LEARNING MENTOR RECRUITMENT INFORMATION PACK. Highfields Primary Academy Coppice Road Highfields Doncaster DN6 7JB

Transcription

1 LEARNING MENTOR RECRUITMENT INFORMATION PACK Highfields Primary Academy Coppice Road Highfields Doncaster DN6 7JB

2 LEARNING MENTOR RECRUITMENT INFORMATION PACK Contents Letter from Principal Letter from CEO and Director... 4 SPTA Vision and Values. 5 The Sponsor... 6 Why Work for SPTA.. 7 Introduction. 8 Academy s Vision and Values.9 Application Process Vacancy Advert...11 Job Description 12 Person Specification 14 2

3 December 2014 Dear Applicant, Thank you for your enquiry requesting further details and an application form for the Learning Mentor at Highfields Primary Academy. On April 16 th 2012, we opened as an Academy with the School Partnership Trust Academies. Working closely with our Children s Centre, (based in an adjacent corridor), and our Family Support Worker, we engage with parents and other professionals in the community to provide high quality education in a welcoming, stimulating, safe and secure setting. Since last year, our academy building has undergone a 750,000 refurbishment. This has enabled us to modernise our building, paint and decorate our classrooms; brighten up our corridors; invest in quality resources and develop our outdoor courtyard environment to a high standard. Our experienced and dedicated teachers have embedded a relevant, motivating and personalised curriculum based on children s interests and experiences outside the classroom. We are proud of the quality of teaching and the quality of curriculum provision; our small classes and low pupil teacher ratios enable successful learning by all children in our care, regardless of their starting points. In March 2013, Ofsted judged our academy as Good across all areas of the inspection. We are looking for someone who has the ethos and philosophy to build excellent relationships with children and parents, develop pupils skills and knowledge to a high level in a stimulating and creative setting and provide rich experiences to enable our children to become successful and effective learners. Highfields Primary Academy has a strong staff team and a supportive Governing Body. We are skilled at providing support and guidance to ensure that we make a positive difference to the lives of the children and parents in our community. As a valued member of Highfields staff, you will be offered a wide range of opportunities for professional development and leadership. Our current CPD opportunities, includes training on the Outstanding Teaching Programme. Please find enclosed an application form, job description and person specification. Yours sincerely Janet Ward Principal 3

4 Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in working for the School Partnership Trust Academies group. The School Partnership Trust Academies is an educational charity that sponsors a chain of 40 academies and has a proven track record of securing transformational change and sustainable school improvement. Our vision is to provide high quality education and deliver the best outcomes for young people with an ethos based on four founding principles of Quality, Partnership, Aspiration and Responsibility. At our core we provide outstanding educational provision for families, firmly rooted in the context of the local community. We seek to support lifelong learning, and provide excellence in teaching through high expectations with adherence to traditional values and standards. This is an exciting time in our development as we continue to expand our group of schools and to have further impact upon the lives of young people. You will be joining an ambitious and innovative organisation, so we are looking for an imaginative member of staff who can secure positive outcomes for our young people, staff, families and the wider communities that we serve. We are looking for an outstanding member of staff that can take the organisation onto greater success, inspiring the children to attain the highest level possible. If you share our vision and passion for young people and their families then we would like to hear from you. Yours faithfully Sir Paul Edwards Director and CEO 4

5 School Partnership Trust Academies Vision and Values Our vision is based on the values and the principles of the School Partnership Trust Academies, the academy sponsor. Our academies pride themselves on being: Institutions with high expectations both for the individual and where there will be a collective responsibility, for raising community aspirations. Caring schools, based upon social responsibility, honesty, equality and consideration for others. Highly successful schools where self-help, self-determination and self-improvement are encouraged. Innovative and energising learning centres which develop lively and enquiring minds for both students and staff. Schools which promote inclusion rather than exclusion and by working in partnership with local agencies and offering a personalised curriculum for all, will strive to adopt a zero exclusion policy. Schools where courtesy, co-operation, enterprise and initiatives are paramount and where tolerance rather than intolerance is practised. Schools which are the centre of the community as a resource, in its services to others and in promoting community and social cohesion. Centres of educational excellence, where no individual is left behind and where all students of any age or background are provided with the support to become responsible and successful citizens. 5

6 THE SPONSOR School Partnership Trust Academies School Partnership Trust Academies is a not for profit charitable organisation that sponsors a chain of academies under a single funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education. The overall aim of the SPTA is to foster learning communities which promote and provide excellence in teaching, learning and relationships through high expectations and adherence to traditional values and standards. At its core, the SPTA values high quality educational provision for families firmly rooted in the priorities of the local community. SPTA believe in supporting schools as the preferred choice for educational provision within their local community, consequently, we believe all students should have a distinctive offer relevant to their needs and the community in which they live. We believe in the autonomy of local schools and provide challenge and support on their journey of school improvement. In our partnership we currently sponsor a range of Secondary, Primary, Infant, Junior and all through academies. Our partnership of schools encompasses academies and schools that are currently judged across the whole Ofsted effectiveness range, and across the widest possible range of contexts, phase and geographical location, including urban and rural schools and those of religious character. We want to recruit colleagues who are comfortable with our vision and values and hope that the summary given above encourages you to read further. More details about the SPTA, its members and what we are doing can be found at 6

7 Why work for SPTA? The SPTA are highly committed to developing all staff within their roles and creating pathways for further career progression. Work alongside professionals in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Develop your skills alongside like-minded colleagues. Each of the School Partnership Trust Academies retains its autonomy and unique identity while committing to a climate of mutual support and partnership with the SPTA group of Academies. Career Development - The SPTA offers personal development through a range of flexible opportunities. All new staff members receive a comprehensive induction. The SPTA offer a central CPD programme involving a range of training which includes Ofsted training, safer recruitment, pediatric first aid and Evolve training. The programme, called Blue Sky, also has a clear strand of Teaching and Learning and an innovative and exciting Leadership and Development programme. Pension - Every employee of the SPTA has access to a generous Local Council pension fund. Discounted gym membership - Some of our academies have set up discounted gym membership with local leisure centres. Please check with your Academy regarding this. Cycle to work scheme Work-life balance - We aim to be a 'best practice' employer. We understand that our employment policies need to be flexible and responsive in order to promote diversity and equality, and to attract and retain the highest quality staff. Child care vouchers by Sodexo - Child care vouchers work through a salary sacrifice and they are taken from your salary each month before your usual Tax and NI contributions. Mobile Select scheme - Mobile Select gives employees the opportunity of having the latest mobile phone and the cost directly deducted from their gross monthly salary, saving on Tax and National Insurance Contributions 7

8 INTRODUCTION Highfields Primary Academy is part of the School Partnership Trust Academies which is an educational charity led by Sir Paul Edwards as Chief Executive. All members of the School Partnership Trust Academies share the same broad ethos, values and principles and recognise that Together we are Stronger. The School Partnership Trust Academies prides itself on being institutions with high expectations for both the individual and for raising community aspirations. We are a group of caring schools based upon social responsibility, honesty, equality and consideration for others. Our Academy is built upon effective partnerships between school, pupils, families and the community from the point of admissions. Building links with the local community and local businesses is also a key priority for the Academy. 8

9 About Highfields Primary Academy Our Values Highfields Primary Academy is a caring place where each individual is important and valued. The academy exists to ensure every child develops to their full potential in a secure and happy environment. It is a place where children, parents, Governors, staff and members of the wider community work in partnership together for the benefit of all. Our academy seeks to enrich the lives of the children in our care by delivering a broad and balanced curriculum which meets the needs of every child, allowing them to develop the necessary skills, values and attitudes to become responsible citizens of the future. By regular reviews and consultation we aim to evaluate progress and develop strategies to be the most effective academy; based upon the best educational practice and with regard to moral values. At Highfields Primary Academy we are striving to be a forward thinking, innovative academy, active in our pursuit of continuous improvement and excellence. Inclusion At Highfields Primary Academy we believe that; All children should have an equal opportunity to attend the academy and to be a happy, valued member of that community. We take action to promote inclusion which is reflected in our policies, planning, curriculum delivery, recording and reporting achievement. Involving Parents Highfields Primary Academy value the relationship between parents/carers and our teachers. Parents are welcome to visit the academy at any time and regularly support their child s learning during our Stay and Play / Stay and Learn sessions. On a daily basis, our parents work alongside their children to help them with their early morning Maths Teasers. Part of the role of Learning Mentor would be to improve the attendance of children, remove barriers to learning and involve parents/carers in the life of the academy and education of their children. 9

10 THE APPLICATION PROCESS Further details about the work of School Partnership Trust Academies including academies it currently sponsors can be found at Completed applications should be returned to or by post to School Partnership Trust Academies, Recruitment Team, Unit 2, Carolina Court, Wisconsin Drive, Lakeside, Doncaster, DN4 5RA. All applications that have been submitted electronically will receive an from the recruitment team confirming receipt. A letter will be sent to shortlisted candidates with details of the interview process. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date please assume your application has been unsuccessful. QUERIES If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information please contact the Recruitment Team on We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and have a policy on the recruitment of exoffenders which is available to applicants on our recruitment website at 10

11 HIGHFIELDS PRIMARY ACADEMY LEARNING MENTOR 27.5 hours per week / Term time + 5 days Temporary until July 2015 in the first instance Grade 6 ( 17,333-19,317) Pro rata Required for ASAP We are seeking to appoint a Learning Mentor who can develop positive, respectful and responsive relationships with parents, carers and partners in the community to enable children to achieve to their maximum potential. The successful candidate will: have excellent skills in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT be enthusiastic, resourceful and keen to ensure that the highest possible standards of pupil achievement, personal development and well-being are achieved. experience of working with families and young people Visits to the Academy are encouraged and we request that appointments are made through the Recruitment Team. Closing Date: 5 th January 2015 An application pack can be downloaded from or by contacting our recruitment team on jobssouth@schoolpartnershiptrust.org.uk The Academy is committed to safeguarding the welfare of its students and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure. Together we are stronger 11

12 HIGHFIELDS PRIMARY ACADEMY LEARNING MENTOR JOB DESCRIPTION Grade: Grade 6 ( 17,333-19,317) Pro rata Hours: 27.5 Responsible to: Principal Job Purpose: To provide support and guidance to children, young people and those engaged with them, by removing barriers to learning in order to promote effective participation, enhance individual learning, raise aspirations and achieve full potential. Main Duties and Responsibilities: Establish, develop and maintain effective and supportive mentoring and other supportive relationships by working directly with children and those engaged with them. Contribute to the identification of barriers to learning for individual children and young people and provide them with a range of strategies for overcoming the barriers. Contribute to the comprehensive assessment of children and young people entering the school and the review of their progress and achievements working collaboratively with special support services and school staff. Assist in the identification of early signs of disengagement and contribute to and deliver specific interventions to encourage re-engagement and to support reintegration of pupils following long term absences. Develop, agree and implement a time bound action plan with groups and individual children and young people and those involved with them based on a comprehensive assessment of their strengths and needs. Developing SMARTER targets and activities to remove barriers to learning. Develop and maintain regular appropriate contact with the families and carers of children and young people who have identified needs, securing positive family support. Provide a complementary service which enhances existing provision in order to support learning, participation and encourage social inclusion. Sharing good practice between individuals and partner agencies. Facilitate the sharing of information between local agencies, schools, authorities and other learning mentors. Work with parents in a school context, supporting them and building their engagement with their child s learning. Develop and apply knowledge and appreciation of the range of activities, courses, opportunities, organisations and individuals that could be drawn upon to provide extra support for students both in and out of school. Undertake an assessment of the child and family s needs in accordance with agreed procedures including the formulation of intervention plans through the Common Assessment Framework 12

13 Assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of systems relating to attendance and integration Undertake clerical/admin support e.g. dealing with correspondence, compilation/ analysis/reporting on attendance, exclusions etc., making phone calls etc. The postholder s duties must be carried out in compliance with: i) the Academy s Equal Opportunities Policy; ii) the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), and subsequent Health and Safety legislation; and iii) policies relating to information security, and the requirements of Child Protection Confidentiality and non disclosure; iv) the working principles identified within the National Occupational Standards for children, young people and those who care for them. v) school policies and procedures These duties and responsibilities should be regarded as neither exhaustive nor exclusive as the postholder may be required to undertake other reasonably determined duties and responsibilities within the Directorate, commensurate with the grading of the post, as outlined in the Employers Guide commensurate with level 4 behaviour/guidance support without changing the general character of the post. 13

14 KNOWLEDGE/QUALIFICATIONS PERSON SPECIFICATION LEARNING MENTOR Ess Des MOA Qualifications in English, Maths and Science * A/C An awareness of Every Child Matter s Agenda and Child Protection * A/I An awareness of Early Years Foundation Stage and National Curriculum * A/I Understanding of Health & Safety Issues and good practice * A/I EXPERIENCE Managing a group of students * A/I/R Supporting students with challenging behaviour * A/I/R Working with families with a variety of different issues * A/I Managing and improving attendance * A/I/R Delivering small group/1:1 interventions to address low self-esteem, confidence, difficulties in managing feelings * A/I/R Supporting children in the classroom * A/I/R SKILLS Good organisational and personal management skills * A/I Effective behaviour management * A/I/R Effective communication skills * A/I/R An ability to demand high standards * A/I/R Be able to work independently and be a team player * A/I/R An ability to inspire and motivate students * A/I/R Effective time management * A/I/R The ability to meet deadlines * A/I Good ICT skills * A/R BEHAVIOUR AND OTHER RELATED CHARACTERISTICS Commitment to self and team development * A/I Work in ways that promote equality of opportunity, participation, diversity and responsibility. * A/I A commitment to abide by and promote the College s Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Child Protection Policies * A/I The post holder will require an enhanced DBS * C Key: A = Application, I = Interview and assessment, R = Reference, C = Certificate 14