Northbourne Park School

Job Description

Job Title:Head of Learning Support Department:Learning Support

Location:Prep / Pre-PrepSchoolLine Manager for:Learning Support teachers

Reporting to:Headmaster.Contract: Full-time permanent

Overall Purpose of the Job:

  • Lead and managethe Northbourne Park Learning SupportDepartment.
  • Provide individual and group support for pupils with Learning Support needs across the Pre-Prep and the Prep Schools.
  • Liaise with the Bursar to ensure accurate recoverable cost with parents and KCC.
  • Provide timely advice to the Headmaster and Director of Studies of staffing needs in good time.

Principal Responsibilities:

  • Contribute to raising standards of pupilattainment in all aspects of their work.
  • Advise staff as to how to implement and deliver an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated programmefor every pupil, embracing the School’s differentiation and Assessment for Learning strategies in support of pupils with dyslexia, dyspraxia, specific language needs, and social communication difficulties and those who are gifted and talented.
  • Ensure that stimulating, well-prepared teaching, at the right pace, is available for pupils of all abilities and that interesting resource-led, problem-solving methods are used where appropriate, to enable pupils of all abilities to achieve their best.
  • Liaise with Form Tutors and Teaching Staff to monitor the learningof all pupils, especially those with previously identifiedLearning Support needsincluding those pupils who are Gifted & Talented.
  • Keepthe Department up to date with the latest research, teaching methods and syllabuses, including the Sounds-Write programme employed by the Pre-Prep, informing staff of developments.
  • Liaise frequently with all interested parties, pupils, staff, parents and outside agencies.
  • Ensure that all pupils who receive learning support have an Individual Learning Plan signed by the parents on file for each term and provide a copy to the Bursar.
  • Promote the use of ICT social communication, audio-visual techniques and computer software to support learning.
  • Assess, record and report pupil progress, socially and academically, according to School policies; liaising with pupils, parents, Form Tutors, Director of Studies and the Headmaster as necessary.
  • Promote the work of the Learning Support Department to the broader community in partnership withthe Marketing Manager including regular contributions to the School website, the Review magazine, fortnightly Newsletters, corridor displays, open days and local, national and international press.
  • Liaise with all staff to ensure a coherent development of learning throughout the Pre-Prep and the Prep Schools.
  • Support those individuals who require extra support with organisation and punctuality.
  • Organise relevant examination dispensations for Learning Support pupils.
  • Participate in all staff meetings, parents’ meetings, and whole school training events.
  • To support the needs of the School Development Plan, its formulation, delivery and review.
  • To maintain confidentiality, and observe data protection and associated guidelines.
  • Provide short-term cover for unplanned absences of colleagues including acting in a Form Tutor role.
  • Assess prospective pupils, liaising with their parents and current schools and advising the Headmaster as necessary.
  • Organise the regular visits of outside professionals such as Educational Psychologists, Occupational Orthoptists and Language Therapists.
  • Manage all aspects of the Department, subjecting it to regular review, upgrading pupil IEPs annually and the Learning Support Register termly as well as otherdepartmental policies and procedures.
  • Assist the Headmaster and the Director of Studies in analysing and interpreting whole school screening tests, such as InCAS.
  • Resource and maintain the Department and keep an up-to-date inventory, ensuring that there is a high standard of resources available.
  • Plan and oversee the work of teachers and teaching assistants within the Department, providing accurate timetables for each member of staff.
  • Liaise with Senior Schools to ensure a smooth transition for Learning Support pupils.
  • Attend annual District 2 IAPS meetings in your subject and where possible co-ordinate them.
  • To act within theNPS Professional Standards for Teachers Policy.
  • Fully endorse, understand and exercise your roles and responsibilities contained within the NPS Health and Safety Policy and Handbookas published on the Intranet.
  • Promote and safeguard and welfare of pupils and staff according the School’s Health and Safety, Fire Safety, and Child Protection regulations and guidelines.
  • Fulfil other reasonable duties as directed by the Headmaster.

This job description is subject to review and change as necessary.

Decision Making Responsibilities:

This is a Head of Department position and the post holder is responsible and accountable for the day to

day running of the Department and required to work independently but within policy, professional

standards and budgetary limits.

Salary and benefits

Salary:in accordance with the NPS Qualified Teachers Pay Scalecurrently £ 28,262 - £ 36,258 after 5 years service.

Pension:The position holder is eligible to be a member of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or the NPS Group Pension Scheme

Holiday:The statutory minimum holiday entitlement under the Working Time Regulations 1998 which is to be taken during school holidays. In addition, the position holder is not normally required to work during normal school holidays other than three days prior to the return and three days after the departure of pupils. Public holidays occurring when the School is in session will be working days.

Hours

The 2017/18 academic year will be 5th September 2017 to 6th July 2018. The school day is normally 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and alternate Saturdays until 4.30pm. It is not a requirement of this role to work Saturdays unless it is a special occasion.

Personal Specification (Knowledge, Skills & Attributes)

Essential requirements for the role:

-Qualified Teacher status

-Experience of writing and reviewing learning support targets for pupils.

-Well organised with good time management and ICT skills

-Ability to communicate warmly, clearly and sympathetically to inspire confidence in them

-Imagination, commitment and ambition to inspire pupils to enjoy their learning.

-Flexible and proactive attitude to work

-High standard of personal presentation

Desirable requirements:

-An accredited SENCo qualification

-Experience working in a Learning Support department in anIAPS Boarding School

-Evidence of continuous CPD with particular reference to Special Education Needs

-Good understanding of French and/or Spanish

-EAL teaching experience

Safeguarding

Northbourne Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Candidates will be required to complete an application form and produce original documentation of certificates and degree qualifications. An enhanced DBS clearance check will be undertaken for the successful candidate. All staff members at the School are expected to fulfil their obligations and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Updated 28thFebruary 2017