Pre-Prep (Nursery) Teaching Assistant - Recruitment Pack

Pre-Prep (Nursery) Teaching Assistant Full time, permanent From September 2024

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Pupils are highly motivated and relish a sense of challenge ISI Inspection, 2022

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Pupils display excellent attitudes to their learning. They are passionate, motivated and enthusiastic.

ISI Inspection, 2022

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HEAD’S WELCOME Welcome to RGS Prep.

Step through the front door and you will be met with a warm welcome, the sight of inquisitive, energetic and courteous boys and the feeling that anything is possible. Our Six Values of Collaboration, Courage, Inclusivity, Integrity, Respect and Scholarship are at the core of all that we do. We nurture these Values through small class sizes, individualised academic and pastoral support and most importantly, the passion of our staff.

Staff at RGS Prep join us from a range of backgrounds and bring with them a wide variety of beliefs and interests. We actively encourage staff to share these through our lessons, assemblies, workshops, 'Inspire' days and extra-curricular provision.

If you are offered a position here, you would be joining a close-knit and collaborative team.

I look forward to receiving your application.

Toby Freeman-Day, Head

JOB DESCRIPTION & PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS Job Title: Teaching Assistant (Early Years - Nursery) Responsible to: EYFS Coordinator Responsible for: No direct reports The Teaching Assistant will assist with the delivery of the curriculum following the class teacher’s planning. They will help with the preparation, recording, assessment and reporting to ensure that the curriculum will meet the varying learning and social needs of the pupils; maintain the positive ethos and core values of the school, both inside and outside the classroom; contribute to constructive team-building amongst the school community; contribute to the well-being and development of the school by supervising, guiding and caring for pupils; assisting with the supervision, guidance and care of the pupils in school so that they may achieve their true potential.

The Teaching Assistant will: •

follow the agreed school policies and guidelines;

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support initiatives decided by the Head, Heads of Department and staff;

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follow the plans written by the class teacher;

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assist the class teacher in providing a stimulating environment;

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assist the class teacher in keeping appropriate and efficient records;

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participate in the appraisal of their own performance;

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be aware of the needs of all pupils in the class;

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maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current support through attendance at regular training;

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work from 8.00am- 4.00pm - term time.

It is recognised that this job description is not comprehensive and will alter for each member of staff to reflect their own interests and involvement in the various activities and roles in operation in the school.

Upholding the school policies •

Awareness and modelling of school policies: teaching staff will read and act upon, or in accordance with, all the relevant school and departmental policies, and complete the annual ‘staff awareness’ form.

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Equal opportunities: staff are expected to adhere to the school's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy.

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Ethics and behaviour: staff will uphold public trust in the profession and the reputation of the school by maintaining the highest standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school. They will show tolerance of and respect for the rights of others and not undermine Fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They will ensure that their personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.

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Safeguarding: staff are expected to be aware of and comply with all aspects of the school’s Safeguarding policy and to undergo initial and ongoing training; and be responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the students for whom they are responsible.

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Student safety and wellbeing: staff will display the highest possible regard for student safety and wellbeing in accordance with policies, procedures and reasonable good sense at all times, whether on or off school premises.

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Pupils show an acute sense of respect for each other and were unanimous in their belief that diversity is a normal part of life.

ISI Inspection, 2022

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WORKING AT RGS PREP Your career at RGS Prep begins with a warm welcome and comprehensive induction.

You will be introduced to colleagues and key people within the school.

Opportunities to get involved in wider school activities are many and varied; sporting fixtures, theatre productions and residential trips to name just a few. Then there are the social groups set up by and for colleagues which include a running group, book club, theatre trips, football and yoga. However you choose to get involved, you are guaranteed to find yourself among like-minded individuals.

We are proactively committed to creating a diverse staff body, which reflects the community that we teach. At RGS Prep we value diversity and inclusion; we want to attract the best people for the roles available. This is regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs.

Sarah Holliday

Nursery Leader and Outdoor Learning Leader, joined 2014 What's the best thing about working at the RGS? Friendly, motivated and close knit community where we support each other.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Marathon training and spending time with my family.

Penny Peters

Prep Office Manager and Music Secretary, joined 2016 What do you love about your department?

The supportive nature of all colleagues, everyone is happy to muck in.

What would be the title of your autobiography?

Leave it with me, I'm sure we can make this work!

Louis Lynch

Head of DT and games teacher, joined 2015

What's the best thing about working at the RGS? Every day is different. I never know what enjoyment or challenges the school day will throw at me.

Which staff social groups are you involved in?

Most of them, I love a social.

BENEFITS In addition to joining a sociable staff body you will also receive the following benefits: Remuneration

Circa £20,500 per annum

Fee reduction

Fee reduction for son(s) of staff is available (after a qualifying period and subject to success at the entrance examination).

Working hours

8am - 4pm, term time plus five days

Private healthcare

Private medical cover is available for all staff. This is paid for by the School but is a taxable benefit so there is an indirect cost to the individual.

Pension

All support staff are automatically enrolled into the company pension scheme. The level of contribution by the individual is 5% the school will contribute 10%.

Commuting Loan

Interest-free loans are available for rail season ticket holders.

Gym

Use of onsite gym at certain times of the day.

Dining

A choice of hot lunches, a delicious salad bar and range of desserts are provided daily in the staff dining room during term time.

Employee Assistance Programme

A free, confidential counselling & wellbeing support service that can support you, your partner or spouse, and dependent children over 16 still living at home.

ABOUT RGS PREP RGS Prep is a kind, inclusive, tolerant community where diverse opportunity, personal development, high achievement and collaborative partnership define who we are.

RGS Prep is a long-established IAPS school for approximately 330 boys, which has occupied the same site in a quiet, leafy residential area of Guildford since 1930. It is well known for its excellent academic and pastoral strengths, alongside outstanding music departments and strong sport and extra-curricular opportunities for all boys.

Aims & Ethos RGS Prep's academic reputation is justly well-known but what sets it apart is its warm and purposeful atmosphere. Pupils are offered a happy, caring and stimulating environment where they can progress to their full potential. An excellent allround education based on skilled teaching in small classes is at the heart of RGS Prep's approach to learning which strives to provide the widest possible range of experiences.

RGS Prep guides each boy on his journey and gives him the skills and understanding of how to learn, not just what to learn. Visitors to RGS Prep are struck not only by the cheerful, purposeful atmosphere of the school but also by the diversity of its activities.

The school also aims to develop those qualities that cannot be measured by academic assessment. The development of each boy’s interpersonal skills, team spirit, strong selfawareness and leadership potential is achieved through a broad range of extracurricular activities which also foster curiosity, creativity and individuality.

Curriculum In the Early Years at RGS Prep, we follow the statutory framework provided by the Department for Education for Early Years providers. The Nursery and Reception (Shell) classes, work on a two-year rolling programme of topics to ensure a wide range of content and smooth transition from Nursery to Shell.

As well as following the seven areas of learning, the boys enjoy a variety of specialist lessons including Music, French, PE and Outdoor Learning. They also have access to iPads and a digital screen within the classroom to ensure ICT is part of their learning from an early age. How the boys learn is tantamount to their success, hence, they enjoy collecting credits when they display learning habits such as responsible risk-taking, persistence, independence and accuracy.

Boys are supported by a teacher and teaching assistant in each class to ensure that their learning can be tailored to their needs and interests. The Learning Support department can also offer advice and extra lessons as appropriate. The boys enjoy a variety of trips and visits from specialist providers throughout the year, helping to broaden the curriculum and enhance their social skills.

In Years 1 and 2, the curriculum offers a broad content of study, using the National Curriculum (KS1) as a basic framework. The combination of group work activities and high individual attention, promotes appropriate learning for all children across the various levels of ability. Specialist teaching takes place in PE, music, drama and French. The curriculum is planned to smooth the transition into KS2.

Facilities Close links to the RGS senior school has encouraged academic standards to be pushed higher and the school has invested in new facilities.

Since the millennium, RGS Prep has continued to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world and has more than twice as many teachers as 30 years ago. Digital technology and interactive whiteboards are in place throughout the school. A new state-of-the-art Sports Hall was opened in 2016, a dedicated rehearsal space for RGS Guildford Cathedral choristers in 2022 and a Pre-Prep Library in 2023. Throughout the last 10 years, new outside spaces have been created and refurbished in both the Prep and Pre-Prep departments including an adventure playground, outdoor classrooms and permanent cricket nets.

ISI Inspection, 2022

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Pupils display excellent attitudes to their learning.

They are passionate, motivated and enthusiastic.

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ISI Inspection, 2022

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Both in and out of class, behaviour is excellent.

WHY WORK IN GUILDFORD? Guildford is a vibrant and exciting place in which to live. Rich in history, it is a welcoming town with a flourishing and varied cultural life. Entertainment is diverse with a number of lively and nationally renowned venues including G Live, the Yvonne Arnaud theatre and the eclectic Electric Theatre. There are outstanding sport and leisure facilities which include the state-of-the-art training venues and sports complexes of Surrey Sports Park and Guildford Spectrum. Guildford offers one of the south east’s best shopping experiences with the iconic High Street combining exclusive and popular national chains as well as a number of independent retailers. Dining options cater for every taste and budget with local traditional and gastro pubs in nearby Surrey villages drawing customers from a wide area.

Educationally, Guildford is thriving. RGS Guildford is regularly ranked in the top ten single-sex schools in the country. RGS also enjoys close links with other girls’ schools, Guildford High School, Tormead School and St Catherine’s, Bramley. The University of Surrey was awarded ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’ by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.

Guildford has the advantage of being very accessible and enjoys excellent transport links. London is just over a 30-mile drive via the A3 and well served by trains (just 29 minutes to Clapham Junction and 39 minutes to London Waterloo). International airports London Gatwick and London Heathrow are only 30 minutes from the town.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are close by; the Surrey Hills and North Downs are on the school's doorstep and provide opportunities to enjoy the stunning countryside; the south coast is approximately one hour by car.

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The town of Guildford, which I, who have seen so many, many towns, think it is the prettiest, and…most happylooking, that I ever saw in my life.

William Cobbett

GUILDFORD The setting: The Surrey Hills North Downs South Downs Picturesque villages The south coast

The North Downs

Travel by rail: Clapham Junction 29 minutes, London Waterloo 39 minutes Portsmouth Harbour 60 minutes Gatwick Airport 45 minutes

Guildford Castle

Travel by road: London 32 miles via the A3, Heathrow 22 miles; Gatwick 34 miles via A3 and M25 Portsmouth 44 miles; Brighton 59 miles

Abbot’s Hospital

SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN & SECURITY OF DISCLOSURE INFORMATION The Royal Grammar School, Guildford meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check from the DBS before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. It is of fundamental importance to The Royal Grammar School to ensure, so far as possible, that those who take up appointments do not pose a risk to the children in its care.

Further details will be sent to applicants invited to interview which will expand on the above.

APPLICATIONS We are proactively committed to creating a diverse staff body, which reflects the community that we teach. At RGS we value diversity and inclusion; we want to attract the best people for the roles available. This is regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs.

Please note: applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to close applications early. www.rgsg.co.uk

TO SEE MORE FROM RGS PREP… Visit our social media platforms for photographs, fly-on-the-wall insights, news, events, and much, much more.

RGS Prep School

@RGSPrep

@rgsprep

Royal Grammar School Guildford

Royal Grammar School Guildford is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales, Company Number 10874615. Registered Office High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3BB. Registered Charity Number 1177353