Student Wellbeing Practitioner Full time, term time
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Pupils are highly motivated and relish a sense of challenge. ISI Inspection
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Pupils display excellent attitudes to their learning. They are passionate, motivated and enthusiastic. ISI Inspection
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HEADMASTER’S WELCOME Thank you for your interest in a position at the Royal Grammar School Guildford. The RGS boasts a diverse, vibrant community of individuals in both teaching and support roles who take pride in the success of their School. The School’s success presents itself in its most recent GCSE and A level results (74% at Grade 8/9 and 75% at Grade A/A* respectively); in the large number of student applications year on year (consistently four applications for every place); the ISI inspection report in which the RGS was rated ‘Excellent’ across all aspects of School life; in the range of sporting achievements and in the staff who are proud to say that they work here.
Our boys are “excellent listeners who contribute to discussion with great respect” and “display excellent attitudes to their learning” (ISI report, February 2022). The academic standards in the School are excellent and the curriculum is enriched by an extensive extra-curricular programme in which all academic staff are expected to participate; sports and the arts are an important element in School life. The benefits of working here go beyond those listed in the job description; if you accept an offer of employment, you would be joining a staff body that collaborates professionally and socially across all departments. The RGS is an exciting place in which to be a member of staff; I look forward to receiving an application from you.
HEADMASTER
Pastoral Support Underpinning every aspect of school life is a fundamental commitment to each individual’s personal development: wellbeing and pastoral care are the very cornerstones of the RGS experience. A team of dedicated, specialist, professional staff support and – where necessary – intervene to nurture the physical, mental and emotional health of our students. We have a full programme of personal, social, health and moral education (PSHME) for boys and parents alike to guide them through the teenage years. To further support our boys’ wellbeing, advice is available through our fantastic team of professionals, including our School Counsellor, our School Nurse and our experienced pastoral team. Happy, confident boys flourish and our staff have invaluable experience, as well as the necessary patience and compassion, to support each student. Teenage years are not without their challenges; however, a culture of openness defines us. We place great emphasis on emotional and physical balance: working as a close partnership between our boys, their parents and the School.
By tackling in an open, honest way issues such as mental health and those challenges associated with teenage years, we educate our boys more broadly in a balanced, considered fashion. Healthy debate and discussion, as well as clarity and information, mean our students develop a mature moral compass: respect for themselves and respect for others.
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Pupils show an acute sense of respect for each other and were unanimous in their belief that diversity is a normal part of life.
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ISI Inspection
Mentoring The Academic and Senior Mentoring schemes are a distinctive part of the RGS experience and provide one-on-one peer support for certain boys, as required, in the First to Fifth Forms. Carefully selected and trained Sixth Form Mentors give weekly support to boys who are struggling with aspects of school life such as organisation or who are finding a particular subject area challenging. Younger students are often more ready to listen and take on board the advice of older boys, who have often experienced similar issues themselves. Over a period of between six weeks to a term, the mentor and student develop a close rapport, which enables the younger student to speak honestly and openly and, as a result, to find practical solutions to the challenges he is facing.
PSHME The School has a bespoke programme to deliver PSHME (Pastoral, Social, Health, and Moral Education). The statutory curriculum is delivered alongside additional topics that the School feels are relevant. In this way, the programme has a solid foundation but adapts to the changing needs of teenagers in a rapidly-moving society. The timetable in the Lower and Middle School provides a Tutor Period where students will consider, in an age-appropriate way, issues affecting their lives. In the Senior School this is done through Religious Education periods and the General Studies programme. These lessons can be led by the Tutor, or another member of the pastoral team or invited experts in the field. Year group assemblies are often used to deliver PSHME topics and occasionally the School will devote a half or fullday for deeper consideration of pertinent topics.
JOB DESCRIPTION & PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS Job Title:
Student Wellbeing Practitioner
Responsible to:
Assistant Head Pastoral DSL
Responsible for: No direct reports The RGS is committed to safeguarding and providing an excellent standard of pastoral care. This will be a hands-on role working within a dynamic pastoral team and it is anticipated that the postholder will work directly with senior staff. This is a new position and there is scope for this role to expand or develop depending on the skill set of the person and the changing nature of the pastoral landscape within the school. Applications will be welcomed from qualified mental health nurses, those working in the field of mental health and others with an interest in mental health and pastoral care within an educational setting.
Main operational duties and responsibilities:
To oversee the most serious mental health cases and help coordinate communication between parents, teachers and external agencies. Run regular check-ins with most at risk students, and work directly with parents and wider families of students with serious mental health issues. To oversee interventions based on late and nonattendance to school; to be overall responsible for EBSA students. To lead and intervene the school responses to Securus* alerts. To oversee the school's response to the School's Speak Up/We Listen Form**. If necessary to assist the Heads of Year and Heads of Section investigating allegations of serious behaviour incidents by pupils, especially if these have safeguarding dimensions (e.g bullying). To be involved with the pastoral team in delivering assemblies and parent information evenings where appropriate. To assist with the transition programme for students. In particular, students with SEN, students joining us from abroad and those who may find transition difficult. To be involved in EDI elements of the school to help support student wellbeing. To help assist with wellbeing programme at RGS Prep when necessary and appropriate.
Strategic duties and responsibilities •
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Oversee the development of effective mental health and wellbeing provision in line with the government guidance. Where necessary linking the approach to other policies and processes, for example safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and attainment. Attend training to acquire new knowledge and maintain an accurate understanding of best practice in school mental health and wellbeing and to lead training for other members of staff as appropriate. To qualify as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and join the DSL team as a Deputy DSL. Help coordinate the high-level administration of safeguarding alongside the Assistant Head Pastoral, PA to the Senior Deputy and the Heads of Section. To contribute to the strategic discussions and decisions around wellbeing and mental health.
Administrative duties and responsibilities • •
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Liaise with internal specialists such as the School Nurse, the Counsellors, the Head of Learning Support and the Head of PSHME. Evaluate the outcome of interventions on students' wellbeing and attainment to understand what is working and work with pastoral team to make improvements. Contribute to the pastoral newsletter and other pastoral related publications Keep up to date pastoral notes on CPOMS*** from meetings attended and help monitor serious mental health information that arise on CPOMS. To help resource PSHME lessons throughout the school for topics such as mental health and wellbeing. And with support, the potential to help deliver some PSHME lessons.
Formal meetings •
Attend Care List meetings (3x a year at lunch time), DSL meeting (3 x a year at lunch time) and Head of Year meetings (x6 a year after school) and Tutor meetings (lunch times), Heads of Section meeting (once a week in school day), Pastoral meeting (biweekly in school day), Learning Support meetings (once a term per year group in school day).
The job description is indicative of the nature and level of responsibilities associated with this post. It is not intended to be exhaustive. Other tasks and responsibilities may be allocated as necessary from time to time. The post holder will also have access to supervision when needed via discussion with line manager.
Essential criteria • • • •
Authentic and vocational commitment to the welfare and flourishing of all children. Experience of working with young people, within the context of mental health support. Proven record of successfully being part of a team/developing a programme. To be confident and calm under pressure, to demonstrate initiative and to manage completing priorities effectively.
Desirable criteria •
One or more of: Children's Wellbeing Practitioner, Level 2 Early Intervention Practitioner, Certificate in Understanding Mental Health, Mental Health First Aider.
Skills and abilities • • •
Strong organisational skills; Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and proactively.
*ICT filtering and monitoring system in school ** Internal Microsoft Form that can be used by students to flag concerns to the Pastoral Team *** Pastoral database
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Pupils of all ages have a mature understanding of, and respect for, cultural diversity and tolerance of individual differences. ISI Inspection
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WORKING AT THE RGS Your career at the RGS begins with a warm welcome and comprehensive induction. You will be introduced to department colleagues, key people within the School and fellow new starters from across the departments. Opportunities to get involved in wider school activities are many and varied; sporting fixtures, theatre productions and field trips to name just a few. Then there are the social groups set up by and for colleagues which include a running group, book club, theatre trips, football and a wind band. However you choose to get involved, you are guaranteed to find yourself among like-minded individuals.
Nicola Strivens Teacher of Learning Support, joined 2017 What do you love about your department? That we work as a team and recognise one another's expertise. We look to each other for support and guidance. What Staff groups are you involved in? Staff/Parent/Student choir.
Matthew Baggs Head of Lower School, Head of PSHME, joined 2010 What’s the best thing about the RGS? The enthusiastic, positive pupils who have a real desire to learn.
If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? Do what you enjoy, not what you feel you should do.
Lucy Shires Development and Alumni Administrator, joined 2022
What’s the best thing about the RGS? The students! They are exceptional. We are lucky enough to hear their music practice and performances from our office all the time. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Running - particularly a Parkrun!
BENEFITS In addition to joining a successful and sociable staff body you will also receive the following benefits: Hours of work
Term time only (36 weeks) 08:15 - 16:45, Monday to Friday
Remuneration
Circa £32,000 per annum
Fee reduction
Fee reduction for son(s) of staff is available (after a qualifying period and subject to success at the entrance examination).
Private healthcare
Private medical cover is available for all staff. This is paid for by the School but is a taxable benefit so there is an indirect cost to the individual.
Pension
All support staff are automatically enrolled into the company pension scheme. The level of contribution by the individual is 5% the School will contribute 10%.
Commuting Loan
Interest-free loans are available for rail season ticket holders.
Gym
Use of on-site gym at certain times of the day.
Dining
A choice of hot lunches, a delicious salad bar and range of desserts are provided daily in the staff dining room during term time.
Employee Assistance Programme
A free, confidential counselling & wellbeing support service that can support you, your partner or spouse, and dependent children over 16 still living at home.
ABOUT THE ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL The RGS is a kind, inclusive, tolerant community where diverse opportunity, personal development, high achievement and collaborative partnership define who we are.
Our values of inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, respect, courage and collaboration underpin all we do. Boys come to the RGS from around 140 different schools in Surrey and the neighbouring home counties and this number is growing each year. We regularly receive four applications for every place. The RGS curriculum aims to combine breadth with balance. In the first three years all boys study a broad range of subjects, choosing options at the end of their third year which sees them sitting ten GCSE subjects including English Language, English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Mathematics, three separate sciences and a humanities subject. From the Third Form, a Tutor Period is introduced during which boys study Information Technology, Problem Solving, First Aid, Health Education and Study Skills. It is also during this time that initial careers and higher education guidance is given which then continues throughout the boys’ time at the School.
The RGS boasts a thriving Sixth Form with all boys studying four subjects in the Lower Sixth and then continuing with three or four subjects to A Level in the Upper Sixth. This is complemented by a range of General Studies courses which are co-educational, organised jointly with Guildford High School. All boys are encouraged to engage in independent research and activities throughout their time in the School via our Scholarship for all programme. Whilst not curricular, there is an expectation that staff will support this provision as their experience and expertise enables.
All members of the teaching staff help with co- and extra-curricular activities, of which there is an impressively wide range. Music, Art and Drama all flourish with performances, exhibitions and workshops. There is a well-equipped auditorium, a large Art School and a purpose-built Music Department. We have a very active clubs and societies programme that takes place before, during and after school each day. All the Third Form take part in our curricular, weekly expedition and adventure programme, EXAD. We have five Field Days per year and also offer overseas expeditions, a large Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme and numerous sports tours. Staff are invited to attend and support all of these events.
WHY WORK IN GUILDFORD? Guildford is a vibrant and exciting place in which to live. Rich in history, it is a welcoming town with a flourishing and varied cultural life. Entertainment is diverse with a number of lively and nationally renowned venues including G Live, the Yvonne Arnaud theatre and the eclectic Electric Theatre. There are outstanding sport and leisure facilities which include the state-of-the-art training venues and sports complexes of Surrey Sports Park and Guildford Spectrum. Guildford offers one of the south east’s best shopping experiences with the iconic High Street combining exclusive and popular national chains as well as a number of independent retailers. Dining options cater for every taste and budget with local traditional and gastro pubs in nearby Surrey villages drawing customers from a wide area. Educationally, Guildford is thriving. RGS Guildford and Guildford High School are regularly ranked in the top ten single-sex schools in the country. RGS also enjoys close links with other girls’ schools, Tormead School and St Catherine’s, Bramley. The University of Surrey was awarded ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’ by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022. Guildford has the advantage of being very accessible and enjoys excellent transport links. London is just over a 30-mile drive via the A3 and well served by trains (just 29 minutes to Clapham Junction and 39 minutes to London Waterloo). International airports London Gatwick and London Heathrow are only 30 minutes from the town.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are close by; the Surrey Hills and North Downs are on the School's doorstep and provide opportunities to enjoy the stunning countryside; the south coast is approximately one hour by car.
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The town of Guildford, which I, who have seen so many, many towns, think it is the prettiest, and…most happylooking, that I ever saw in my life. William Cobbett
GUILDFORD The setting: The Surrey Hills North Downs South Downs Picturesque villages The south coast
The North Downs
Travel by rail: Clapham Junction 29 minutes London Waterloo 39 minutes Portsmouth Harbour 60 minutes Gatwick Airport 45 minutes
Guildford Castle
Travel by road: London 32 miles via the A3; Heathrow 22 miles; Gatwick 34 miles via A3 and M25; Portsmouth 44 miles; Brighton 59 miles
Abbot’s Hospital
SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN & SECURITY OF DISCLOSURE INFORMATION The Royal Grammar School Guildford meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check from the DBS before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. It is of fundamental importance to The Royal Grammar School to ensure, so far as possible, that those who take up appointments do not pose a risk to the children in its care.
APPLICATIONS We are proactively committed to creating a diverse staff body, which reflects the community that we teach. At RGS we value diversity and inclusion; we want to attract the best people for the roles available. This is regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs.
Please note: applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to close applications early.
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Royal Grammar School Guildford Royal Grammar School Guildford is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales, Company Number 10874615. Registered Office High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3BB. Registered Charity Number 1177353