Assistant Head
Ref: SCH-PLT-0021Additional Information
Contract Type: Permanent Contract Term: AYR - All year round Hours per Week: 32.44 Weeks per Year: 52.000 Pay Grade: L8 -L12The Role
Harry Watts Academy is a specialist free school in Sunderland opened in September 2020 for autistic pupils aged between five and sixteen years. We pride ourselves on having a shared belief that all children have a right to the best education that can be provided and a learning and working environment where all are respected, valued and achievements celebrated.
Harry Watts Academy is a split site school, with locations in both Sunderland (Redhouse) and Washington (Harraton). Currently, our Engage and Explore pathways are based at Redhouse and our Discover pathway is based at Harraton. You will therefore be willing to support the teaching and learning of pupils on any of our three pathways on either of our sites.
Due to the internal promotion of the Assistant Headteacher, we require a forward thinking Assistant Headteacher to join the successful leadership team to continue success, both now and into the future. Reporting directly to the Headteacher, you will ensure the vision, values and ethos of Prosper Learning Trust are at the core of the development of the school while implementing Trust systems and protocols to facilitate its smooth running. The role will require you to be a dynamic and professional leader, able to motivate staff, set high expectations, enhance achievement and facilitate rigorous and continuous self-evaluation.
Whether you are a serving Assistant Headteacher or have significant experience as successful middle leader looking for a new challenge, what is clear is that you will have an exceptional track record of success, specifically in relation to SEND, behaviour and attitudes and the successful implementation of full school initiatives, with positive outcomes for all pupils regardless of background or ability. Prosper Learning Trust is at a very exciting stage in its development. We will provide you with the resources and support you need in your efforts to excel in your role
To learn more about Harry Watts Academy and Prosper Learning Trust, please visit www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk
Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 with Newcastle Bridges School and Mary Astell Academy. Thomas Bewick School joined in 2019, Harry Watts opened in September 2020 and Gilbert Ward Academy will open in 2023. We are striving to further build collaboration across the schools and grow as a Multi Academy Trust, whilst continuing to strengthen our relationships with schools outside the MAT for the benefit of our pupils.
The successful candidate will be deployed initially at Harry Watts Academy but will be expected to work at any Prosper Learning Trust site should the need arise.
The Trust is proud to say that we match the Real Living Wage and we also offer successful candidates:
· A friendly and supportive team of staff who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
· Opportunities for career development and support with development through Trust wide CPD programmes
· Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support from the Trust's Wellbeing Network Group
· Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme
Full details can be found on https://www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk/121/why-work-for-us
Please note that all successful candidates will be required to complete an online pre-employment medical questionnaire.
Qualifications
| Qualification Title | Grade | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualified to degree level with QTS or recognised equivalent |
Essential
|
Skills
| Qualifications | |
|---|---|
| DfE recognised teaching qualification and QTS |
Essential
|
| Experience | |
| Evidence of implementing effective whole school safeguarding policies and practice |
Essential
|
| Experience of being the Designated Lead for Safeguarding or the Deputy Designated Lead for Safeguarding Has undertaken the role of Designated Teacher for Children in Care and Previous Children in Care |
Desirable
|
| Successful experience of working with a diverse community |
Desirable
|
| Experience of working successfully with some stakeholders and/or external agencies |
Essential
|
| Evidence of implementing effective whole school safeguarding policies and practice |
Essential
|
| Substantial experience of successful leadership at a middle leader (or equivalent) level in a mainstream, AP or SEND environment |
Essential
|
| Experience in a middle leadership role of supporting vulnerable pupils |
Essential
|
| Some experience of change management |
Essential
|
| Experience of contributing to the planning and evaluation of a School or Departmental Development Plan or sections thereof |
Essential
|
| Experience of using a range of tools and evidence to monitor and evaluate aspects of a provision |
Essential
|
| Experience with SEND or AP pupils |
Desirable
|
| Experience of collaborative working with vulnerable families and multi-agency teams to support pupils and their families |
Desirable
|
| Some experience of budget management |
Desirable
|
| Experience managing an extended school curriculum |
Desirable
|
| Experience as a lead for appraisal |
Desirable
|
| Experience of use of pupil performance data to evaluate provision |
Desirable
|
| Knowledge and experience of the common inspection framework in a leadership and management role (Ofsted) |
Essential
|
| Abilities, Skills and Knowledge | |
| Knowledge and understanding of pupils with a wide range of moderate and complex educational needs |
Essential
|
| Clear understanding of the role of self-evaluation in the continuous improvement of the School |
Essential
|
| Secure knowledge and understanding of safeguarding procedures |
Essential
|
| Knowledge and understanding of issues around equality, diversity and well-being |
Essential
|
| Knowledge and understanding of legal issues, including equal opportunities |
Desirable
|
| An understanding of the role of extended school activities and the role they play in the community |
Desirable
|
| Personal Attributes | |
| Exceptional role model with the highest standards of integrity, who is approachable and demonstrates a strong and collaborative leadership style |
Essential
|
| Dynamic and reflective leadership qualities that ensure the continual drive towards excellence for all pupils |
Essential
|
| Ability to make difficult decisions based on putting the pupils first |
Essential
|
| Ability to manage change and work under pressure |
Essential
|
| Willingness to ask for advice and support where necessary |
Essential
|
| Experience/Knowledge | |
| Experience of managing transitions to the next setting |
Desirable
|
| Experience of managing and leading a wide range of staff |
Essential
|
| Leadership | |
| Evidence of relevant professional development at middle or senior leadership level |
Essential
|
| Evidence of recent relevant professional development and training in specified area of job role |
Essential
|
| Recent safeguarding training |
Desirable
|
Related Documents
Safeguarding Information
Prosper Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, as well as vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to apply for Disclosure from the DBS.
The Trust actively promotes equality of opportunity with the right mix of talent, skills and potential and welcomes applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. The Trust selects all candidates for employment based on their skills, qualifications and experience, in comparison against the person specification.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If you are invited for interview, you will be required to disclose convictions that would not be filtered, prior to the date of the interview. Certain spent convictions and cautions will be ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed. Full details on protected convictions and information about which convictions must be declared during job applications can be found on the Ministry of Justice website. You will be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure information will be checked against information from the Disclosure and Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed. This role will include Regulated Activities and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure is required for this post. Please note that in all cases written references will be taken up and made available to interviewers before the final selection stage; even if you indicate otherwise.
Prosper Learning Trust
Drayton Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tyne and Wear
NE3 3RU
Louise Hindmarch, Headteacher
admin@harrywattsacademy.co.uk