Springfield Community Primary School Application Pack
Springfield Primary school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age.
Contents Page 3.
Welcome
4.
About Us
5.
More about us cont...
6.
Working in Partnership
7.
School Development Plan
8.
Class Teacher Job description
10.
Key Skills and competencies
11.
How to apply
12.
Where to find us
Welcome
Dear Applicant, Thank you very much for your interest in becoming a teacher at Springfield Community Primary School. I hope you will find this information a useful introduction to our school. Springfield Community Primary School is a thriving, successful school situated on the border of Hackney and Haringey. Our motto is that we learn together and grow together. We come from a wide range of different ethnic backgrounds and there are many different languages spoken in our homes. At Springfield we celebrate this diversity in every aspect of school life. Judged Outstanding by Ofsted, we have continued to develop innovative practice and year on year improve outcomes for pupils. The school is part of a federation of schools who share practice and skills and prioritise the development of our staff. We are looking for someone who is passionate about teaching and learning and is continually striving to improve their own practice. Our new teacher will join a hard working and driven team who are committed to improving outcomes for all pupils and ensuring that they experience a rich and creative curriculum which prepares them well for the future. Please find further guidance on Springfield Community Primary School and details on how to apply for the post within this pack. We strongly recommend that you visit our school and also our website to learn more about us. If you are ambitious and driven by a desire to improve outcomes for all pupils, if you love teaching and are always striving to improve your practice and if you are keen to explore new ideas and ways of doing things we would like to hear from you.
Yours sincerely
Fiona Judge Head of school
About Us
Springfield is a community primary school in the London Borough of Hackney. We are close to the borough of Haringey and made regular use of local facilities, which include Springfield Park and Tottenham Marshes.
Our Mission ‘Learn together Grow together’ Our school aims to express our school motto in every aspect of our work We use a cooperative approach to support children from our rich and diverse community to achieve educational and personal success. We aim to prepare our children for the world by bringing the world into the classroom. We aim to create a safe and secure learning environment in which children are known, valued and motivated to learn.
Secondary School Links We work in partnership with our local secondary schools. Our older pupils often visit local schools and teachers visit our school for specialist lessons.
Curriculum We offer our children a rich, creative curriculum where we prioritise opportunities for outdoor learning. We have our own Forest School and an amazing outdoor play space, which is about to be developed further
IOE & NCETM We have formed excellent links with the Institute of Education and also NCETM who use our school to video Maths teaching for their website.
PTA We have a dedicated PTA representing our diverse school community, who run fundraising events throughout the year.
Links with overseas schools Green Flag We have achieved the Green Flag in recognition of the work we have done to promote sustainability. We host regular visits from other schools to look at our work.
Rights Respecting School We have worked with our local community to achieve the UNICEF Rights Respecting Award and promote the Rights of the Child within our community.
As part of our curriculum, we aim to develop children’s awareness of global issues. Children make links with schools and communities in different parts of the world. We have recently developed links with a school in Trinidad and our teachers have visited Madrid to develop their Spanish speaking skills further.
ESOL We believe that the most successful education takes place when parents/carers and staff work together. We promote parental engagement and run ESOL classes and regular workshops for parents. We encourage parents to volunteer in classes.
Working in Partnership Primary Advantage Federation Springfield Community Primary School is a part of the Primary Advantage Federation. We are a group of schools working together because 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 its distinct identity We recognise the importance of individuality, spontaneity and creativity in developing innovation WHAT OUTCOMES DO WE WANT? Every teacher is a good teacher; every school is a good school
Teachers who 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 the majority of 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
Find out more about Primary Advantage Federation by visiting www.primaryadvantage.co.uk
School Development Priorities 2014-15 Achievement
Increase % of pupils who achieve L3 at the end of KS1
Accelerate progress of identified groups in Y5, with a particular focus on PPG pupils Teaching and Learning
Behaviour and Safety
Improve playtimes, increasing opportunities for clubs and sports
Raise profile of e-safety with all stakeholders
Achieve L2 Rights Respecting Award
Develop our approach to teaching writing, embedding Talk for Writing principles into all lessons
Develop staff expertise in Foundation Subjects
Improve T&L through embedding work on Teacher Triads and peer observations.
Develop teachers’ skills in teaching mental maths strategies
Increase opportunities for CPD for support staff
Leadership and Management
Review and adapt curriculum
Develop phase 2 of outdoor playground, expanding Forest School
Develop middle leader programme
Develop staff’s confidence teaching all aspect of computing curriculum
Raise profile of website as a means of communication
Job Description Role Summary: Job Title: Classroom Teacher 1.1 The current School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document describes duties which are required to be undertaken by teachers in the course of their employment. In addition certain particular duties are reasonably required to be exercised, and completed in a satisfactory manner. It is the contractual duty of the class teacher to ensure that his/her professional duties are discharged effectively. 1.2 This job description sets out the duties to be undertaken and performed to the satisfaction of the Executive Principal/Head of School and governing body by the class teacher. The duties set out below relate to the overall class teaching requirements and related expectations of a class teacher. Key Tasks and activities: Within the class: to ensure the full implementation of the National Curriculum Orders for all subjects, or the Foundation Stage content as defined in current DCSF documentation (as applicable to the year group) and in accordance with school policies. Create a positive, stimulating and innovative environment for learning. Maintain a
Reports to: Governing Body, Executive Principal/Head of School and members of Senior Management Team Direct Reports: Ancillary staff when based in their classroom
well organised classroom with appropriate displays, resource areas and materials
Plan and implement a curriculum to meet the needs of all pupils in the class and develop personal and social aspects of learning Develop effective ways of overcoming barriers to learning and sustain effective teaching through the assessment of learning To keep under review the methods of planning and delivery of the curriculum, recording pupils’ progress and make any required assessments.
To monitor and report the quality of pupil attainment in all subjects to the Executive Principal/Headteacher and governing body
To assist in the selection of resources for the curriculum
Monitor and assess own performance and take a proactive approach to professional development
Effectively manage pupil behaviour, encouraging a high standard of behaviour and mutual respect between pupils and all members of the school community
To promote and facilitate parental involvement in teaching and learning through a shared school/ home approach
To work with support staff and other teachers in the classroom to effectively plan for a range of needs and be supportive of and sensitive to the needs of other colleagues
Encourage interaction and teamwork within the school, share ideas and new initiatives and identify new ways of
teaching the curriculum. When required, take a leading role in an area of school development To advise other staff including NQTs, and students on teaching practice, and to assist with inset for staff and
governors when required to do so. To work with Hackney LEA on local and national initiatives for all subjects of the National Curriculum.
3
Other Responsibilities
In addition to undertake such duties of a similar nature as may be reasonably directed by the Executive Principal/ Headteacher from time to time.
Key Skills and Competencies Qualifications
Degree level qualification.
Postgraduate professional Qualification e.g. Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
Willingness to continue professional development.
Accountability/Freedom to act
Makes routine decisions based upon guidelines and procedures laid down in the established framework
Contributes towards the effective delivery of performance targets, objectives and standards
Leads by example in standards of behaviour in the work environment
Communication
Applies effective verbal communication skills
Leadership/Management skills.
Presents information and ideas clearly, by using language appropriate to the audience
Positively influences the opinions of others through factual discussion
Adapts personal style to suit individual situation and needs
Creates an environment of trust by delivering on promises
Utilises report-writing skills to accurately reflect a situation through positive language
Confident in leading staff meetings as appropriate
Other Skills Required for Role
Demonstrates excellent classroom practice
Exercises flexibility in order to accommodate changes in work priorities
Balances tasks and resources in the organisation of a wide range of activities
Provides contingencies to deal with the unexpected
Thinks clearly and logically in working through a problem making referrals as appropriate
Anticipates workload and plans ahead
Monitors progress against key performance indicators
Enthusiastic and positive attitude
Awareness of the needs of children who have a variety of needs
Understand the nature of a Church of England Primary School and be willing to teach R.E. and attend collective worship to meet the expectation of the Governing Body
Ability to lead school based projects or developments
How to apply 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. class Teacher. The reference number for this application is: 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 teach an activity or lesson and will be advised of the details of the lesson observation prior to interview.
Completed application forms must be received by 9:30am on the 13th May 2014. Interviews will take place on the 19th May 2014. If you have any queries or would like to arrange to visit our school, please contact Venessa Williams on 0208 800 9007 or email vwilliams@primaryadvantage.hackney.sch.uk
Successful Candidates
We look forward to receiving your application.
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.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Where to find us Springfield Community Primary School Castlewood Road London N16 6DH
Tel: 0208 800 9007 Email: admin@springfield.hackney.sch.uk Website: www.springfield.hackney.sch.uk