HEAD OF CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

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1 VACANCY INFORMATION PACK HEAD OF CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

2 ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT The richness of learning provided within the classroom only goes part way to illustrate the opportunities that boarding at Downe House brings. Believing in the importance of providing a broad and balanced education, we currently offer a comprehensive range of co-curricular activities and are keen to continue developing our outdoor education programme. As a busy full boarding school, we offer a tremendous range of experiences. All activities and events give the girls a chance to challenge and enjoy themselves in their learning about the world around them and their place within it. Activities at weekends or in the evenings build upon, and take place around, the yearly programme of major events, such as House Drama, Dance Showcase, Music or Founder's Weekend, Duke of Edinburgh Award, the School Concerts and Sports Day, as well as numerous excellent charity fund raising events. In addition, we offer a diverse range of overseas trips to help our girls broaden their horizons and see themselves in a global context. Recently girls and staff have been to Myanmar, India, South Africa and Malawi to name a few The Co-Curricular Department is based in a log cabin in an attractive wooded area on the School site..

3 ABOUT THE ROLE The post holder will play a key part in leading and shaping enrichment activities throughout the School and developing a strategy for outdoor education. In this varied role you will provide strategic direction as well as having a hands-on approach. The successful applicant should be exceptionally well organised with strong IT skills and attention to detail. Ideally, the post holder will have experience of managing a small team and working with young people. Your experience may also include leading activities and awards and organising events. We have an extensive programme of co-curricular activities and as such, a flexible approach to working hours, including weekends, will be essential. Downe House offers a diverse and supportive working environment, generous annual leave, pension scheme and a strong commitment to your ongoing personal development.

4 JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE Head of Co-Curricular Activities LINE MANAGER Boarding Deputy MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES a) Developing effective links with departments across the School, including Academic, Pastoral, Sports, Music and Drama, to ensure that activities have an academic and holistic context. b) Planning appropriate programmes of trips, outdoor activities and co-curricular activities that stimulate, challenge and meet the diverse needs of the girls, liaising with the Director of Operations. c) Ensuring that an innovative and stimulating weekend programme of activities is in place including co-educational opportunities for the girls. d) Developing and implementing a strategy for outdoor education at Downe House e) Developing and planning a programme of overseas trips that meets educational needs and develops social responsibility in the girls to ensure they become effective global citizens. f) Supporting, developing and promoting the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme g) Constantly evaluating the work of the Department and planning a programme to meet changing demands. h) Establishing effective working relationships across the School community including academic, pastoral, boarding and support staff. i) Managing, recruiting and training Co-Curricular staff and supporting staff development. j) Promoting a culture of safety and ensuring that the School meets legal and best practice health and safety obligations. k) Ensuring that an effective risk assessment process is in place and assessing risk and acting upon any issues arising from assessment. l) Promoting the Department to ensure a high profile both internally and externally using a range of methods including social media, talks, publications and visits m) Purchasing, checking, maintaining and preparing equipment. n) Planning and overseeing the timetabling of the Co-Curricular programme and assisting with issues as they arise. o) Building links and to be actively engaged with external bodies for example national parks, The National Trust, sporting associations and other relevant professional bodies. p) Planning and monitoring the budgets for overseas trips, school activities, outdoor education and enrichment activities. q) Effectively managing the financial aspects of the Department including invoices, recharges and billing, and the purchase of appropriate equipment. r) Keeping up to date with the developments in outdoor education and Co-Curricular activities.

5 s) Leading and managing a small team. t) Attending meetings, training and INSET and leading INSET where required. SAFEGUARDING Downe House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment and adhere to, and comply with, the School's Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children policy and procedures at all times. HEALTH AND SAFETY All staff at Downe House are required to remain vigilant, observe all relevant Health and Safety policies and procedures, take reasonable care of their own and others Health and Safety, report all accidents and incidents, raise concerns through their line managers, and address minor physical problems by reporting them as maintenance requests through the School s internal IT reporting system (MERLIN). EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY Staff at Downe House are expected to promote equality of opportunity for all girls and staff, both current and prospective, and to support an environment that values diversity. DATA PROTECTION All staff at Downe House have a responsibility to ensure that data they are responsible for is accurate and appropriate to the needs of the School, and that they are responsible for ensuring any personal data processed for any purpose or purposes in connection with their role at the School, shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or those purposes in accordance with the Data Protection Act Note: This job description is not a comprehensive definition of the post. It will be reviewed as part of the cycle of appraisal, and it may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the holder of the post. Further guidance on the duties and responsibilities of members of staff is found in the Staff Handbook and on Merlin.

6 PERSON SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ROLE DESIRABLE SKILLS Outstanding leadership and management skills, with a willingness to lead by example. Team working skills and the ability to motivate and inspire others Planning and organisational skills with a strong eye for detail Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to establish a rapport with a wide range of people The ability to connect with young people and identify the needs of year old girls Customer service skills The ability to build strong working relationships across the school community Decision-making skills and the ability to stay calm in difficult, even dangerous situations Financial skills, including being able to effectively develop and manage a budget Commercial awareness and a flair for marketing Be detail-orientated and have the ability to handle multiple priorities and complete tasks in an accurate and timely manner A desire to learn and develop new skills An imaginative and innovative approach to work Flexibility in order to meet the changing needs of the School A flexible approach to working hours and prepared to work evenings and weekends as required by the role Prepared to travel both in the UK and overseas DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE It is anticipated that the successful candidate will have some of the following expereince. Ideally a relevant degree or professional qualification in leadership/recreation management /event management / physical education/sports-related courses/outdoor education/geography or business management An appropriate first aid qualification Lifesaving qualification (desirable) Qualified to drive a minibus Experience of a similar management role in a School environment or Activity Centre A teaching or professional coaching/instructing qualification Experience of organising and leading overseas trips Experience of organising large events Experience of leading extracurricular activities and awards. For example Community Sports Leadership Award, Duke of Edinburgh s Award, sports teams and expeditions

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8 TERMS, CONDITIONS AND BENEFITS Downe House offers a range of benefits and competitive terms and conditions as outlined below. Salary The salary will be agreed by the Headmistress and will be dependent on qualifications and experience in the range of 40,000-45,000. The School normally reviews salaries on an annual basis and any pay awards agreed by the Board of Governors are implemented annually in September. Salaries are paid by direct transfer into your bank account by the Bursary on the last Friday of the month. Working Hours The post is a full time position working approximately 40 hours per week. The hours will need to be worked flexibly depending on the needs of the Department. This will include some weekends and evenings as required to support activities. It is anticipated that the post holder will work throughout the School year (ie not term time only ). Probation period During the first three terms of employment, you will be on a probation period. This period is designed to give both you and the School the opportunity to assess your suitability for the role. You will meet with your line manager (the Boarding Deputy) on a regular basis and receive feedback on your progress and discuss your training and development needs. Notice period Your notice period during the probation period will be four weeks on either side. On successful completion of your probation period this will increase to four months on either side. Pension After successful completion of 3 months employment, you will be automatically enrolled into the School s Group Stakeholder Pension Plan with Aegon Scottish Equitable to which the School will contribute the equivalent of 9% of your salary if you contribute a minimum of 3% of your salary. Lower contributions are also available in line with statutory guidance.

9 Holidays You will be entitled to 25 days annual leave per year plus public holidays that fall within the School holidays (normally seven of the eight public holidays). In addition there may be additional holiday during the Christmas period if the School closes between Christmas and New Year. This will normally be three additional days and you will not be required to use your annual leave entitlement. It should be noted that this Christmas holiday is non-contractual and cannot be guaranteed. Sick Pay On successful completion of 6 months service, you will be eligible for sick pay under the School s occupational sick pay scheme. This will be as follows Up to two weeks full and two weeks half pay during your first year of employment. Up to one month full and one month half pay in your second year of employment. Up to two months full pay and two months half pay in your third year of employment. Up to three months full pay and three months half pay in your fourth year of employment onwards. Meals and Refreshments During term time we provide freshly prepared, nutritious meals in the Main Dining Hall and the Sixth Form Dining Hall, and a wide choice is normally available. Refreshments are also available throughout the day. Meals and refreshments are free of charge. Parking There is plenty of free on-site parking available. Smoking Smoking is not allowed in any of the School buildings or on the School site. A designated smoking area is situated on site next to the Estates Department and this is the only area in the School grounds where staff are permitted to smoke. Disclosure and Barring Service checks (DBS) Due to the nature of your role working in a boarding environment with young people, you will be required to undergo an Enhanced Level DBS check. During your employment it will also be important for you to keep us fully informed of any changes that take place that could affect your DBS status. Staff Facilities and Social Events Various sports facilities are available on site that can be used by staff at agreed times during the week. Activities include swimming, gym, tennis and squash. In addition you will be invited to a number of school social events and functions that run throughout the year.

10 Induction and Staff Training and Development You will receive initial induction training when you first join us, with ongoing support and guidance. Following induction, you will be expected to demonstrate continuous professional development by attending appropriate internal and external training courses, seminars and conferences. Discounted School fees At the discretion of the Headmistress, staff may be eligible for up to two-thirds discount on day fees should their daughter be accepted into the School. This discount is on a pro-rata basis for part-time employees. Applications from qualified/experienced teachers wishing to combine this position with teaching their curriculum subject in the School on a part time basis may also be considered. Where this is the case, Teachers terms and conditions may replace some of the terms outlined above and this will be considered on an individual basis. We look forward to receiving your application. If you require any further information then please do not hesitate to contact the HR Department on Alternatively, please HR@downehouse.net.