BEST Director of Education Bedfordshire Schools Trust

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1 BEST Director of Education Bedfordshire Schools Trust Application Pack

2 CONTENTS 1 Welcome from our CEO, Alan Lee 2 BEST Vision, Values and Beliefs 3 Job Description 4 Person Specification 5 How to Apply 6 Useful links

3 Welcome from our CEO, Alan Lee Dear Colleague I am delighted to welcome you to the Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) family. I hope you find the information contained in this pack useful and having read it, you decide to submit an application. BEST currently comprises of seven flourishing schools and two nurseries; complete with Teaching School and Primary and Secondary SCITT provision, delivering first choice education from Early Years to Advanced Level study. The future looks very positive, with rapidly expanding pupil numbers, strong budgets and other schools seeking to become Trust members. The BEST Director of Education is a new position for us. Our aim is to appoint an exceptional practitioner and experienced school leader, with a proven track record of delivering outstanding outcomes for pupils. The key objectives of the position are to secure great outcomes across our schools and to effectively lead the BEST Teaching School. And on occasion, provide cover for a Principal in one of our schools. If successful, you will join a welcoming, vibrant and ambitious community of learners, at an early stage of development that will prioritise your individual professional development and well-being. Further information on the Bedfordshire Schools Trust is accessible at If you would like to visit us, I would be delighted to show you around. Please do not hesitate to contact me on either or The closing date for applications is 6 July I look forward to receiving your application and wish you every success. Dr Alan Lee National Leader of Education & Chief Executive Officer Bedfordshire Schools Trust

4 BEST Vision Statement BEST VISION, VALUES & BELIEFS To grow the BEST in everyone We believe in the importance of high expectations, hard work and the development of a community of schools where each of us strive to be the best that we can be. BEST Values We will: Always put Children first Our reference point question is how will this improve outcomes for children and enable them to go on and succeed in life? Collaborate to support and compete to challenge Our schools work together to add value and compete to continually improve Provide community based provision Our schools form a coherent learning community at the heart of the Bedfordshire community BEST Beliefs We will: Deliver BEST outcomes Outcomes will be in the top 20% nationally Provide BEST opportunities An extensive range of opportunities beyond the classroom will be provided to develop the whole person Nurture talent Our responsibility is to invest in our people and bring out the BEST in everyone Operate a high autonomy, high accountability culture Professionals will lead our system and take responsibility to continually raise standards Lead through service Leaders and followers will work together with mutual respect and shared responsibility

5 JOB DESCRIPTION POST: SALARY: REPORTING TO: RESPONSIBLE FOR: LIAISING WITH: Director of Education L29-L35 (Negotiable for an exceptional candidate) Chief Executive Officer Securing high standards and delivering exceptional outcomes in all aspects of the work of our schools and BEST All academy staff, Local Governing Bodies, BEST Senior Leadership, Centralised Services and the Board of Trustees ABOUT BEST BEST comprises seven flourishing academies and two exceptional nurseries delivering first choice education, from Early Years to Advanced Level study. Our vision is to grow the BEST in everyone. We believe in the importance of high expectations, hard work and the development of a community of schools where each of us strive to be the best that we can be. Our schools work together to add value and compete to continually improve. PURPOSE OF ROLE: The post holder will, by working with the CEO and Principals: Provide strategic leadership, clear direction and effective management for educational performance, standards and effectiveness across all BEST schools. Develop BEST-wide strategies, procedures and procedures for improving outcomes for all pupils in BEST schools. Lead, develop and grow the BEST Teaching School and School Improvement team, working positively with BEST s strategic partners. Plan, co-ordinate and conduct monitoring visits to each BEST school, reporting back to the school Principal, CEO and Board of Trustees. Ensure all BEST schools have clear, coherent and accurate school improvement and self-evaluation plans in place. On occasion, providing cover for school Principals. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: To support and promote BEST s vision, values and operating principles. To lead and manage the BEST Teaching School and School Improvement Team Academy, ensuring strategic focus and high outcomes. To draft annually a BEST SIP and SEF for the CEO s and Trustees consideration. To support the development of a BEST Strategic Plan with the CEO, Principals, Senior Leadership Teams, Local Governing Bodies and other stakeholders. To contribute to and quality assure post Ofsted Improvement Plans and other plans, ensuring rigorous monitoring thereof. To ensure actions from monitoring visits are followed up by Principals and schools. To work with Local Governing Bodies and Trustees to ensure they effectively meet their statutory responsibilities. To continue to improve and develop the BEST performance culture, analysing trends and developing interventions to raise standards and pursue excellence in all areas of school performance. To develop a range of effective quality assurance mechanisms and compliance systems which lead to continued improvement across BEST. To use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to benchmark and health check schools and support pupil outcomes.

6 To develop and co-ordinate the production of BEST s self-assessment process including validation of judgements. To further develop BEST s approach to school review including the organisation of whole school, subject and aspect reviews in conjunction with Principals. To support the continual improvement and development of schools based on benchmark data and information. To provide information and expertise which contributes to the BEST s analysis of external inspection evidence and self-evaluated judgement and profiles. To ensure that all staff have access to high quality self-evaluation processes and to design and implement systems for the effective management and evaluation of these programmes. To lead, support and train staff and Local Governing Bodies in reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness and consistency of self-evaluation processed and standards. To ensure a consistent and continuous focus on student achievement, using data to track and monitor the progress in every pupils learning, and across BEST, analysing school data and alerting the Principal and CEO to any underperformance. To challenge underperformance which acts as a barrier to pupil achievement, or school improvement. To create an environment where staff are supported and challenged so that high performance is the norm. To participate in setting targets for individual academies within the BEST. To use national, local and school data effectively and also ensure all BEST data can be compared and analysed by Trustees and Local Governing Bodies. Key Tasks: High Performing Staff To lead in establishing a highly effective learning environment (Quality First Teaching) by providing effective monitoring, quality assurance and self-evaluation. To keep up to date with major developments and changes in education and develop specific expertise as required. To support with monitoring the quality of teaching and learning and pupil achievement in order to set and meet aspirational targets. To monitor and evaluate teaching and learning across BEST and liaise with appropriate Senior Leaders to ensure development areas are addressed appropriately and expediently. To provide staff support at all levels with expertise and quality assured action and systems. To develop, inspire and motivate effective leadership in order to raise standards across the BEST. To support and lead, when required, the monitoring of departments and areas in developing their Self Evaluation. To support staff across BEST to develop their use of data and quality assurance processes so they are empowered to set and achieve challenging targets for all pupils. To support succession planning within BEST through effective development of individual staff. Successful Pupils To promote a culture of high expectations ensuring all pupils thrive, achieve success, become engaged in their own learning and are encouraged to develop both educationally and personally. To lead on the analysis and dissemination of data across BEST and carry out appropriate activities to investigate further the issues affecting achievement. Ensure that provision for pupils with identified needs is regularly evaluated and developed as required. To ensure equality of opportunity for all, though curricula opportunities and wider school activities. To support process of effective assessment to develop student progress. To support the development of student leadership across the BEST.

7 Strong and Effective Leaders To visit each school, and regularly meet with Principals and Senior Leaders. To build effective working relationship with Local Governing Bodies, ensuring they are well trained and equipped to meet external challenge. To be fully committed to improving outcomes for disadvantaged learners in all academies, through removing barriers, and ensuring the quality of provision is outstanding. To comply with Child Safeguarding Procedures and to report concerns to the Designated Child Protection Officer in the relevant school. To ensure high standards of pupil care, well-being, safeguarding, behaviour and attendance. To support and uphold the Academies policies on behaviour, attendance, discipline and bullying. Engaged Community To work with the CEO/Principals to initiate and develop external relationships and partnerships in support of the school. To work to promote the positive image of the BEST in the wider community, including with the local community, business partners, Higher Education institutions and other external partners. To attend and advise meetings of the Board of Trustees, Local Governing Bodies and associated Committees as required. To liaise with outside agencies, as and when required. General Duties: To safeguard and promote the welfare of young people and high standards of behaviour and attitude. To undertake any professional duties reasonably delegated by the CEO. To encourage the development of all pupils and colleagues maintaining an atmosphere conducive to good working relationships. To assist with recruitment and selection process, appointments and induction. To carry out supervisory duties in accordance with published schedules. To take part in appropriate meetings and events with colleagues, parents/carers and governors. To ensure a well organised environment, maintain a high profile presence, being accessible and supportive to pupils, colleagues, parents/carers and the wider community. To take responsibility for line management of designated colleagues and resources in order to achieve objectives. To ensure in any undertaking, to act with financial probity and in accordance with financial procedures. Other duties: To provide an excellent role model for colleagues and pupils, conveying a professional standard of behaviour, punctuality, attendance and appearance, maintaining high morale and confidence within BEST.

8 General The post holder must ensure full commitment to BEST s vision, values and operating principles. The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive. BEST may require the job holder to undertake duties commensurate with the level of the role. The post will be based at BEST House, Shefford. However, you will be expected to regularly attend meetings at and work from our Academies and organisations. The post will be categorised as an essential car user, payment for this will be based on estimated mileage and will be reviewed annually. As part of you wider duties and responsibilities you are required to promote and actively support BEST s responsibilities towards safeguarding. Safeguarding is about keeping people safe and protecting people from harm, neglect, abuse and injury. It is about creating safe places, being vigilant and doing something about any concerns you might have. It isn t just about the very old and the very young, it is about everyone who may be vulnerable. You are expected to carry out your duties with due regard to current and future Trust policies, procedures and relevant legislation. These will be drawn to your attention during the recruitment process, induction, staff handbook, ongoing performance development and through school communications. Disclosure Level: Enhanced Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer Responsible for: BEST Teaching School and School Improvement Team

9 Director of Education Job Specification Experience Successful senior leadership of a large school, at Head or Deputy-Head level, within secondary/primary settings resulting in significant improvements A record of implementing change programmes to raise standards in teaching and learning, quality of provision and improve outcomes for pupils Measured by: A Application I Interview R - Reference A, R E A, I, R E Recruiting, retaining and developing a skilled and effective team and motivating the team to achieve its full potential A, R E A demonstrable track record of strategic and innovative thinking and translating this into effective outcomes for pupils and staff A, R E Experience of working collaboratively and in partnership with a wide range of partners A, R E Experience as a practising Ofsted Inspector or HMI and a commitment to continue. A, R D Skills, Abilities and Knowledge Think strategically, analytically and creatively A, I E Excellent attention to detail, in both written and verbal communication I E Deal with complexity and uncertainty, with a clear growth mind-set I E Ensure effective practice and research evidence is used to improve outcomes for children and young people I E Knowledge and understanding of education policies and practices relating to the education of pupils A, I E The ability to provide inspirational and strong leadership and create an ethos in which the highest achievements are reached by all members of BEST partnerships Demonstrate, enthusiasm, commitment, passion and ambition to lead the delivery of high quality learning and teaching, raise student and staff aspirations and inspire pupils to develop to their full potential The ability to analyse and use data to establish benchmarks and to set and achieve challenging targets for improvement A, I E A, I E A, I, R E Ability to initiate and maintain innovative curriculum design and delivery to stretch the learning of all pupils A, I E Ability to act as both lead and team member, in fostering leadership potential in all I E Essential or Desirable

10 A commitment to social mobility and improving the life chances of all our pupils. A, I E Qualities A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the physical and emotional health and well-being of pupils A, I, R E A belief in the right of pupils to a high quality education, raising standards of achievement by recognising the value and worth of each individual, providing teaching, learning and enrichment which stretches each student and supports them to become fulfilled, confident adults The ability to implement BEST s vision, supported by a clear strategic plan, targets and goals for the BEST School Improvement Team Able to employ the appropriate leadership style(s) and approach to develop staff and secure an ethos of harmony and mutual respect A, I E A, I, R E A, I, R E Listen, reflect and communicate effectively I E Resonance and emotionally intelligent I E Tenacity, resilience and drive I, R E Self-motivated and hard working I E Sense of humour and optimism I D Willingness to be flexible and work to meet the best interests of BEST I E Open, honest and approachable I E Empathy I E Innovative and Creative. I D Education First degree or equivalent A E QTS A E NPQH (or in the process of completing) A E Qualified Inspector A D

11 HOW TO APPLY We actively encourage all applicants to apply online. To apply, please do to our website Closing date: Friday 6 th July 2018 at 9:00am Interview date: Wednesday 18 th July 2018 Please remember to include contact details for three referees and complete the equal opportunities monitoring form. Please note that this appointment is subject to DBS clearance. If you would like an informal chat about this role please call Dr Alan Lee on / We look forward to receiving your application.

12 USEFUL LINKS