Mill Chase Community Technology College Headteacher information pack www.chi.ac.uk/academy
Contents 3 A letter from Dr Alan McMurdo, Director of Academies 4 Job Profile 7 Principal Attributes & Person Specification 9 The University as an Academy Sponsor 10 Application Procedure 2
A letter from Dr Alan McMurdo, Director of Academies Welcome and thank you for your interest in the Headship at Mill Chase Community Technology College. Mill Chase will join our Multi-Academy Trust at the end of 2013 and so accompanying this information pack you will find current information from the school a prospectus and letter from the Chair of Governors as well as the application form for this key role. As the Academy Sponsor for Mill Chase, we are seeking a talented leader who will champion the needs of every student in this 11-16 co-educational secondary school in rural east Hampshire to enable them to realise their potential. With the imminent closure of the Bordon army base in its catchment area, and ongoing consultations about an Eco-town plan for the area, the success of the school in redefining its character is critically important to the local community. The Governors have been proactive in meeting this challenge and sought to become a sponsored academy to ensure strong support for school improvement and professional management and operational services. Chichester Academy Trust is delighted to have been selected as sponsor and we look forward immensely to welcoming Mill Chase as one of the early academies to join our Multi-Academy Trust, established by the University of Chichester. While Chichester Academy Trust has the energetic and innovative approach of a young and developing organisation, it is built upon the solid foundations, experience and acknowledged reputation of the University of Chichester. As a trainer of teachers, the University s roots go back to 1839 and presently over 800 partner schools across our region work in collaboration with the University to raise student aspirations, teaching standards and education outcomes. The University has always been at the creative front end of education development and, in this current time of radical sector change, becoming an academy sponsor was a natural next move. A shared vision In addition to educational expertise and practical support, Chichester Academy Trust seeks to add powerful momentum to the progress of its family of schools through a shared aspirational vision and inclusive ethos. We believe in: Supporting and building leadership and management capacity; Developing a community where parents and carers are valued; Valuing and encouraging the continual professional learning of staff. School Improvement Programmes When you look around at the academy landscape you could easily form a view that one size fits all. However, our approach at Chichester Academy Trust is that all schools are different with needs that depend on and emerge from their unique context. We aim to work in partnership with the Headteacher, Governors, staff, parents and carers to effect improvements that will have a real impact, first for the students, but also for the staff and wider community. To support a school to develop to good and beyond we devise a bespoke improvement programme that starts with a thorough audit of needs but leads to long-term sustainable improvement. This tailored programme of school improvement is underpinned by a set of core offers so that the back office strain of managing finances, HR and legal aspects will be supported centrally, allowing you and your staff team to focus on teaching and learning and the pastoral role that is naturally part of school and community life. In short, we are looking for an exceptional principal with the confidence, determination and enthusiasm to shape Mill Chase into the school that its students and community deserve. If you believe you have the skills and expertise to take up this challenge I do hope that you will apply. Best regards, Promoting high aspirations and success for all; Ensuring progressive and sustained improvement in standards of education; Creating a learning environment where staff promote and deliver a positive, exciting and relevant learning experience for students; Alan McMurdo Director of Academies Chichester Academy Trust 3
Job Profile Job Title: School: Headteacher Currently known as: Mill Chase Community Technology College Mill Chase Road, Bordon, GU35 OER Reports to: Governing Body Director of Academies, Chichester Academy Trust This job description should be read in conjunction with the duties of a Headteacher as set out in the current School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document. Function of the post With strong strategic leadership and a clear focus and direction, the post holder will enable continuous school improvement through challenge, collaboration and support. Driving forward a progressive and sustained improvement in the provision of outstanding learning opportunities will require a student-centred approach that will meet the needs of a diverse student population, enabling all students to realise their potential. Chichester Academy Trust (CAT) will, through a partnership approach, provide significant support to Mill Chase. The post holder will be central to this successful collaboration and deliver tangible and measurable success for the school that will make a real difference to the lives of young people, and to the community it serves. Mill Chase and CAT have a shared vision and an open, collegiate and supportive approach; it is essential that the leadership enables staff to feel inspired, developed and empowered to create a culture in which there is integrity and trust and an ambition and determination to raise educational standards and expectations to outstanding. Mill Chase is in a unique position whereby it lies at the heart of the community, in a town which is designated for eco-development. Work has commenced on the rejuvenation of the town which will create a real opportunity to become a community that is vibrant and an exciting place to live and work. The post holder will be keen and actively involved in the project, and in strengthening links further within the community, for the benefit of all. Principal Accountabilities With an innovative approach develop the School s vision, strategy and policy in partnership with relevant parties, building a school that has its own unique identity, founded on high standards and educational improvement for all, and where the School becomes the first choice for parents and students; Review the school s management and staff structure to support effective school improvement and ensure that it is able to deliver the objectives of the School s Strategic Plan; Lead, challenge and develop a team that will support the values and priorities of the school, liberating and energising to enable progressive and sustained improvement; Working with the Governing Body, CAT and other parties, develop and implement strategies that will accelerate progress and raise attainment levels, bringing about measurable school improvement in an environment which all students will find enriching, rewarding and engaging; In collaboration, develop a curriculum that creates a positive, exciting and relevant learning experience for students; Ensure the School is equipped with the resources and facilities that are most appropriate for the enhancement of student learning, whilst maintaining a sustainable budget; In collaboration with the appropriate parties, implement a Premises Development Plan that will enable a programme of maintenance, refurbishment and development, ensuring relevant leasing, tenancy and licensing agreements are in place and where there is a clear understanding of the use of shared premises with the community; Develop and promote the engagement of networks for shared learning, where parents and carers are valued and where there is effective wider community cohesion. 4
Leadership and Development Take overall responsibility for the effective leadership, management and conduct of the School whilst working in partnership with the Governing Body, the Trust and other key stakeholders; Create and provide vision, drive, inspiration and high expectations in order to create continuous development of the School and build leadership and management capacity; Work with the Governing Body and the Trust to create and implement a strategic plan that is underpinned by sound financial planning and quality assurance, within a local and national context that identifies priorities and targets, to raise the attainment levels of students and engage with students in relevant learning that is both positive and exciting; Be accountable for the quality of education provided at the School, whilst engaging and promoting collective responsibility within the school community and contributing to the education service more widely; In liaison with the Trust appoint suitably qualified teaching and professional services staff that, whilst being challenged, will be fully supported and inspired to engage with the vision and aims of the School; Ensure staff receive appropriate support that promotes continual professional development and the sharing of skills and knowledge within the staff team for the benefit of the School; Monitor and evaluate practices, performance data and progress, preparing evaluative reports for the Governing Body and the Trust to keep them fully informed about the management and achievements of the School, including information necessary for the Governing Body and the Trust to discharge their responsibilities; Assist the Governing Body and the Trust in the creation, implementation, review and update of School policies, ensuring that policies and practices take account of international, national, local and school research and inspection findings as appropriate; Contribute to the development of the Trust and its academies through the post holder and academy staff being involved in such things as mentoring, leading CPD or secondments. Teaching and Learning Support Lead the teaching programme of the School strategically and encourage best practice by developing a robust and supportive performance management system that integrates professional learning within it; Act as and develop role models for innovative and engaging teaching, creating a learning environment in which staff are inspired and motivated to deliver high quality teaching that, along with robust assessment and other procedures, meets the needs of all students leading to improved learning outcomes and standards of education; Develop and apply appropriate teaching techniques, providing material that is current and which creates interest, understanding and enthusiasm amongst students; Demonstrate commitment to ensuring creativity, innovation and the use of appropriate technologies to achieve excellence. Planning and Managing Resources Take responsibility for the overall management of the School including resource management, budget management, business and programme development and the strategic planning process. Ensure that procurement demonstrates value for money and that financial accounts are controlled and managed in line with financial regulations; Take responsibility for risk management, quality, audit and other external assessments for the School. This includes setting standards and monitoring progress in line with regulations; Maintain accurate staff and student records, managing the resources of the School to ensure the needs of all students are accommodated, working with parents, carers and agencies as required. Communication Communicate effectively with staff at all levels, students, parents and carers, visitors and stakeholders; Disseminate conceptual and complex ideas to a wide variety of audiences using appropriate media and methods to promote understanding. Liaison and Networking Develop links with external contacts such as other educational, authoritative and professional bodies to foster collaboration and share good practice; Develop a community where parents and carers are valued and in which they have access to appropriate up-to-date information, to support and improve their child s progress; Lead and develop networks for example by chairing and participating in committees and groups that impact on the School. 5
Teamwork Act as lead in fostering a positive culture which ensures that staff and stakeholders work together effectively for the benefit of the students; Build, lead and motivate a strong team to enable all staff to carry out their roles to the highest standard and work effectively together to deliver school improvement; Act to resolve conflicts effectively within and between teams. Welfare of Students Take responsibility for ensuring effective and competent management of resolving student issues and ensuring support is in place as required; Create an atmosphere where staff and students feel safe and are valued and where all students needs are supported; Be committed to safeguarding all students and staff at the School, ensuring effective child protection and safeguarding policies; Ensure all practices relating to safeguarding and child protection are effective; Provide first line support for colleagues referring them to sources of further help if required. Other duties: The post holder is required to undertake such other duties appropriate to the salary and content of the work as may reasonably be required. Therefore, the list of duties in this job profile should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. This job profile should be read in conjunction with the current School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document. Please note that, in consultation with the post holder, Chichester Academy Trust reserves the right to update this job profile to reflect changes in, or to, this post. Data Protection Ensure workplace responsibilities within the School are carried out in compliance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and the Employment Practices Data Protection Code, especially concerning confidentiality, treatment of personal information and records management. Equality and Inclusion Chichester Academy Trust believes that everyone has the right to be treated equally and that the diversity of individuals and groups should be embraced, valued, and respected. The Trust is committed to eliminating any form of discrimination be it direct, indirect, harassment or victimisation and to deliver and comply with its legal obligations detailed in the Equality Act 2010. The post holder will take responsibility for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equitable treatment for all and take responsibility for their own learning and engagement with equality issues and actions and to consider the impact of their actions to ensure that they do not have a detrimental effect on achieving equality of opportunity. Any breaches may lead to termination of employment. Sustainability and Environment Chichester Academy Trust is fully committed to sustainable development and environmental initiative. It accepts its environmental responsibilities and recognises the contributions it can make to the resolution of global, regional and local environmental issues. The Trust will support the school in continuously seeking to find ways to improve its environmental performance and will comply, as a minimum, with all relevant environmental legislation, regulations and codes of practice. All staff are required to support these aims. Right to Work Existing British and European Law states that a person cannot be employed to this post if they do not have permission to live and work in the UK. Please advise if you require any guidance or further information on this. Disclosure Service Certification from the Disclosure and Barring Service New members of staff will be required to apply for Disclosure Service certification as part of the School s staff recruitment process. Further information about the Disclosure and Barring Service is available from the DBS website at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/dbs or from the Chichester Academy Trust, Human Resources Department. Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1075, applicants for teaching posts are among those who are not entitled to withhold information about any previous criminal conviction. Health, Safety and Wellbeing 6 On advice and guidance ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation and manage the security, upkeep and improvement of the School buildings to ensure an effective and safe environment that promotes the welfare of students and staff. Ensure that all staff are aware of their responsibilities and procedures for the health, safety and wellbeing of staff, students and visitors to the School.
Principal Attributes and Person Specification Essential requirements are those, without which, the candidate would not be able to do the job. It is expected that the post holder will have the knowledge and qualifications indicated or equivalent qualifications and experience. Desirable requirements are those which would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. Essential Desirable Evidenced through Knowledge and Qualifications Qualified Teacher Evidence of continual professional development that is relevant and appropriate to the post Current knowledge of the national curriculum and research, initiatives and technologies in child learning and development Good understanding of the role of academies, the changing role of the local authority and OFSTED and how to work effectively with these and other such bodies National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (unless exempt), or evidence of completed registration Relevant accredited study and/or professional development such as leadership and management training Good current understanding of premise management Application/CV Documentary evidence Interview Knowledge of and training in equality, health and safety and safeguarding legislation within the context of school compliance Skills Evidence of demonstrable strong leadership qualities, with the ability to set and achieve challenging goals in a supportive environment that promotes organisational reflection and an enthusiasm and motivation for continued improvement and shared thinking Application/CV Interview Tasks References Organisational, financial, budgetary and management skills that are relevant to the effective delivery of the duties of this post to achieve the School s educational goals and priorities Excellent people skills, to build and lead a team, managing issues in a sensitive, supportive but appropriate manner, to ensure the effective operation of the School and promote high aspirations and success for all A skillful communicator with strong interpersonal and presentation skills, both verbal and written, that naturally adapts to a diverse audience, e.g. governors, parents and carers, staff, students and the wider community on a wide range of issues, providing clarity of vision, influencing and directing or challenging others Administrative skills to enable effective implementation of tasks outlined in the current School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document Networking skills that build a professional learning community and enable good practice to be shared for the benefit of the School 7
Principal Attributes and Person Specification (continued) Essential Desirable Evidenced through Experience Due to the complexity and challenges of this role it is expected that this post will require demonstrable evidence of a successful Senior Leader, with a track record of school improvement, change management and a proven and positive impact on student learning Experience of whole school management, including financial, budgetary and resource management, challenging and supporting staff through managing change, performance management, conflict resolution, staff recruitment and development processes School Governor Collaborative working with multi-agencies for the benefit of the students Experience in managing additional educational needs provision Project management of premises appropriate to the post Application/CV Documentary evidence Interview Demonstrable evidence of building a successful team that delivers measurable improvement Proven track record of monitoring, evaluating and improving quality of learning and teaching, building effective strategies for School self-evaluation and making effective use of ICT in learning Successful working relationship with a Governing Body, providing support to enable them to fulfil their statutory responsibilities for teaching, learning and standards Evidence of collaborative working and building effective and strong relationships with parents, carers and the wider community Personal attributes Enthusiastic, approachable and determined, with the presence to inspire confidence and trust, enabling individuals and teams to feel empowered and motivated to achieve high goals and accept responsibility for outcomes Creative thinker with the ability to bring innovative and imaginative solutions to challenges Interview Tasks References Strong working ethos with a high level of commitment to the whole school community, whilst recognising the importance of work-life balance for the wellbeing of self and others An ability to foster an open, innovative, equitable culture, dealing with difficult decisions or situations in a timely manner, making reasoned judgements, conveying conclusions clearly, positively and sensitively Welcomes accountability to a wide range of groups, forms constructive relationships with all and understands the importance and value of engaging with parents, carers and the wider community Well-developed educational philosophy in keeping with the values, vision, ethos and culture of Mill Chase and CAT, recognising and valuing the richness and diversity of students needs and the school communities Self-reflective and responsive to feedback from a range of sources that help to identify and inform future decision making 8
The University as an Academy Sponsor The University of Chichester was approved as an Academy Sponsor by the Office of the Schools Commissioner in the summer of 2012. Our belief is that all schools can be successful and that student progress and the retention and growth of high-quality teachers should be at the heart of our work. With a long history of engagement in Initial Teacher Training and continuing professional development, the University achieved the highest accolade of Outstanding in the most recent Ofsted Inspection. Ofsted noted: the very strong leadership team which provides a clear framework, a vision for continuing improvement and close integration of all teacher education across the phases of provision ; the high quality of centre-based training which is creative and innovative and high-quality training which is carefully personalised to meet the needs of each individual trainee ; the University works in partnership with about 800 schools and has very close links with local authorities and other agencies in the region to ensure that its teacher education provision is closely aligned with regional needs. The DfE judged that our ethos and values, successful track record of working with schools and our outstanding Ofsted report demonstrate our suitability as an Academy Sponsor. However, Chichester Academy Trust is more than suitable as a sponsor; it is distinctive. We have years of experience in working with outstanding and improving schools as well as those that are less successful. We are committed to addressing under-performance. In addition, our involvement in schools in the fields of governance, leadership, performance management, training and sharing good practice confirms that we are well placed to make a difference to the educational experience of all students. As a university we believe that education has the power to transform society, that we should play a role in enabling people to exceed their own expectations and that we should have a positive impact on our local and regional communities; Chichester Academy Trust shares this outlook. Ofsted Outstanding The University works in partnership with about 800 schools and has very close links with local authorities and other agencies in the region to ensure that its teacher education provision is closely aligned with regional needs. Ofsted inspection (2010) 9
Application Procedure Candidates should complete the application form and return it so that it is received no later than midnight on Sunday 15th September 2013. Recruitment Team, Chichester Academy Trust Bishop Otter Campus, College Lane Chichester, PO19 6PE T 01243 816388 E hr@chi.ac.uk Statement in Support of Application In addition to completing the application form, please inform us in no more than 250 words what you have achieved that best demonstrates your alignment with the Trust s six beliefs ( A shared vision ) detailed in the letter from Dr Alan McMurdo on page 3 of this pack. Application Form Completion Please focus the reasons for your application on the essential criteria within the Principal Attributes and Person Specification outlined in the Job Profile. Indicate, providing evidence, how your knowledge, skills, experience and personal attributes either at work, or elsewhere, qualify you to undertake the duties and responsibilities set out in the Job Profile. Selection Procedure The Shortlist will be drawn up on Tuesday 17th September 2013 and the selection process will take place on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th September 2013. Further details will be sent to those candidates called for interview. Applicants will be advised within three working days after the shortlisting date whether they have been successful or not. Failure to send your application form to the above address may invalidate your application. Equality Monitoring All applications will be required to complete an Equality Monitoring form. Postage Insufficient postage occasionally leads to application forms being received after the closing date. To avoid this, please ensure that you attach the correct postage to your application. Please be aware that we are unable to receive handdelivered mail outside normal office hours 9.00am to 5.00pm (4.30pm Friday). Emailed applications are acceptable, but please do not send both paper and electronic applications. NPQH Qualification With effect from 8 February 2012, the NPQH will no longer be a statutory requirement for substantive headship posts. Safer Recruitment Chichester Academy Trust, Mill Chase Community Technology College and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks. Data Protection Act 1998 You should be aware that the information you have provided will be stored on the HR secure database and will only be used to process your application. It will not be passed to any other organisation. Receipt of Application Applications are acknowledged (by email whenever possible) within three working days of receipt. If you do not receive an acknowledgement within this time, please contact the Recruitment Team immediately on the number above. 10
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Recruitment Team Chichester Academy Trust Bishop Otter Campus College Lane Chichester PO19 6PE T 01243 816388 E hr@chi.ac.uk If you would like to receive this information pack in an alternative format please contact us as above. www.chi.ac.uk/academy