Candidate Brief INFORMATION FOR HEAD OF PRE-PREP APPLICANTS - for September 2021 - Pinewood School
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Candidate Brief
INFORMATION FOR HEAD OF PRE-PREP APPLICANTS
for September 2021
Contents
ABOUT THE SCHOOL THE JOB DESCRIPTION
Introduction 3 The Head of Pre-Prep’s Role 12
The School 3 The Head of Pre-Prep’s Duties and Responsibilities 13
Vision, Aims and Values 4 Candidate Profile 16
History 5 Skills, Knowledge and Experience 17
Campus and Facilities 5
Structure of the School 6
FURTHER INFORMATION
Structure of Pre-Prep 6 Terms and Conditions of Employment 18
Pre-Prep 7 Application and Interview Process 19
Teaching and Learning 8
Sport, Music, Drama and Activities 9
Boarding 10
Governance 11
Finance and Development Plans 11
2
Introduction The School
Pinewood School invite applications from Pinewood School is set in 84 acres of rolling
outstanding and committed candidates for countryside on the border between Wiltshire and
the post of Head of Pre-Prep at Pinewood Oxfordshire and is situated in the small village
of Bourton, within easy reach of towns such
School from 1st September 2021.
as Shrivenham, Marlborough, Farringdon and
Cirencester. It is approximately seven miles from
Swindon with its direct road and train links to
London, Oxford and Bristol.
Pinewood is widely recognised as an outstanding
school and is thriving. Academic excellence,
superb pastoral care and an inspiring and broad
curriculum form a sound foundation for the
education of our pupils and future registrations are
strong. The school received a ringing endorsement
in its latest ISI inspection report in March 2018
which can be read either on the school website
www.pinewoodschool.co.uk or on the ISI website.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL 3
Vision, Aims and Values
Manners, self-reliance and a regard for others are Values: The Pinewood co-educational philosophy;
valued principles upon which the school’s ethos is its country location; its size; the flexible approach
built. The school propounds the following vision, to boarding; high levels of pastoral care, as the
aims and values: result of an excellent teacher:pupil ratio – all these
combine to create an environment that allows
Vision: To be recognised as the leading
Pinewood children to enjoy a happy, secure and
independent co-educational, 3–13 day, flexi and
fulfilled childhood that engenders courteous, kind,
weekly boarding school in the area.
cultivated and considerate children who possess
Aims: To release the potential of Pinewood children a degree of independence and a bedrock of
by developing character, curiosity, learning and traditional Christian values.
skills through a variety of opportunities that present
themselves within the academic, sporting, musical,
dramatic and artistic arenas, as well as through our
activity and adventure programmes and approach
to boarding.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL 4
History Campus and
Facilities
Pinewood has a fascinating and eminent history. Pinewood benefits from an excellent campus
Founded by the Reverend F.F. Brackenbury in and superb facilities. In 2004 the Council and
1875 at Maiden Erleigh in Berkshire, it moved to Headmaster implemented a new strategic vision
Farnborough from 1883 to 1938. The school led a for the School, involving its academic restructuring
nomadic existence during the Second World War, and a significant building programme designed
moving four times before its arrival at its current to prepare Pinewood for the year 2020. A new all-
home in Bourton with 75 pupils in May 1946. The weather sports pitch was built that year, followed by
school is a Charitable Trust and became a Limited new classrooms, a science building and changing
Company in 1938. It is administered by a Board block. A new Sports Hall was opened in May 2015
of Governors, known as the Council. Originally a and the School continues to develop its facilities. A
boys’ boarding school, Pinewood has admitted major new Teaching and Learning Centre has been
girls and day pupils since 1978. Additional facilities opened this year and the kitchens, servery and
were added in this era, including the Music School boarding areas have also recently been extended
and the Lower School, and our thriving Pre-Prep and updated.
was opened for pupils aged 3+ to 7+ in 1993.
The school has a music building for both class
and individual music teaching and art studios for
use by the prep school. There is also a theatre
for school drama productions, music ensembles,
weekly assemblies and lectures.
In addition to the Sports Hall, other sporting facilities
include our extensive pitches for rugby, football,
hockey, cricket and athletics, as well as tennis and
netball courts, an all-weather pitch, cricket nets,
mountain bike trail, adventure play structure and
an outdoor swimming pool.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL 5
Structure of the The SMT is a wider group of senior managers
who discuss policy and ensure its implementation
at the operational level. Each team member has
School responsibility for different aspects of the School,
and Heads of Departments are responsible for their
own curriculum area.
Pinewood currently has 119 employees, including
both teaching and support staff. All employees are
welcomed into the Common Room. There are 49
members of teaching staff (36 in the Prep School
and 10 in the Pre-Prep) of whom 40 work full-time
and 9 part-time. There are 67 members of support Structure of
staff. 14 members of the teaching staff are currently
resident on campus, including the Head and his
wife and the Deputy Head and his family.
Pre-Prep
Under the current leadership structure, the Head The Pre-Prep currently consists of 22 members
is supported by a Senior Leadership Team (SLT) of staff. The Head of Pre-Prep is supported
of seven and a broader Senior Management Team by the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep and there are
(SMT) of fourteen, including the members of the SLT. 10 Pre-Prep teachers and 8 Teaching Assistants.
In addition, administrative support is provided
The SLT is currently comprised of the Bursar,
by 2 Administrative Assistants working on a job-
the Deputy Head (who is also the Designated
share basis.
Safeguarding Lead and Head of Upper School),
the Head’s Wife, the Director of Education & Head
of Pre-Prep, the Head of Middle School, the Head
of Lower School and the Senior Master/Director
of Sport.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL 6
Pre-Prep
The school boasts a thriving Pre-Prep which has environment and the ability to use the school’s
a dedicated team of teachers led by the School’s wider facilities. The immediate surrounds include a
Head of Pre-Prep. It has a relaxed and friendly beautiful walled garden, an outdoor classroom and
atmosphere in which children are encouraged a storytellers’ circle. There is also a dedicated library.
to enhance their full potential. The staff are
The Pre-Prep consists of a Nursery (3-4 years) and
committed to creative teaching, nurturing the
two parallel Reception classes (4-5 years). These
individual needs of pupils and providing a safe,
children follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum.
loving and secure environment.
The Pre-Prep also includes two parallel Year 1
The Pre-Prep is based in its own buildings within classes and two parallel Year 2 classes. There are
the school grounds and directly opposite the currently 98 pupils on roll.
main school, giving the children their own working
ABOUT THE SCHOOL 7
Teaching and Learning
Pupils are prepared for top independent senior Abingdon, St Mary’s Calne and Tudor Hall. Pinewood
schools at both Common Entrance and scholarship also prides itself on its scholarship record, and
level. The school combines traditional and forward- in 2018 22 of the 43 pupils who left the school in
thinking approaches to teaching, and encourages Year 8 gained between them 33 academic, music,
independent thinking in its pupils. Pupils at the sports, art and drama or other awards. Following
school benefit from small class sizes. The normal a review of the Common Entrance subjects
class maximum in the prep school is 18, and there studied and a discussion with all destination senior
are usually three forms per year. Setting for Maths schools, Pinewood introduced a new Humanities
is introduced in Spring of Year 3 and for all subjects course for candidates sitting Common Entrance in
from Year 5. Class sizes in Pre-Prep are normally June 2018. This is not examinable and has proved
between 12-16 pupils. a successful and stimulating change for staff and
pupils. Other academic highlights include running
Our pupils achieve highly successful Common
our annual Maths Challenge for local schools and
Entrance results and move on to a variety of
our Science Outreach morning.
senior schools such as Cheltenham, Marlborough,
St Edward’s Oxford, Radley, Stowe, Bradfield,
Sherborne, Dauntsey’s, St Helen and St Katharine
ABOUT THE SCHOOL 8
Sport, Music, Drama and Activities
In both the Pre-Prep and Prep, learning outside the We also offer a wide range of activities, including
classroom, together with music, drama, art and the Pinewood Adventure programme, which
sport, is considered vital to a child’s development provides opportunities for Prep pupils to challenge
at Pinewood. The School is proud of its magnificent themselves in exciting outdoor pursuit challenges
grounds and facilities, allowing us to offer pupils a and expeditions and fires within them a spirit of
full and diverse range of sports and activities. Every adventure. Within both the Pre-Prep and Prep
child in the Prep School has the opportunity to Schools Learning Outside the Classroom is very
represent the School in matches on a regular basis much a key part of the Pinewood experience.
and pupils within the Pre-Prep enjoy a wide variety
For Pre-Prep pupils there are opportunities to be
of sporting activities.
involved in activities such ballet and in the Prep
Music plays an important part in school life at every Thursday afternoon is dedicated to the
Pinewood. The Pre-Prep put on a number of plays Activities Programme which covers a wide range
and performances each year and all pupils enjoy of activities such as archery, jewellery-making,
being involved. In the Prep we hold regular concerts, computing and yoga.
which feature a broad range of performers as well
as specialist ensembles and soloists. Pupils are
also offered many opportunities to participate in
drama productions and the school has a thriving
and vibrant art department.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL 9
Boarding
Pinewood continues to pride itself on the boarding
experience which it offers. Pupils can board between
Years 5 and 8 on a flexible arrangement, either on
a weekly basis (Monday to Friday/Saturday) or on
a regular boarding pattern based on a set number
of nights a week. No pupils stay over the weekend.
Boarding numbers vary but there can be up to 90
children boarding on busy nights. We provide a full
evening activities programme and the pupils are
cared for by a dedicated boarding team including a
Head of Boarding, Matrons, Nursing staff and Gap
helpers. In addition to this, numerous members of
the teaching staff assist on a rota basis.
At weekends, the Prep school is in session every
other Saturday when sports take place.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL 10Governance Finance and
Development Plans
The Governance of the school is undertaken by the The school continues to have strong pupil
Council (the Board of Governors). The Governors numbers and is in a good financial position. The
have a wide range of experience and skills and Core Proposition of the most recent Strategic
work closely with the Head to ensure that the Review sets a target to maintain and develop
School meets its strategic aims. the holistic offering and success criteria of the
School, ensuring it is a parents’ first choice for
The Council is further sub-divided into several
their children’s schooling until the end of Year 8.
committees which meet at least once per
There is a yearly Development Plan to show how
term. These committees include Finance and
the strategy will be implemented.
General Purposes, Education, Building and
Estates, Governance and Admissions, Marketing
and Development. They report and make
recommendations to the full Council, which also
meets on a termly basis. The Bursar acts as
Secretary to the Council, and the Head attends all
Council and committee meetings.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL 11The Head of
Pre-Prep’s Role
The Head of Pre-Prep is responsible to the
Headmaster for the leadership and management
of the Pre-Prep ensuring the Pre-Prep provides
the highest quality of teaching and learning for
all pupils.
THE JOB DESCRIPTION 12The Head of Pre-Prep’s Duties and
Responsibilities
Main Tasks will include but are not limited to: • Support Staff Continued Professional
Champion Pre-Prep Development ensuring relevant courses are
made available for all Pre-Prep staff.
• Champion the Pre-Prep within the School
ensuring high visibility of the Pre-Prep staff and • Take an active role in teacher learning
pupils throughout the School. opportunities and training including leading
training sessions as required.
• Ensure the Pre-Prep continues to be a very
successful part of the School, showcasing its • Ensure that a rolling programme of appraisal is
strengths and character to the School and the in operation for all Pre-Prep staff.
wider community. • Complete appraisals for all Pre-Prep teachers
• Continue to raise the profile of Pre-Prep within and Administrative Staff and oversee the Deputy
the School including during staff and governor Head of Pre-Prep in her role as appraiser for
meetings and inset days. Teaching Assistants.
• Communicate the vision for the Pre-Prep to • Liaise with Deputy Head of Prep school about
parents and visitors in a clear and coherent way, inset needs relevant to the Pre-Prep.
ensuring their engagement.
• Facilitate and oversee staff in making
• Take a lead role in the promotion of the Pre-Prep constructive relationships with their children
in terms of meeting prospective parents and and their parents.
speaking at events such as Open Days.
• Ensure all school activities are supported by
• Foster and develop further links with the local staff including those organised by Friends of
community including those of key external Pinewood.
stakeholders.
• Support staff in organising Pre-Prep events
such as plays and special days.
Staff Management
• Work closely with Year 3 staff to ensure smooth
• Support and guide all Pre-Prep staff in delivering
transition of pupils from the Pre-Prep to the Prep
the highest quality provision for the pupils.
School.
• Support the development of newly appointed
• Oversee the academic tracking and monitoring
staff, ensuring they are mentored and supported
to allow them to succeed. of pupils within the Pre-Prep.
• Be fully involved in the recruitment process • Oversee and manage the Pre-Prep assessment
for new Pre-Prep staff in conjunction with the and reporting framework and ensure staff
Headmaster. understand this in order to share the information
with parents as appropriate.
• Establish clear expectations for all staff involved
in the Pre-Prep through team work and mutual
support, delegating tasks as appropriate. Curriculum Management
• Hold regular staff meetings about issues arising • Review and develop the Pre-Prep curriculum
including individual children, provide agenda in the context of whole-school priorities and
for meetings in liaison with the Deputy Head of legislative developments.
Pre-Prep. • Support curriculum co-ordinators in liaising
• Ensure liaison takes place between different with Prep school staff to ensure consistency of
year group teachers including year 3 teachers. curriculum delivery across the whole school.
THE JOB DESCRIPTION 13• Work with all curriculum co-ordinators to Teaching Responsibility
ensure balanced curriculum planning and
• To take responsibility for teaching within the Pre-
the developing and reviewing of policies and
Prep, demonstrating the very highest standards
schemes of work. of teaching ability and setting an example for all
• Check appropriate long term, mid-term and Pre-Prep staff to follow.
short term plans are in place and that they are • To take on cover teaching within the Pre-Prep to
being followed effectively by the class teachers, cover short-term teacher absence as required.
ensure planning and teaching is differentiated
to take individual children’s needs into account. Policies & Procedures
• Complete annual reviews of policies and ensure
Working Strategically
they are updated as required.
• Support the Headmaster in developing whole • Develop new policies as required.
school strategies.
• Ensure staff are following policies and
• Review the Development plan for the Pre- procedures and challenge behaviour if this is
Prep annually, reviewing the progress made in not the case.
achieving the targets set for the Development
• Ensure that there is a safe working environment
Plan.
for all pupils and staff within the Pre-Prep and
• Ensure Pre-Prep staff work with Heads of that staff are following all relevant Health &
Department across the School to complete the Safety policies and procedures.
required annual reviews for academic and other
• Support the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep in her role
areas of the curriculum including the provision
as Deputy Health & Safety Officer, ensuring the
of resources.
Pre-Prep fulfils all Health & Safety requirements.
• Collate all annual reviews and have responsibility
• Complete annual reviews of Risk Assessments
for on-going management of progress made.
and ensure staff follow these as required.
• Attend and contribute to Senior Management • Keep up to date with all legislative developments
meetings. and changes with regards to Pre-Prep provision
• Attend and contribute to School IT Strategy and provide updates to the Headmaster and
meetings. other relevant staff as appropriate.
• Attend IAPS and cluster meetings if appropriate. • Ensure the Pre-Prep satisfies all regulatory /
mandatory requirements issued by the DfE
Financial & Resources Management and relevant to ISI inspection, including EYFS
elements. This will involve both the updating
• Manage the Pre-Prep budget and ordering of of school policies and the oversight of these in
resources liaising with the Bursar and Finance daily practise.
Manager as appropriate.
• Use the Development Plan to allocate budget. Working with Pupils
Identify and prioritise the needs and resources • Provide a secure and stimulating environment
for the Pre-Prep in conjunction with subject in which pupils’ happiness, welfare and
coordinators and teachers with specific development is nurtured and supported.
responsibilities.
• Ensure a wide range of activities are available
• Help maintain existing resources throughout for pupils, including music, sport and extra-
the Pre-Prep, delegating responsibilities for curricular activities to allow them to thrive and
maintaining these to the relevant staff. take on new challenges.
• Ensure indoor and outdoor facilities, both • Manage Trips and Visitors to the Pre-Prep
existing and developing, meet the needs of the ensuring a programme of exciting and relevant
pupils and the staff. events is planned on an on-going basis.
THE JOB DESCRIPTION 14• In conjunction with the teachers identify pupils Safeguarding of Children
who may require additional support and work
• Be responsible for the overall safeguarding of
closely with the Learning Skills Department to
all pupils within the Pre-Prep.
ensure appropriate support is provided.
• Completed Higher Level Safeguarding training.
• Work with the SENCO and teachers to review
the needs of the children on the Learning Skills • Liaise as appropriate with the School’s
register (including the very able and EAL). Designated Safeguarding Lead and immediately
highlight any areas of concern.
• Ensure all pupils behave appropriately, in line
with the School’s Behaviour Policies, and • Champion the School’s Safeguarding (Child
support staff in developing strategies for good Protection) Policy and ensure all staff understand
behaviour. and follow the required procedures.
• Become involved with discipline matters at • Complete Safer Recruiting training in line with
request of class teacher. School requirements.
• Support the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep in her role
as supervisor of the After-School Care Assistant Providing Support for the School (outside of
and support the After-School provision as normal hours)
appropriate. • To be available to meet with parents outside of
• Support Early Years co-ordinator in her role and normal working hours as required.
champion the Early Years provision within the • To attend all Pre-Prep Parent meeting and social
Pre-Prep. evenings.
• To attend any relevant Governor meetings and
Working with Parents events.
• Develop strong relationships with parents and • To attend networking events to build relations
ensure they are kept informed of any events or with other Schools and associations.
issues.
• To attend School social and charity events
• Deal with queries and issues raised by parents outside of normal working hours such as the
and members of staff or other interested parties. Christmas Fair and Friends of Pinewood events.
• Write Head of Pre-Prep reports for every pupil.
• Read and sign all written reports sent to parents
about their child.
• Read all letters sent to parents by class teachers.
• Become an active member of Friends of
Pinewood (the parent body responsible for
planning charity events), and attend and
support their fundraising events.
THE JOB DESCRIPTION 15Candidate Profile
The Head of Pre-Prep will have the personal community including staff, pupils, parents,
qualities and charisma to motivate and inspire the Members of Council, former pupils, other
Pre-Prep staff, and will be able to demonstrate independent and maintained schools, and the
natural authority, to lead by example, and to local community.
command the respect of pupils, staff and parents.
• Develop and maintain strong and positive
In addition, the successful candidate will: relationships with Members of Council, members
• Be able to inspire, motivate and challenge both of the SLT/SMT and other colleagues (including
pupils and adults. both teaching and support staff).
• Have a passionate commitment to the academic, • Demonstrate personal strength of character
personal and social development of the Pre-Prep through transparency, integrity and fairness.
pupils, understand the needs and concerns of • Show emotional resilience and an ability to work
their age group and have a natural empathy with under pressure.
them.
• Be willing to tackle difficult issues and
• Have self-confidence and inspire confidence in conversations.
others. He/she will be considerate of the needs
of others, with an ability to deal calmly and • Be at ease with and actively promote and support
sensitively with conflict. the school’s Christian ethos.
• Display energy, vision and imagination, with • Have a genuine interest in striving for excellence
the courage to innovate and an unwavering in every area of the Pre-Prep.
commitment to the continuing development of • Be willing to be flexible, adaptable and to
the school. embrace change.
• Set the standards and be a role model for all • Be able to act as an ambassador and professional
sections of the school community. advocate for the School, with strong personal
• Have an open, participative and collegiate style credibility and the capacity to build relationships.
with an inclusive and empowering approach to • Display suitable self-awareness and an
management and the ability to build trust and appropriate sense of humour.
team spirit.
• Relate to, value, nurture and communicate
effectively with all members of the school
THE JOB DESCRIPTION 16Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Applicants for the post will be expected to show • Can keep the Pre-Prep curriculum under
that they: constant review by recognising and evaluating
current educational initiatives and innovate
• Have a good University honours degree and
when it is in the interests of the pupils to do so.
teaching qualification, and can show evidence
of continuing professional development over • Have proven judgement in the appointment
the course of their career. and development of teaching staff, and in the
support and encouragement of non-teaching
• Have relevant Pre-Prep educational leadership
staff. They will be able to recognise dedicated
and management experience with proven
staff of outstanding quality who are sympathetic
experience of leading and inspiring others.
to the aims of the School and to assist them
• Are a well-qualified, experienced and in developing their professional skills and
successful teacher, with a love of teaching and ambitions.
an awareness of developments in the wider
• Can plan and think strategically, and actively
educational environment.
lead or contribute to Senior Management
• Have an understanding of best practise discussions and decisions.
across a variety of settings and confidence in
• Have a strong knowledge of safeguarding and
implementing this knowledge.
pastoral issues and be able to lead by example
• Are able to prioritise effectively and be highly in these fields.
organised.
• Have up to date knowledge of compliance
• Can demonstrate proven administrative skills with all relevant statutory and inspection
and confident use of IT for communication, requirements.
management and education without developing
an over-reliance on it.
• Can establish clear standards and expectations
for all members of Pre-Prep staff, delegate to
them appropriately and manage and evaluate
their performance effectively.
THE JOB DESCRIPTION 17Terms and
Conditions of
Employment
Salary will be competitive, and based on
qualifications and experience. It will reflect the
importance which the School places on good
leadership and be subject to annual review.
The post is pensionable under the School’s chosen
Teachers’ Pension Scheme currently managed by
Royal London.
Full details of the terms and benefits of the post will
be discussed with the successful candidate at the
time of the initial offer. This offer will be subject to
the receipt of satisfactory written references, DBS
and other regulatory clearances and to completion
of a Medical Questionnaire.
FURTHER INFORMATION 18Application and Interview Process
Candidates wishing to discuss any aspect of the All applications will by acknowledged by email.
role before submitting an application are welcome If you do not receive acknowledgement within 3
to contact the Assistant Bursar, Mrs Jo Ranstead working days of sending, please contact Mrs Jo
by email joranstead@pinewoodschool.co.uk or by Ranstead by telephone on 01793 782205.
telephone (during morning hours only) on 01793
The final deadline for acceptance of applications
782205. Depending on the nature of their enquiry,
is 9.00am on Friday 8th January 2021.
she will put them in touch with the relevant person.
All applications received will be handled by the
Candidates are requested to complete the following
School in accordance with the requirements of the
electronically:
Data Protection Act 2018.
1. The Application Form (located on the school
Candidates selected for interview will be informed
website vacancies page).
by Thursday 14th January 2021 or as soon as
2. A letter of application of not more than 500 words practicable thereafter. The interviews will be held
stating why you are interested in the post and at Pinewood School on Wednesday 20th January
how you feel your experience, skills and personal 2021.
qualities qualify you for the role. Please address
To comply with current legislation and Safer
the letter to Mr Neal Bailey, Headmaster.
Recruitment guidelines, all prospective candidates
On the Application Form, candidates are required will be asked to supply evidence at their interview
to provide the names and contact details of of their qualifications and eligibility to live and work
two referees, the first of whom should be their in the UK. We will ask to see and to photocopy
current Head or (in the case of current Heads) an appropriate official document, such as your
their Chairman of Governors or equivalent. We passport or Birth Certificate, and original certificates
may contact your referees at any stage of the of your academic and teaching qualifications
process, but please inform us if you would prefer (A levels or equivalent onwards). All documents
us not to contact them before the interview. Written supplied must be originals only. Further information
references will normally be requested shortly after will be sent to you if you are selected for interview –
the selection of candidates for interview. please do not send these documents at this stage.
Please save your completed Application Form and
covering letter as PDF documents, and do not
attach or enclose a Curriculum Vitae (CV). Once
completed, your Application Form and letter should
be sent to the Assistant Bursar, Mrs Jo Ranstead
at: joranstead@pinewoodschool.co.uk
FURTHER INFORMATION 19Pinewood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the
welfare of children. All applicants must share this commitment and
be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks
with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Pinewood School is an equal opportunities employer.
www.pinewoodschool.co.uk
Pinewood Bourton Shrivenham Wiltshire SN6 8HZ
01793 782205
office@pinewoodschool.co.uk
Registered charity 309642You can also read
