Pre-Prep Leader Application Pack

PRE-PREP LEADER

APPLICATION PACK

CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY 7 JUNE 2024

DATE FOR INTERVIEW: MONDAY 17 JUNE 2024

FULL TIME (37 HOURS PER WEEK), PERMANENT SALARY: £27,852 - £29,439

METHODIST COLLEGE INFORMATION

Methodist College Belfast is one of Northern Ireland’s leading grammar schools, providing life changing opportunities for everyone.

I am delighted that you are interested in joining the staff team here at Methodist College. As a member of staff, you will discover a celebrated tapestry of diversity, opportunity and excellence that makes Methody truly unique. Methody provides life changing opportunities for everyone and we would love you to experience that for yourself as a member of staff.

Staff at Methody are committed to making a difference to pupils, colleagues and the College community but soon discover that Methody also enriches their lives through their unparalleled staff experience. If you are an enthusiastic, committed, and progressive person ready to bring your unique gifts and talents to the College, we would love you to be part of our exceptional team.

This is a place where lifelong friendships begin, where bright futures are built, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.

THIS IS METHODY.

J LENDRUM PRINCIPAL

JOB DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will undertake the normal professional duties* of a Preparatory School class teacher including the delivery of the Pre-Prep and Pre-Prep Curriculum. He/she shall also be expected to meet requirements in relation to assessing and reporting on the progress of the pupils. *Professional duties are outlined below.

Specific responsibility for and to oversee the day-to-day management, staffing, organisation and smooth running of the Pre-Prep classes and After School Club programme for Pre-Prep age children.

RELATIONSHIPS

The Pre-Prep Leader appointed will be accountable to the Board of Governors through the Head of Prep and the College Principal. The Pre-Prep Leader should be able to work effectively within a highly motivated team and to lead others. The individual should have the ability to stimulate and encourage pupils of all levels of ability so that they reach their full potential.

The Pre-Prep Leader should be able and willing to communicate with parents in an appropriate, professional manner. Relevant guidance and support will be provided by the Head of Prep, in the first instance.

There is likely to be the requirement for the successful candidate to occasionally work outside normal working hours.

RELATIONSHIPS

Duties relating to the organisation and leading of the Pre-Prep facilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day management of the Pre-Prep classes.

• Ensure the Early Years curriculum is promoted and delivered effectively within the setting.

• Ensure effective communication between the Pre-Prep staff both in delivering the curriculum and for completing roles within the classroom.

• Play a key role in planning and monitoring the operation of the setting and implementing essential policies and procedures.

• Lead practice to ensure high standards of care and education in accordance with the minimum standards requirements of Social Services.

• Ensure Pre-Prep policies are in place and in line with legislation outlined by Social Services and Early Years.

• Ensure Health and Safety legislation is complied with in the Pre-Prep setting.

• Lead Pre-Prep meetings as directed by the Head of Prep.

• Proactively lead practice through keeping up-to-date with research, policy and professional development.

• Be responsible for the overall management of the staff team and maintaining supervision ratios.

• Make judgements about the delegation of tasks and responsibilities to the Pre-Prep staff.

• Organise training and monitor students and volunteers in the setting.

• Work with the Bursar, Head of Prep and SLT to set targets and manage performance.

• Be accountable for the financial spending of the setting in conjunction with the Head of Prep.

• Identify staff training needs and facilitate training opportunities.

• Work closely with the Designated Teacher in matters pertaining to Child Protection.

• Ensure staff absence is reported to the Head of Prep and adequate cover is organised.

Duties related to classroom teaching:

• Plan and prepare programmes of study and lessons.

• Teach, according to their educational needs, the pupils assigned to him/her, including the setting and marking of work to be carried out by the pupil in school and homework.

• Assess, record and report the development progress and attainment of pupils.

• Promote the general progress and well being of individual pupils and of any class or group of pupils assigned to him/her.

• Make records of and reports on the social needs of the pupils.

• Communicate and consult with the parents of pupils.

• Communicate and co-operate with persons or bodies outside the school.

• Participate in meetings as necessary.

• Provide or contribute to oral and written assessments, reports and references relating to individual pupils or groups of pupils, including SEN pupils.

• Review from time to time his/her methods of teaching and programmes of work.

• Participate in arrangements for his/her further training and professional development as a teacher.

• Advise and co-operate with the Head of Prep and other teachers on the preparation and development of schemes of work, teaching materials, teaching programmes, methods of teaching and assessment and pastoral arrangements.

• Maintain good order and discipline among the pupils in line with school procedures. Safeguard their health and safety both when they are authorised to be on the school premises and when they are engaged in authorised school activities elsewhere.

• Participate in meetings at the school that relate to the curriculum for the school or the administration or organisation of the school, including pastoral arrangements.

• Take such part as may be required of him/her in the review, development and management of activities relating to the curriculum, organisation and pastoral functions of the school.

• Participate in administration and organisational tasks related to such duties as described above, including the management or supervision of persons providing support for teachers in the school and the ordering and allocation of equipment and materials.

• Attend and lead assemblies, registering the attendance of pupils and supervising pupils, whether these duties are to be performed before, during or after the school sessions.

• Lead one or more areas of the curriculum in agreement with the Head of Prep.

• Contribute fully and regularly to the extra-curricular programme.

• Use non-contact time effectively.

Candidates should note that the above duties are not intended to be a complete list.

The Pre-Prep Leader shall carry out the professional duties of a class teacher under the reasonable direction of the Head of Prep. The Pre-Prep Leader shall perform such particular duties as may reasonably be assigned to him/her. In view of the rapidly changing face of education, other tasks, which are not outlined at present, may become part of the post holder’s responsibilities in the future. This will involve a consultative process.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Educational qualifications and experience and additional skills and knowledge relevant to the post

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. NVQ Level 5 in Child Care; BSc (Hons) Early Childhood Studies; BA Ed (Hons) [Early Years Specialist]; Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies or equivalent.

2. A minimum of two years’ paid experience in a Pre-School, Nursery or Pre-School setting.

3. Ability to deliver outstanding or very good levels of teaching.

2. Good communication skills

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Empathy with and understanding of the needs of young children.

2. Ability to communicate effectively with pupils, parents and staff.

3. Excellent literacy and numeracy skills.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

1. An honours degree in Education (minimum 2:2).

2. Knowledge and experience of effective assessment systems suitable for Playgroup/ Nursery and Pre-School aged pupils.

3. Evidence of co-ordinating Early Years across the Playgroup/ Nursery and Pre-School age group.

4. A further qualification or accredited training in Educational Leadership.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

1. Experience of effectively leading meetings with a range of stakeholders.

2. Experience of using ICT to support learning.

3. Commitment to whole school life

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Regular participation in the extra-curricular programme in the Prep School.

2. Evidence of co-ordinating events within the Early Years age group.

4. Personal qualities

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Flexible, organised, enthusiastic and passionate about teaching and learning.

2. Ability to work effectively to deadlines and to manage time effectively.

3. Evidence of leading a team effectively.

PLEASE NOTE

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

1. A commitment to continued Professional Development.

2. Evidence of leading change across the Early Years.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

1. Evidence of effectively leading an Early Years’ team- Playgroup/ Nursery and PreSchool.

2. Evidence of creative thinking, working with others to create change and innovative decision-making.

The College reserves the right to use any or all the desirable criteria and to enhance any or all of the essential criteria as the interviewing panel sees fit in shortlisting for interview.

Appointment to this position is subject to the successful candidate undertaking an Access NI check and to this check being clear of any offences that may affect appointment to this post. The College’s decision on what is acceptable in terms of this check will be final. The cost of this check is £32.00 and the successful candidate will be required to pay the school for this service.

Appointment to this position is also subject to two satisfactory references being received.

RIGHT TO WORK

All applicants should ensure that they are free to remain in and take up employment in the United Kingdom. Successful candidates will be required to provide supporting documentation. Details of acceptable documentation are available here.