school is led by a highly effective Head who has the skills and experience required to motivate, inspire and to hold their teams to account through rigorous monitoring and evaluation. The Heads are autonomous and hold the decision making powers for their schools. Shared systems and approaches They retain a teaching commitment and maintain a relentless focus on improving We have developed key approaches which we know make the most the quality of teaching and raising significant impact on pupil outcomes. These are well considered sysstandards. tems, approaches or policies which can be implemented in a range of settings with the appropriate levels of support.
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OfSTED Survey Inspection February 2011 In February 2011, the Federation received the following OfSTED Survey Inspection report Dear Ms Davies
Ofsted 2010 – 11 survey inspection programme: leadership of more than one school Thank you and your team for your hospitality and cooperation, and that of your staff and pupils, during my visit on 26 and 27 January to look at the leadership of the federation. Please pass on my thanks to the local authority representative, the parents and governors that also gave up their time and made a valuable contribution to the visit. The visit provided valuable information which will contribute to our national evaluation and reporting. Published reports are likely to list the names of the contributing institutions but individual institutions will not be identified in the main text without their consent. The evidence used to inform the judgements included: interviews with senior leaders, middle leaders, governors, staff, parents, local authority representatives and pupils; and the scrutiny of relevant documentation. The effectiveness of the federation leadership and management in embedding ambition and driving improvement is outstanding. Outcomes
Attainment at the end of Key Stage 2 is at least in line with the national average with a strong trend of improvement over several years.
Even though the environment beyond the school can be sometimes turbulent and challenging, pupils make outstanding progress across all stages from very low starting points.
Different groups of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and a wide range of vulnerable groups, make exceptional progress because of the precise, relentless and well -managed early intervention and support they receive throughout their time in school.
Pupils’ skills and knowledge for their future lives are very well developed.
Attendance is in line with the national average and is improving.
Pupils’ attitudes are exceptional as is their enthusiasm for learning and school life. Pupils are excited 6
Provision
Teaching is consistently good with a growing number of outstanding features. The application of the teaching and learning policy is adhered to unswervingly with rigour and relentlessness.
The federation ensures that the consistency of the high quality of teaching and learning is supported by equally high-quality professional development and training which focuses on the important details and refinement of assessment strategies.
The curriculum has been enriched by the federation’s development of subject leaders and planning. The strong emphasis on a practical approach to learning, aligned with stimulating visits, motivates pupils’ interest. The rigorous planning and teaching of literacy and numeracy skills by staff are outstanding.
The care and welfare of pupils are a real strength of the federation. Excellent links with a wide variety of agencies are in place. Thoughtful, caring and responsive approaches to individual pupils and families make this aspect of the school’s work outstanding.
Leadership and management
Your vision, determination and extensive strategic skills and expertise are outstanding. You demonstrate great drive and ambition for the schools, applying a forensic precision to the procedures that maintain the federation’s trajectory of improvement.
Other leaders and managers across the federation, especially the heads of school, have a passion for being equally precise and detailed in their monitoring and evaluation of progress, attainment and the quality of teaching.
Exemplary systems support leaders’ rigorous analysis of practice and provide feedback to teachers on how to improve further. The information provides a general picture of the proportions of good and better teaching across the schools and the federation. However, providing this information about separate subjects is less developed.
The governing body is an effective and strategic group which knows the federated schools well. It provides excellent and robust challenge and support in equal measure.
Areas for improvement, which we discussed, include:
developing an even more analytical overview of the quality of teaching and learning which identifies the proportions of good and better teaching in separate subjects, especially literacy and numeracy.
I hope that these observations are useful as you continue to develop the leadership of the federation. As I explained previously, a copy of this letter will be sent to your local authority and will be published on the Ofsted website. It may be used to inform decisions about any future inspection.
Yours sincerely
John Seal Her Majesty’s Inspector
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Application Process Applicants are asked to complete all the standard information required on the Primary Advantage application form, and to submit a supporting statement, addressing all the criteria identified in the person specification. Please specify the role you are applying for i.e PA Admin. The reference number for this application is: PA/14. Candidates are advised that when completing the references section on the application form to please ensure that: • Your first referee is your current, or most recent, employer • You provide a referee who can confirm your ability for the role Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a task and will be advised of the details of the task prior to interview.
Successful Candidates Candidates must ensure that if they are successful at interview, that they are able to provide evidence of their Right to Work and Remain in the UK. The school is not able to employ any person who cannot validate their Right to Work and Remain in the UK in the line with the Asylum, Immigration and Nationality Act 2000. Successful candidates will be required to apply for an enhanced Criminal Record Check via the DBS. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and expect all members of staff to share this commitment.
Completed Application Forms
Completed application forms must be received by 9am on Wednesday 1st October 2014. Interviews will take place on 7th October 2014. If you have any queries or would like to arrange to visit our schools, please contact Laura Lee on 07837 387 997 or email recruitment@primaryadvantage.hackney.sch.uk.
We look forward to receiving your application.
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Primary Advantage Federation Job Description Adminsitration and organization (Level 2) Post Title
Administration and Organisation (Level 2)
Responsible to:
Executive Principal & Federation Business Manager
Based
Primary Advantage
Key Contacts
Pupils, parents, external contractors, Executive Principal, other members of staff, the Governing Body, LEA officers
PURPOSE OF THE POST
Under instruction/guidance of senior staff: provide administrative and financial support to the school.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Undertake reception duties, answering routine telephone and face-to-face enquiries and signing in visitors. Assist with pupil first aid/welfare duties, looking after sick pupils, liaising with parents/staff, etc. Assist in arrangements for schools trips, events, etc. Assist in Admin Activities within the office and around the school.
Administration: Provide general clerical/admin support including photocopying, filling, faxing, completing standard forms and responding to routine correspondence. Maintain the manual and computerised records management information systems. Produce lists/information/data as required e.g. pupil’s data Undertake typing and word processing and other IT based tasks. Take notes at meetings. Undertake administrative procedures. Maintain and collate pupil reports. Undertake routine administration of school lettings and other uses of school premises. Support school or administrative projects Support teachers with administration in classrooms as and when required
Resources:
Operate relevant equipment/ICT packages (e.g. Word, Excel, Databases, Spreadsheets, Internet). Maintain stock and supplies, cataloguing and distributing as required. Operate uniform/snack/other shops within the school. Provide general advice and guidance to staff, pupils and others. Undertake general financial administration e.g. processing orders. Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety, security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person. Be aware of and support differences and ensure equal opportunities for all. Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school. Appreciate and support the role of other professionals. Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required. Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.
This is a description of the main duties and responsibilities of the post at the date of production. The duties may change over time as requirements and circumstances change. The person in the post may also have to carry out other duties as may be necessary from time to time.
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
Take part in the school’s performance management system. Attend governing body meetings on a regular basis. Enhanced CRB Check. Strong commitment to furthering equalities in both service delivery and employment practice. You must promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young and vulnerable people that you are responsible for or come into contact with.
PERSON SPECIFICATION ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANISATION (LEVEL 2)
Essential Qualifications
Experience and Knowledge
Desirable
NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification or experience in relevant discipline. General clerical/administrative/financial work. Knowledge of First aid Knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice and awareness of relevant legislation
Skills
Good numeracy/literacy skills Effective use of ICT packages Use of relevant equipment/resources Good keyboard skills Ability to relate well to children and adults Work constructively as part of a team, understanding school roles and responsibilities and own position within these Ability to identify own training and development needs and cooperate with means to address these Display the commitment to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people
Other
Understands the nature of a Church of England Primary School.
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Morningside Primary School Chatham Place London E9 6LL Tel: 0208 9855382 Fax: 0208 9866881
St Matthias CE Primary School Wordsworth Road London N16 8DD Tel: 0207 2541148 Fax: 0207 2759215
Email: admin@morningside.hackney.sch.uk
Email: admin@st-matthias.hackney.sch.uk
Please visit our website
Please visit our website
Morningside Primary
St Matthias CE Primary
St John & St James’ CE Primary School Isabella Road London E9 6DX Tel: 0208 985 2045 Fax: 020 8985 5768 Email: office@johnjames.hackney.sch.uk
St John the Baptist CE Primary School Crondall Street London N1 6JG Tel: 020 7739 4902 Fax: 020 7729 2347 Email: office@st-john.hackney.sch.uk
Please visit our website
Please visit our website
St John & St James CE Primary School
St John Baptist CE Primary
Springfield Community Primary School Castlewood Road London N16 6DH Tel: 020 8800 9007 Fax: 020 8800 8738 Email: Email: admin@springfield.hackney.sch
Holy Trinity CE Primary School Beechwood Road London E8 3DY Tel: 020 7254 1010 Fax: 020 7275 8589 Email: admin@holytrinity.hackney.sch.uk
Please visit our website
Please visit our website
Springfield Community School
Holy Trinity CE Primary School
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