Appointment of Deputy Head Pastoral - September 2021 Prior Park Schools
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Appointment of
Deputy Head Pastoral
September 2021
Prior Park Schools
Contents
• Introduction
• Our Schools
• The Vision for The Paragon
• Governance and Leadership of Prior Park Schools
• The Staff of The Paragon
• Curricular and Co-Curricular Programme
• The Role
• The Person
• The Benefits
• The Application Process
2
An Introduction Prior Park Schools (PPS) is a charitable trust comprising three independent but interdependent schools set in the beautiful South West of England and Gibraltar: Prior Park College (PPC), the senior school and The Paragon, the junior school, both in Bath and a senior school in Gibraltar. Each school provides high achieving, Catholic/ Christian co-education. The heart of Prior Park Schools is the encouraging Christian ethos which nurtures over 1,000 pupils aged between 3 and 18 years to become confident, capable, compassionate and independently minded young people. Each School has a Head Teacher and a Leadership Team who lead the day to day educational business of their respective schools. The Executive management of the group is devolved to a Board called the Prior Executive Board (PEB), which comprises the Head Teachers of each constituent school, the Director of Operations & Finance as well as the Director of Development. This Executive Board drives the strategic development of PPS, ensuring that it is on track to deliver its Vision and thereby remains a market leader in independent education. The PEB is chaired by the Head of PPC with the agenda and papers provided by the Director of Operations & Finance.
Our Schools
The Paragon School, led by Mrs Rosie Allen, is a forward thinking, co-educational Christian day school based in a
beautiful Georgian house within easy reach of the centre of Bath. Under new leadership, the school is at an exciting
point in its development; the appointment of two new Deputy Heads is the first step in this journey. Catering for
around 260 children from 3-11, the School offers a broad curriculum taught in small classes by teachers with a real
passion for their subject. Pupils progress to the College and to other schools in the area. The School enjoys 8 acres of
gardens and woodland and shares in the superb science, sport, drama, dance and other facilities of Prior Park College
under a mile away. With a full range of indoor and outdoor teaching facilities, The Paragon cultivates a love of learning
and encourages independent and creative thinking.
Prior Park College
With over 600 students, Prior Park College is led by Mr Ben Horan. It overlooks the historic city of Bath and is one of the
largest independent co-educational, Catholic boarding and day schools in the UK. Whilst retaining full-time boarding
at its heart, the College caters for day and weekly boarding students, offering stimulating opportunities for them to
contribute to a vibrant and creative community. The College aims to inspire and challenge every one of its students to
prepare them for the next stage of their lives.
Prior Park School Gibraltar
The school in Gibraltar was opened in September 2016 and is led by Mr Peter Watts. Set in a stunning location, high up
on The Rock and overlooking the bay, Prior Park School is a vibrant, caring community with an ambition as boundless
as the view. Prior Park School Gibraltar follows the English exam system of GCSE and A level and has a student
capacity of around 240 students. The school offers wonderful opportunities to develop a diverse range of skills and
strengths in an inclusive atmosphere.
4
The Vision for The Paragon
The vision for the Paragon is one of personal excellence for every
child, through a journey of immersive and limitless discovery.
Our mission is to create a first-class learning environment which is truly at one with its natural
surroundings. Our indoor and outdoor learning programmes will be deeply interlinked, with
children solving maths equations or tackling comprehension with the same growth mindset
which they might adopt when building dens or foraging for firewood.
We will build on all of the school’s many strengths, cultivating a learning environment which gives
each of our pupils the best opportunities to achieve beyond their capabilities. Their time at
The Paragon will empower them to develop the character needed for each one of them to lead
themselves to a future of their own choosing.
Our strategy will be driven through five central themes:
• Personal academic success
• Boundless outdoor adventure
• Expansive Co-curricular opportunity
• Proactive community wellbeing
• Effective operational excellence
Governance and Leadership of Prior Park Schools There is an active Governing Body, chaired by Mr Michael King, which provides governance and support for the Head Teachers and their schools via a number of Advisory Committees which include Local Governance Committees for each of the schools, an Education Committee and a Finance, Audit, Investment & Risk Committee (FAIR). The Clerk to the Governors is the Director of Operations & Finance, Ms Emma Sandberg. Sister Jane Livesey, General Superior of the Congregations of Jesus (CJ) and a former Chair of Governors is the non-executive President and is highly supportive of Prior Park Schools. There are eight non-executive Patrons, including the Bishop of Clifton. Heads of Prior Park Schools and the Director of Operations & Finance meet formally each half term and meetings are held regularly between the Heads and their management teams. Each of the three PPS Heads and the Director of Operations & Finance are accountable directly to the Governing Board.
The Staff of The Paragon
There are 15 full-time and 19 part-time members of the teaching staff at the School, 6 full-time and
5 part-time teaching assistants, 2 full time and 12 part time members of the support staff (admin,
maintenance and grounds and housekeeping), who are responsible either to the Head or to the Estates
Director or Assistant Bursar based at Prior Park College. There are also 10 music peripatetic teaching
staff. The School is proud of the outstandingly good co-operation between its staff.
The Head, Mrs Rosie Allen, is new in post this year. She is closely supported by the current Senior
Leadership Team and is responsible to the Governing Body for the following:
• Sustaining and developing the vision for The Paragon as a Christian, day co- educational school;
• Strategic planning;
• Recruitment, admissions and retention of pupils;
• Welfare, discipline and development of pupils;
• Maintaining the highest standards in teaching and learning and in all areas of school life;
• Appointment, development and appraisal of all teaching staff;
• Promoting the School by maintaining and developing links with feeder nursery and other
schools and marketing and publicising the School’s successes;
• Cultivating good relations and communication with parents, Governors, other schools and
the wider community;
• Compliance with relevant legislation and regulations;
• Advising and assisting the Governing Body through attendance at meetings, reports
and recommendations.
The Senior Leadership Team currently comprises the following:
• Head of Pre-Prep
• Head of Learning Support
• Head of Teaching & Learning
• Director of Operations & Finance
7
Curricular & Co-curricular Programme
The Paragon offers all children an outstanding level of education, which caters for the individual abilities, talents
and needs of every child, to ensure the intellectual, social, moral, emotional and spiritual development of each
individual. Our curriculum is rich and stimulating and is constantly being updated and improved. We believe
passionately that school should be fun, that learning should be dynamic and that children learn best when they
are happy. There is a strong focus on outdoor learning throughout the curriculum.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage the curriculum is play based and practical, focusing on inquiry, creativity and
critical thinking. From Years 1 to 6, children are taught the core subjects by their class teacher. The foundation
subjects are taught in a cross-curricular context, making learning meaningful to the children and instilling in
them a love of learning. Some subjects are taught by specialist teachers, giving the children the benefit of a
high level of knowledge and skills, whilst continuing to work within a cross curricular context where possible.
French is taught from Reception onwards, culminating in the Year 6 cultural week in France; Spanish is taught in
Years 5&6.
Although we are not a large school, we offer a fantastic choice of extra-curricular activities from pottery
and chess to conservation and African drumming. Staff run around 50 lunchtime and after school clubs
and children can join whichever clubs they want, regardless of ability. The emphasis in these activities is on
enjoyment and exploring new interests. We also offer a rich mix of school trips and activity days, visits to local
theatres and a residential adventure centre, and many themed days that make full use of our extensive grounds.
For greater detail and a full picture of the taught curriculum, together with information on daily life at the
school, please visit the school’s website.
8
The Role
Purpose & scope of the role
The Deputy Head (Pastoral) (DHP) will ensure the highest standards of welfare and personal development for all
pupils at the school. The DHP will report to the Head and contribute to the school’s Strategic Development Plan.
This includes significant development of our vision to be a school which embraces ‘limitless discovery’ for every child,
through a combination of academic rigour and outdoor adventure.
The DHP will lead the delivery and strategic management of all pastoral functions at the school, including pastoral
care, behaviour, PSHEE and PD, wellbeing as well as all relevant policies, handbooks and manuals.
The DHP has general oversight of many areas of the school, working with a range of staff. He or she will drive forward
pastoral care and wellbeing and have general oversight of the welfare of staff.
Responsibilities & Key Duties
As a member of SLT
• Lead by example, providing wholehearted and genuine support for the school’s ethos and vision in a
visible, approachable manner
• Promote positive attitudes amongst staff by sharing good practice, encouraging self-evaluation and by
taking a professional approach to problem solving and decision making
• Assist in appointing dynamic, positive and enthusiastic staff
• Promote the well-being of pupils and staff
• Take collective responsibility for all decisions reached by the SLT
• Carry out any reasonable ‘leadership’ duties delegated by the Head
• Support the Head in the day to day running of the school
• Keep up to date with inspection procedures and legislation, including oversight of areas specific to role
• To conduct, where necessary, any disciplinary or capability investigations as the school may require to
be conducted
• Be in School before the start and after the end of each term as required and on days SLT are called to
meetings during holidays
• Take an appropriate share of wider SLT duties such as marketing events, holiday cover and home
contact for trips, etc.
Prior Park Educational Trust
• Provide and facilitate opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of good practice across Trust schools
• Liaise with relevant counterparts at the College
• To attend and provide reports to Full Governing Body Meetings, Governors’ Education Committee and
any other relevant Governing Body Committees at which their attendance is required.
9
Pastoral Care
• Oversee the implementation of pastoral systems across the school
• Ensure effective monitoring of systems, regular review and triangulation of information to inform the
pastoral care of each child
• Ensure effective communication of pastoral information to relevant stakeholders
• Advise class teachers on pastoral matters, guiding their work in line with school policies and guidelines
• Oversee all pastoral mechanisms for effective transition between year groups
• Oversee the use of the school’s information database for all pastoral information
• House system oversight (known within school as Sections), including duty rotas
Behaviour Management
• Oversee whole school behaviour, including mechanisms for positive behaviour management in
accordance with the school’s values and ethos
• Oversee tracking mechanisms which ensure the celebration of every individual
• Work with Head to ensure strategic delivery of whole school values and ethos at the weekly
section assemblies
• Ensure effective supervision of pupils at all times outside of lessons
• Manage, communicate and monitor duty rotas
PSHEE & Faith Formation
• Oversee the whole school delivery of PSHEE, ensuring appropriate, timely and effective delivery of
statutory topics as well as relevant themes by year group
• Oversee the content and delivery of all formal school assemblies, ensuring relevant content and
approach which upholds the school values and supports the PSHEE programme
• Oversee, with the Head of RE, the effective communication of the school’s Christian ethos through
various pastoral channels
Wellbeing
• Oversee the whole school wellbeing programme
• Support for the social and emotional aspects of children’s learning
• Staff Sickness Absence: Return to work interviews
• Staff welfare provision
Safeguarding
• To be part of the Safeguarding Team as either DSL or Deputy DSL
• To adhere at all times the to the relevant safeguarding job description
• Pupil registration and attendance overview
10First Aid, Welfare & Health and Safety
• Overview of risk assessments across whole school
• Point of contact for School Nurse
• Chair the school’s H&S Committee
• Conduct weekly H&S walks
Educational Visits
• Educational Visits Co-ordinator - including final approval of school journeys and visits
• Ensure a broad programme of visits which underpin the children’s learning and personal development
Pupil Development
• Oversee the provision of an extensive and wide-ranging extra-curricular programme
• Ensure the school takes part in a variety of competitions, field trips etc which augment their
in-class learning
• Oversee House system, prefect system and opportunities for pupil developmentThe Person
• An understanding of and commitment to an independent school ethos
• An ability to approach complex tasks with a strategic, analytical and innovative mindset
• Effective communication skills in all contexts and forms
• Capable organiser, planner and administrator
• Confident communicator with a passion for education
• Resilient; personable; tactful
• Natural authority, leadership by example; personal integrity
• Energy; imagination; courage to innovate
• An inspirational classroom teacher with proven delivery of high quality outcomes
• An awareness of recent curricular developments nationally
• An up-to-date understanding of educational issues relating to 3-11 year olds
12The Benefits
The school has high expectations of staff and therefore rewards them with a generous salary scale and beneficial
conditions of service.
Class sizes are small and the teaching facilities are excellent.
Staff have strong, positive working relationships and cite the common room as a supportive and friendly group
of individuals.
Career
There is an extensive induction programme for all new colleagues and we encourage ongoing professional
development through generous CPD provision at a school, department and individual level. Individual support and
coaching for career progression, internally and externally is provided by members of the Senior Management Team.
Personal
Membership of a Pension Scheme
Life Assurance
Income Protection
School Nurse on site
Free onsite parking
Cycle to Work scheme
A Lenovo Yoga for use at work and home
Complimentary use of the Prior Park College gym, pool and other facilities
Complimentary lunch and refreshments available throughout the working day
Fee concessions are available for the children of any member of the academic faculty who meet the school’s
entry requirements
Free access to the National Trust Prior Park Landscape Garden
13The Application Process
Applications should be emailed to the HR Department: recruitment@priorparkschools.com. Please include the
following with your application:
• A completed application form including the name of three referees
• A covering letter of not more than 1300 words summarising your proven ability related to the job and
person specifications
Timeline for Interview Process
Closing date for applications is 0800 on Monday 11 January 2021.
References of those invited to interview will be taken up and candidates will be asked to undergo online psychometric
testing prior to interview.
Long list interviews will be held in the week commencing 25 January 2021. There will be an opportunity for long-listed
candidates to have a tour of the school and to meet with members of staff.
Short listed candidates will be notified soon after the long list interviews and will be asked to undertake an online
competency test prior to the final stage of interview.
Short list interviews will be held in the week commencing 1 February 2021.
Child Protection and Data Protection
Prior Park Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to
undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure
and Barring Service.
In the course of employment at Prior Park Educational Trust, staff may have access to confidential information relating
to pupils and their families and are required to exercise due consideration in the way they use such information. Staff
should not act in any way which might be prejudicial to the School’s interest. Information which may be included in the
category covers both the general business of the school and information regarding specific individuals. A strict code
of confidentiality must be adhered to at all times. The School is registered under the Data Protection Act 2018 and
operates under policies that meet General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). Staff must not at any time use the
personal data held by the school or disclose such data to a third person.
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