Springfield Community Primary School Finance Manager 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
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About Us
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More about us cont...
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Working in Partnership
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School Development Plan
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Finance Manager Job description
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Personal Specification
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How to apply
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Where to find us
Welcome
Dear Applicant, Thank you very much for your interest in becoming the finance manager 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 and is continually striving to improve their own practice. Our new finance manager 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 helping the school community and are always striving to improve practices for our school 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 Headteacher
About Us
Springfield is a community primary school in the London Borough of Hackney. We are close to the borough of Haringey and make 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.
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 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 We seek to maximise the efficiency and effectiveness wider education community, the provision of good quality of each school by capitalising on centralised services education and the improvement of life chances for pupils in and sharing systems the community beyond that of our own schools. Teachers, Primary Advantage National Teaching Schools support staff, school leaders and Governors have added Teaching schools are outstanding schools that work with expertise in working alongside colleagues to improve others to provide high-quality training and development to provision and outcomes for pupils. new and experienced school staff. They are part of the WHAT IS OUR APPROACH? government’s plan to give schools a central role in raising standards by developing a self-improving and sustainable We work in partnership, pooling our expertise and resources in order to achieve collectively what we may school-led system. 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
St John and St James, Holy Trinity and Springfield are designated teaching schools, working in collaboration with the other three schools in the federation, St Matthias, Morningside and St John the Baptist. The school works in partnership with primary schools across the borough and beyond and play a key role within the Primary Advantage National Teaching schools Alliance.
Primary Advantage is a federation of schools working together because we believe our schools can gain many benefits from working collaboratively. We have made a commitment to a We promote a collaborative approach whilst developing the capacity of each school to serve its own shared responsibility to the wider school community, the provision of good quality education and the improvement of community and retain its distinct identity life chances for pupils in the community beyond that of our We recognise the importance of individuality, own schools. Our work on improving provision for children spontaneity and creativity in developing innovation will continue to see us working in partnership with schools in Hackney across London and into the County of Suffolk. We WHAT OUTCOMES DO WE WANT? Every teacher is a good teacher; every school is a will be working closely with our strategic partners The good school Institute of Education and Hackney Learning Trust to Teachers who use the most effective teaching methods effectively deliver ITT (School direct and PGCE), CPD, talent management, school to school support, the brokering of SLEs to motivate learners and raise aspirations. As a result and research and development. Primary Advantage National all pupils will make good or better progress Teaching School Alliance will see all schools within the alliance Quality learning environments where pupils feel safe achieving more together. and secure, known and valued and motivated to learn. Robust teaching and application of ICT skills ensure our Find out more about Primary Advantage Federation pupils are properly equipped for the next stage of by visiting 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
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 JOB SUMMARY:
To enable teaching staff to maximise their capacity for delivering the required curriculum by providing financial and administrative support to them. To maintain the school's database on pupils and staff and assist in the management of the school premises.
Responsible to: Headteacher & Federation Business Manager Key Contacts: Pupils, parents, external contractors, Executive Principal, other members of staff, the Governing Body, LEA officers. Hours: 36 hours per week (full time or term time only TBD) Scale: P02 (£32,856 - £35,406) quality education and learning of pupils.
To be responsible for all finance and administrative functions within the school, including human resources, information technology systems, premises and catering.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Job Title: Finance & Administration Manager
To provide support to the Headteacher in ensuring that the pupils are able to achieve their learning potential through the provision of high quality financial and administrative support services.
To lead and manage the financial and administrative function for the school in order to support continuous improvement and to maximise the delivery of high
To manage the preparation of financial proposals, including budget forecasting and strategic financial planning and to provide professional and technical advice to the Headteacher, Executive Principal and governing body.
federation staff to implement agreed processes, develop and share best practice.
To ensure the efficient and effective use of all resources by means of regular monitoring of the school’s expenditure through devolved budget holders and to review these to ensure best value practices. To support the Headteacher, Executive Principal and Bursar in the preparation of budgets, allocation of budgets and accounts. To work with the Federation Business Manager and other
To produce regular financial management data each month, or when requested, for monitoring purposes and ensure timely production of financial reports and returns as required by the LEA. To manage the income generation activity for the school. To co-ordinate the purchase of goods, services and supplies and ensuring that the school obtains the best possible value for money from suppliers and contractors. To manage the school’s petty cash system.
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To deal with any financial irregularities that may need further investigation in accordance with recognised financial regulations, school policy and best practice.
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To receive and bank all monies for the school.
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To arrange and participate in regular audits.
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Co-ordinate the work of the office staff, ensuring efficient running of the school office. 5.
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Managing the school's administrative and secretarial function.
To review and monitor all 6. financial and administrative services and processes involved in creating an efficient and effective support structure to the school.
To line manage the leader of the catering team in ensuring the school kitchen/catering contractor complies with necessary Health & Safety regulations, provides healthy school meals operates effectively.
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To determine the most efficient and effective use of the school’s support services resources, including physical resources by managing the Site Manager/ School Keeper, in monitoring and reviewing all facilities issues including health and safety in order to ensure the provision of high quality, safe and secure facilities. To supervise with the Site Manager/School Keeper to ensure the proper function of services to the school, eg. Gas, water and electricity To supervise with the Site Manager/School Keeper concerning visits from, and the payment of, maintenance
To liaise with external agencies/ organisations to arrange any relevant training requirements as required to ensure knowledge is current, relevant and up-to-date.
To ensure the Headteacher, the Site Manager/School Keeper and any other relevant stakeholder(s) are updated with any changes or requirements in relation to risk assessments and surveys as appropriate.
To highlight and discuss any concerns identified through risk assessments, tests and surveys with the Site Manager/School Keeper and the Headteacher.
In liaison with the Premises Officer/Site Manager, be responsible for buildings maintenance including, furniture and equipment, ensuring security and repair.
To support the Headteacher, Executive Principal and the school’s Federation Business Manager in the function of Human Resource Management.
contractors.
To develop appropriate financial and administrative support service strategies, action plans and programmes of work to help meet the school’s objectives and to seek out positive ways to respond to opportunities and resolve problems. To supervise the Site Manager/ School Keeper in ensuring the efficient and effective utilisation of space around the school site. To manage the Site Manager/ School Keeper to ensure the school’s environment is the best it can be.
To be responsible for, and manage, the school’s risk assessment, survey and testing portfolios. To liaise with external agencies/ organisations and the Site Manager/School Keeper to ensure all necessary and appropriate risk assessments, surveys and tests are carried out and completed within the required timeframes.
To liaise with external agencies/ organisations and the Site Manager/School Keeper to ensure that all recommendations highlighted via assessments, tests and surveys are implemented to required standards within the timeframes given. To ensure that the school implements and maintains the required risk assessment logs, manuals, reports and information as required.
To maintain and monitor staff sickness absence and other forms of leave and produce appropriate reports, referrals and statistical data. To responsible for all and DBS checks, retirement dates and fixed term contracts, maintenance of the Single Central Record and to act on any checks and dates that come from the reports to ensure the school is carrying out its HR function inline with agreed HR policies. To ensure all staff are recruited and employed inline with Safeguarding Children and recruitment policies, good practice and legislation. To liaise with the school’s Payroll provider re starters, leavers, retirements, and variations to employment contracts.
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To ensure the resolution of salary queries raised by staff in liaison with the Headteacher and Payroll.
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To be the lead contact with the school’s Payroll provider.
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To liaise with staff and the Headteacher regarding maternity leave, paternity leave, adoption leave and any other special leave requests and queries.
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To maintain staffing records and carry out data and census returns when required.
To carry out systems management for the administrative networks of the school, taking responsibility for data security.
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To identify development(s) for the use of IT systems to improve the effectiveness of the school’s administration.
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To manage all pupil and staff data input and the production of reports as required.
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To manage the production of statutory, school census and workforce census returns.
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To manage the process and record management for the statutory testing process and the general production and maintenance of pupil records to ensure the school complies with all regulations and legislation.
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To maintain an effective and efficient filing system.
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To ensure that all records are kept accurately and comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
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To ensure that all computerised data is kept accurately, and in compliance with Data Protection legislation.
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To ensure effective communication through newsletters, letters and the school website etc with key stakeholders.
GENERAL:
This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, and the postholder may be required to undertake other duties which fall within the grade of the job, in discussion with the manager.
This job description will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing service requirements and any such changes will be discussed with the postholder.
The postholder is expected to comply with all relevant policies, procedures and guidelines, including those relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and the Confidentiality of Information.
The postholder may be required to work outside
normal school hours on occasion, with due notice.
Because of the nature of the post, candidates are not entitled to withhold information regarding convictions by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 as amended. Candidates are required to give details of any convictions on their appointment form and are expected to disclose such information at the appointment interview.
Because this post allows substantial access to children, candidates are required to comply with departmental procedures in relation to Police checks. If candidates are successful in their application prior to taking up post, they will be required to give written permission to the Department to ascertain details from the Metropolitan Police regarding any convictions against them and, as appropriate the nature of such convictions.
Key Skills and Competencies Qualifications Essential:
Relevant NVQ4 or degree qualification or equivalent experience.
Experience and Knowledge Essential:
Skills and Abilities Essential:
The ability to adapt to constantly changing priorities and demands.
Able to analyse and interpret complex information and make recommendations.
Able to apply problem solving techniques to different situations to achieve a favourable outcome.
Able to negotiate ‘best value’ with suppliers.
Experience of maintaining effective and efficient levels of administration within a busy environment.
Able to communicate with a range of audiences including colleagues, governors, agencies etc.
An understanding of budget management and accounting techniques.
Able to identify work priorities and to manage own workload to meet deadlines.
Experience of undertaking a range of administrative and technical duties.
Able to show sensitivity and objectivity in dealing with confidential issues.
A sound knowledge of a range of computer applications, including financial management systems.
Accountability and Freedom to Act. Working knowledge of relevant legislation, policies and codes of practice, eg. Data Protection Act, Freedom of Essential: Information etc. Able to work independently, being proactive and demonstrating initiative. Desirable:
Experience within an education setting.
Experience of budget monitoring and account reconciliation.
Experience of recruitment and retention.
Communication Essential:
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively manage areas of responsibility and to liaise with all key contacts.
The ability to use a wide range of communication channels to effectively manage the operations of the areas of responsibility, applying tact and diplomacy in communication.
The ability to maintain a professional and confident manner.
To understand the need to adapt communication style to suit the audience and situation.
Able to make routine decisions based upon guidelines and procedures laid down within established frameworks.
Able to make judgments with regards to when it is appropriate to liaise with others including external agencies.
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. Finance Manager. The reference number for this application is: FM/2015 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
Start date: 5th January 2015 Completed application forms must be received by 9:30am on the 11th December 2014. Interviews will take place on the 17th December 2014. If you have any queries or would like to arrange to visit our school, please contact Venessa Williams on
Successful Candidates
0208 800 9007 or email recruitment@primaryadvantage.hackney.sch.uk
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.
Please contact recruitment@primaryadvantage.hackney.sch.uk for your application otherwise your application may not be processed.
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