APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY) INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Transcription

1 APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY) INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES venturerstrust.org 1

2 WELCOME Dear Colleague I am delighted that you are interested in the position of Director of Education (Primary) at Venturers Trust. Venturers Trust is a new Multi Academy Trust based in Bristol formed through the merger of CGS Trust and Merchants Academy Trust in September Comprising Primary, Secondary, all-age schools and a Special school the Trust has 3,200 pupils and 700 staff. The Trust is sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol. The Society of Merchant Venturers is a private entrepreneurial and charitable organisation that actively supports enterprise in Bristol. It has been involved in improving the city s education for at least 400 years. As a sponsor, the Merchant Venturers are heavily involved in all aspects of the Trust including Governance. They have strong links with many local employers and endeavour to ensure that all students have unparalleled access to professional advice and experience in order to develop their skills for employment. The University of Bristol ranks as one of the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom. It is committed to encouraging the number of local students seeking a place within Higher Education. The University is actively involved in the development of the Trust s curriculum and Governance and allows our pupils and students to access its excellent academic facilities. The University has created an extensive programme of opportunities for our students which no other schools have. The University also offers support in other areas, such as research and mentoring. Both sponsors seek to ensure that all our young people receive a truly inspiring education. Their support, challenge and expertise are greatly valued. Currently the Primary phase of Venturers Trust compromises: Bannerman Road Community Academy Barton Hill Academy The Dolphin School Fairlawn School The Kingfisher School Merchants Academy, an all-age school, also benefits from collaboration in its Primary Phase with the five Primary schools in the Trust as does the Primary Phase of Venturers Academy, the first state funded school for children with a diagnosis of Autism in Bristol which is also part of Venturers Trust. Further details of Venturers Trust, each of our schools and links to their websites can be found at venturerstrust.org. The role of Director of Education (Primary) offers the chance to drive the educational performance and development of academies serving some of the most varied communities in Bristol. You will have the opportunity to build your improvement team to secure the very best outcomes for children within the Trust. To this end we are looking to recruit an experienced, ambitious and visionary leader who understands and has already demonstrated how to raise standards and deliver excellence in the academy sector. The successful candidate will ensure Primary senior leaders receive the appropriate balance of challenge, support and professional learning and development that facilitates both in-house and systematic transformation and crucially, achieves outstanding outcomes across the phase. In return, we will give you every professional opportunity and support to succeed. For a confidential conversation about this position and details of how to apply, please see the final section of this information pack. I look forward to hearing from you. Dr Hilary Macaulay Chief Executive 3

3 BRISTOL PROFILE Venturers Trust is located in Bristol very close to the open fields of the Mendip Hills, Bath and North Somerset and easy travelling distance from country villages and further afield. Trust staff have an enviable choice of places to live within a city and region that is viewed as one of the areas with the highest quality of living in the UK. The local economy remains buoyant, benefiting from a strong knowledge economy and particular strengths in the creative, financial and legal businesses. Within 90 minutes you can be in London or on the coast. Bristol itself is a beautiful, vibrant and fashionable city. Its harbour, which weaves its way through the heart of the city is lined with restaurants, clubs and bars, museums, arts, science and media centres. The narrow winding streets, radiating from the water s edge, reveal elegant parks and squares and stunning architecture. Recently the city celebrated Brunel 200, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, one of the most inspirational engineers of the 19th century and the person responsible for some of the great icons of Bristol s industrial heritage. Bristol is the 8th largest city in the United Kingdom with a population of over 400,000. Built on the confluence of the Rivers Avon and Frome, it has been in existence from well before the time of the Romans. Bristol grew to be one of the most important cities in England during the Middle Ages as a result of its port and in 1497 the brothers Sebastian and John Cabot, sponsored by the Merchant Venturers, sailed from the docks to mainland America, landing in Newfoundland. A working replica of their ship, The Matthew, can be seen in the harbour today. Bristol is the largest city in the South West and the region s leading centre for business, culture and education. It has been the subject of a massive programme of investment and regeneration that has had a major impact on its retail, leisure and business facilities. The city has a long tradition of trade and engineering, and is also home to many of the newer financial services and creative and media industries. It is also close to some of the most beautiful countryside and coastal areas. 3 3

4 DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY) : JOB DESCRIPTION POST: RESPONSIBLE TO: SPECIFIC DUTIES: SALARY: LOCATION: Director of Education (Primary) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) To provide strategic leadership of Primary School Improvement in line with the details set out in the Job Description The Director of Education (Primary) will oversee a team which includes: Primary Principals Primary Lead Practitioners (Trust Strategic Improvement Team) Primary data/metrics leads Competitive commensurate with the seniority of post and including Health Cash Plan and Benefits Package Based at the Trust s Head office but working on a daily basis across and within all Venturers Trust s Primary Schools WORKING WITHIN THE TRUST S EXECUTIVE TEAM WHICH COMPRISES: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Head of Academy Improvement Estate Managers Director of HR Director of IT Services Director of Finance Trust Safeguarding Lead PURPOSE OF THE ROLE The Director of Education (Primary) will work to unite all schools in an unwavering commitment to the highest achievement for all, regardless of background or ability. They will embed a shared culture of outstanding teaching and learning and drive a range of improvement and collaboration strategies to achieve this in the classroom. The Director of Education (Primary) will lead, in close consultation with the Primary Principals, on the design, development and promotion of the learning offer, ensuring that it is compelling, drives student numbers across the phase and supports community transformation. A highly influential advocate for school improvement, they will work closely with senior leaders to develop a range of communication strategies that strengthen the profile of the Trust and each of our schools with parents, stakeholders and the communities we serve. Whilst realising that each academy is different and works to meet and serve the needs of their local communities, the Trust seeks to ensure there is consistency across the network. We are creating an environment where best practice is shared and championed, and the Director of Education (Primary) will have a pivotal role in further embedding this culture. 4

5 JOB DESCRIPTION The successful candidate will be a dynamic and experienced educationalist, capable of winning trust and raising standards across Venturers Trust and beyond and will bring the following: Experience of raising standards, both as a successful Headteacher/Principal and in a wider leadership role, most likely within a multi-academy trust structure and/or as a member of a regional/national school improvement team (or equivalent). Recent experience of having led, or significantly contributed to, the success of several school through leadership, ethos, teaching and results. Be able to demonstrate experience of significantly raising standards, in challenging/complex environments. A demonstrable record of driving strong academic outcomes through systems and processes. Knowledge of how to operationalise a vision which brings about a culture of high performance across a range of schools. Experience of working with school leaders in a variety of settings, including primary and secondary, and the ability to build relationships effectively with leaders working in different contexts. Demonstrable experience of working across schools and MATs and in utilising the expertise of Teaching Schools in system led improvement. Knowledge and appreciation of the resource management required in multi-academy trusts. A strong grasp of the current educational landscape, including keeping on top of latest trends and innovation in the enhancement of education provision, both in the classroom and outside it. Ability to demonstrate a genuine resonance with the Trust s mission and values. INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS The candidate will be able to demonstrate the following individual characteristics: Creating high performance cultures and strong management and leadership skills. The ability to build trusting relationships, and establish credibility, including with education practitioners, leaders and governors/sponsors. Outstanding interpersonal, communication and presentation skills. Personal resilience and tenacity: the ability to see things through and work through challenges. A high level of energy, stamina and flexibility. A child centred approach. The ability to translate the Trust s vision and priorities into a coherent programme of delivery. Commitment to a strong, open culture of accountability; a person of integrity. A genuine passion for improving the life chances of children and young people through education and experiences. Appreciation of the importance of the regulatory environment in which the Trust and MATs operate, and a commitment to ensuring appropriate safeguards are in place; as well as a personal commitment to the safeguarding and wellbeing of children and young people. The ability to present complex information in a consistently credible manner to a range of audiences including Local Governing Bodies, the Primary Standards Board, main Trust Board and external parties. 5

6 JOB DESCRIPTION KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Set and develop the strategic vision, values and ethos for each school in conjunction with the Principals, ensuring clear alignment and collaboration between the schools and rigorously monitor progress against the actions required to meet them. Direct line management, coaching and mentoring of each Primary Principal to ensure both in-school and systematic improvement. Overall responsibility for reporting to each respective LGB, Primary Standards Committee and Trust Board on the strategy, improvement initiatives and performance of each school. Accountable for the performance of the Primary schools and the leadership therein. Establish a shared culture across that enables everyone to work collaboratively, share best practice, celebrate success and accept responsibility for outcomes. Ensure that the schools (under the day-to-day leadership of their respective Principals) make rapid and sustained improvement, with minimal disruption to progress; ensuring that aspirations and standards continue to rise over the long term. Work with each Principal to ensure they are prepared for all Ofsted inspections and monitoring visits. In conjunction with each Principal, ensure improvement strategies (including those areas identified during monitoring visits) are mapped out, actioned and followed up. Lead the on-going development of staffing structures across the Trust to ensure they are sustainable, fit for purpose and facilitate collaboration and continuous improvement across each school. Provide strategic advice and guidance to Principals to ensure all staff are line managed with performance targets and that roles and responsibilities underpin plans for continuous improvement and are clearly defined. Overall responsibility for assessment and target setting systems including direct support to the Principals on self-evaluation, ensuring it is rooted in secure data. Provide guidance to the Principals to ensure that arrangements for pastoral care are effective and that all safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures are understood and adhered to. In conjunction with the Principals monitor, evaluate and review the quality of assessment, teaching and learning and the progress/attainment of pupils throughout the academies. Work with the Principals to challenge under performance at all levels and ensure effective corrective action, support and review; Establish creative, responsive and effective approaches to teaching and learning; ensuring high quality teaching is at the heart of strategic planning and resource management. Maximise opportunities for all students through continuous academy-wide focus on students achievement, using data and benchmarks to monitor progress in every child s learning. Provide on-going advice and guidance to Principals to ensure all parental, community and media communications are consistent in message and welltargeted. Work with the CEO in developing network groups and contribution to network meetings. Any other duties as directed by the CEO. 6

7 DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PRIMARY) : PERSON SPECIFICATION CRITERIA ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE EVIDENCE EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Good honours degree Qualified teacher status Evidence of continuous personal/professional development and learning Qualified to teach in the UK Higher degree Evidence of postgraduate study or research National Leader of Education Ofsted training and recent deployment on inspection teams NPQH Application Form Certificates EXPERIENCE Evidence of success in: effective leadership in a range of primary schools/academies in a range of diverse and challenging environments leading a school improvement team in a MAT at local level proven ability to improve performance and build leadership capacity through coaching, challenge and support working in a number of roles at senior leadership level including Headteacher/Principal delivering a vision for school improvement through strategy and action realising that vision for school improvement in more than one school through pupil outcomes creating and implementing school improvement policy and strategy that secures rapid improvement promoting outstanding teaching and learning and the highest levels of achievement monitoring and evaluating teaching and learning to ensure that standards are consistently high leading and developing the curriculum to ensure the strongest outcomes for children experience of leading and managing innovation and achieving change the effective management of people and resources, including a team of school improvement professionals Evidence of success in: developing participation in a wider school experience across and between schools both in a Trust and other Trusts leading a school improvement team in a MAT at national and/or regional level encouraging and developing links with the wider community leading professional learning in a Teaching School Application Form Letter of application References VISION AND STRATEGY Vision aligned with the Trust high aspirations and high expectations of self and others Understands how to set high aspirations and lead effective strategies across all aspects of a school including curriculum, learning, administration, finance and communication Clear understanding of the strategies to establish consistently high standards of results and behaviour in schools and commitment to relentlessly maintaining these standards Application Form Letter of application References Venturers Trust is committed to equality, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. 7

8 PERSON SPECIFICATION CRITERIA ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE EVIDENCE LEADERSHIP Experience of leading, coaching and motivating other senior leaders within a performance appraisal framework, including professional development and effectively managing underperformance Clear ability and experience of setting and developing the strategic vision, values and ethos for each academy with the Principals and rigorously monitoring progress against the actions required to meet them Ability to communicate to a range of audiences/stakeholders with clarity and in a timely manner to ensure focus and direction at all times Ability to identify and act upon of the key issues relating to the leadership and management in relation to school improvement The ability to lead and communicate a shared vision for the primary academies within the Trust The ability to model the values and vision of the Trust and lead by example Experience of leading extensive and purposeful Professional Learning and Development to teachers and senior staff Comprehensive understanding of national policy, legislation and current international thinking on education achievement and improvement Application Form Letter of application References PROFESSIONAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE Knowledge of models of learning and teaching Ability to use student data and broader information to manage the progress of students across a range of phases A passion for excellence in the learning process Financial awareness and the ability to understand, plan and manage a school improvement team budget The ability to analyse and interpret complex information and explain key elements in simple terms and withy credibility to a range of audiences The ability to think strategically and to plan and implement change as necessary The ability to inspire, challenge and motivate others and create good relationships between all stakeholders Excellent interpersonal and communication skills A commitment to the promotion of the Trust s ethos with reference to inclusion and diversity The ability to build effective working relationships and networks both within and outside the Trust The ability to drive a partnership approach with local schools and MATs to drive forward improvements in teaching and learning Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils Letter of application Selection process References PERSONAL QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES Relishes accountability and takes personal responsibility for their own actions Excellent critical thinking skills; has intellectual curiosity and rigor Flexible and emotionally resilient Highly approachable, very grounded and makes sensible judgments Significant personal presence; consistently inspires confidence and respect with a wide range of audiences Self motivated Well organised Works effectively under pressure Selection process References Venturers Trust is committed to equality, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants. 8

9 HOW TO APPLY CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Wednesday 7th February 2018 at 12 noon. INTERVIEWS: 21st & 22nd February 2018 Application forms must be completed in full and applicants should directly address the skills and experience outlined in the person specification. An Application Form is available in electronic format from the venturerstrust.org website and should be returned electronically along with the Equality Monitoring Form by following the instructions at the Work With Us section of the Trust s website. Venturers Trust will reimburse reasonable travel and accommodation costs to candidates attending interviews. You should retain copies of all receipts in relation to expenses incurred. For more information about this position or to have a confidential discussion about the role or your application, please contact Dr Hilary Macaulay, CEO on We look forward to hearing from you. 9

10 SAFER RECRUITMENT IN EDUCATION Venturers Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to demonstrate this commitment in every aspect of their work. The aims of our Safer Recruitment procedures are to help deter, reject or identify people who might abuse children or are otherwise unsuited to working with them. INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS All applicants for all vacant posts will be provided with: A job description outlining the duties of the post, including safeguarding responsibilities. A person specification which will include a specific reference to suitability to work with children. A Venturers Trust Application form, and all applicants for employment will be required to complete this application form, containing questions about their academic and full employment history and their suitability for the role (in addition all applicants are required to account for any gaps or discrepancies in employment history). SHORTLISTING AND REFERENCE REQUESTS References will be requested at the selection stage directly from the referee. They will be asked: the referee s relationship with the candidate; details of the applicant s current post and salary; performance history and conduct; any disciplinary action involving the safety and welfare of children, including any in which the sanction has expired; details of any substantiated allegations or concerns relating to the safety and welfare of children; whether the referee has any reservations as to the candidate s suitability to work with children. If so, the Trust/Academy will ask for specific details of the concerns and the reasons why the referee believes the candidate may be unsuitable to work with children. INTERVIEWS At least one member of each interview panel will have completed Safer Recruitment Training. The selection process for every post will include exploration of the candidate s understanding of child safeguarding issues. PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECKS All staff will require an enhanced DBS. Prohibition and Overseas checks will also be completed if necessary. VENTURERS TRUST [HERE] BATH ROAD BRISTOL BS4 3AP 10