Headteacher

Normanton Junior Academy

Required Summer Term 2021

www.normanton-jun.wakefield.sch.uk

1. Welcome from CEO

2. Welcome from Chair of Governors

3. Advert

4. The Role

5. Waterton Academy Trust

6. Our School

7. Outcomes

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Contents

February 2020

Dear Colleague

Dear Colleagues

Thank you for seeking more information about the post of Headteacher at Normanton Junior Academy, part of Waterton Academy Trust.

My name is Dave Dickinson and I am privileged to have been the Chief Executive Officer of Waterton since September 2014.

Our vision is to create a collaborative of schools that work together to deliver excellence. A collective where teaching and learning is paramount and children enjoy and engage in a rich and relevant curriculum. We will strive to foster a culture of high aspiration amongst all our students and to create an environment where everyone reaches their full potential, regardless of their social, economic or cultural background and where success truly is a shared experience.

Our Trust came in to being on the 1st September 2014. Our 13 primary, infant and junior schools are currently situated within the Wakefield and Barnsley areas and consist of well over 3000 pupils.

People are at the heart of our Trust. We invest heavily in our pupils, teachers, support staff, Trustees and Governors, ensuring that we all benefit from the wide range of unique talents, qualities and potential they possess. We seek to provide opportunities for all, to share best practice, develop expertise, draw on local, national and international research, and form partnerships within and beyond the trust.

We share a determination that every child within our Trust will have access to an outstanding education and we will work together to ensure that for all at Waterton, “success truly is a shared experience”.

Dave Dickinson OBEChief Executive Officer Waterton Academy Trust

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1. Welcome

Dear Colleagues

On behalf of the governors I would like to thank you for your interest in the post of Headteacher at Normanton Junior Academy.

The governors and Trust are seeking to appoint an experienced senior leader with the commitment and vision to take the school forward during its next stage of development.Governors are keen to ensure all pupils make the most of their individual and collective talents and opportunities within a safe, secure and inclusive environment, whilst providing strong support and appropriate challenge for our dedicated and committed school workforce.

We place great emphasis on effective home-school partnerships which are crucial to the progress and development of our pupils and strive to provide an open and welcoming environment for members of our wider school community.

The governors realise the importance of continuing professional development for all members of staff in pursuit of high-quality teaching and learning, and in this respect, we would fully support you in your continued development in this key role.

As Headteacher at Normanton Junior Academy you will receive strong support from colleagues within Waterton Academy Trust as we pursue our quest to move from 'good' to 'outstanding'.

We sincerely hope you will view this post as an opportunity to make a real difference to the progress and development of our pupils and look forward to receiving your application for this key post at what is an exciting yet challenging time. We strongly encourage you to make an appointment to visit the school prior to submitting your application.

'Together We Learn'.

Martin BeedleChair of Governors Normanton Junior Academy

Advert

2. Advert

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2. Chair of Governors

ADVERTISEMENT

Post title Headteacher

Location Normanton Junior AcademyChurch LaneNormanton WF6 1EY

Part of Waterton Academy TrustSalary & Grade L15 - 21

Hours Full TimePermanent

Normanton Junior Academy is a good school with outstanding features (Ofsted, March 2018). The school is proud to serve the Normanton and Altofts community of Wakefield. Staff and governors take pride in the individual support, advice and guidance that all pupils receive and strive to build a positive learning community in which educational excellence and personal wellbeing is the goal. The school endeavours to nurture confident learners who embody curiosity, concentration, resilience and cooperation.

Normanton Junior Academy joined Waterton Academy Trust, a visionary Trust of 13 primary schools serving the Wakefield and Barnsley area, in April 2015. The Trust’s driving ambition is to secure the very best outcomes for all its children and prepare them for future success. Normanton Junior Academy is proud to be part of this determined, collaborative group.

Waterton Academy Trust is seeking to appoint a highly motivated, dedicated and inspirational leader who will enhance the existing positive school ethos, whilst offering the confidence of a compelling and challenging vision for future success.

The successful candidate will be someone who understands the school’s current strengths, who values distributed leadership and has the skills and experience to ensure continued opportunities for growth and success for pupils and staff.

We are looking for a leader with:

Proven senior leadership experience Excellent knowledge of the primary curriculum

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3. Advert

Evidence of impactful leadership on raising attainment, increasing rates of pupil progress and developing excellence

Vision and energy to inspire the whole school community Excellent communication and inter-personal skills Commitment to teamwork and developing colleagues The ability to adapt to an ever-changing educational landscape Flexibility to think creatively

In return, the successful candidate will be offered:

Friendly, motivated children who are eager to learn A welcoming and positive school environment with supportive colleagues A commitment to your professional development and an exciting opportunity to

work within a forward thinking multi-academy trust A fully supportive Trust Senior Leadership Team and active Governing Body with a

commitment to your continuing professional development Advice and support from the Trust's central team of School Improvement, HR,

Finance and Estates A health and wellbeing package A cycle to work scheme An excellent pension package

Visits to the school are strongly encouraged. Prospective candidates can be reassured that visits will be conducted in a Covid-19 secure manner. Please contact Elanor Davis on edavis@watertonacademytrust.org to make an appointment.

Closing Date: 5pm on Friday 6th November Interviews: Thursday 19th and Friday 20th November (2-day process)

For further information about the school please visit www.normanton-jun.wakefield.sch.uk or contact Linsey Cavell, Chief Education Standards Officer, on 01924 240 767.

Completed application forms should be returned to hr@watertonacademytrust.org by the closing date.

The successful applicant will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check, this is carried out online by a third-party company. The position is also subject to two satisfactory references.

Waterton Academy Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare and expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.

Waterton Academy want to ensure that all employees, future employees and applicants are treated equally regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.

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Head Teacher Job Description & Person Specification

Trust : Waterton Academy Trust Location: Normanton Junior AcademyJob Title: Headteacher Pay Range: L15 - 21Reporting to: Chief Education Standards Officer

Job Description – Headteacher

This job description outlines, within the terms of your conditions of employment, the range of professional duties attached to the post. It is not a comprehensive definition of those duties. The terms and conditions of the employment are clearly stated in the current School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document. The post holder will be expected to uphold the professional standards for Headteachers.

Responsible to: The Governing Body of the school, the Chief Executive Officer and the board of Trustees

Responsible for: Carrying out the professional responsibilities of a Headteacher and upholding the National Standards of Excellence for Headteachers.

To provide professional leadership with integrity, energy and enthusiasm which will lead the school to outstanding status. Our ambition is that every child reaches their full potential; this will be achieved through the highest level of teaching and leadership.

Purpose of the Post

Headteachers occupy an influential position in society and shape the teaching profession. They are lead professionals and significant role models within the communities they serve. The values and ambitions of Headteachers determine the achievements of schools. They are accountable for the education of current and future generations of children. Their leadership has a decisive impact on the quality of teaching and pupils’ achievements in the nation’s classrooms. Headteachers lead by example the professional conduct and practice of teachers in a way that minimises unnecessary teacher workload and leaves room for high quality continuous professional development for staff. They secure a climate for the exemplary behaviour of pupils. They set standards and expectations for high academic standards within and beyond their own schools, recognising differences and respecting cultural diversity within contemporary Britain. Headteachers, together with those responsible for governance, are guardians of the nation’s schools.

Leading Teaching and Learning

Responsibility for maintaining and developing the quality of teaching and learning within a successful learning culture.

The skills and vision to support continuous school development Demonstrate personal enthusiasm for and commitment to the learning process, including the

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4. The Role

principles and practice of effective teaching and learning The ability to access, analyse and interpret information Adopt a bold and challenging approach to local and national changes in education and develop

relevant strategies for performance improvement

Developing Self and Working with OthersTo develop effective relationships and communication which underpin a professional learning community that enables everyone in the school to achieve.

Demonstrate good interpersonal skills Foster an open, fair, equitable culture and manage conflict Develop, empower and sustain individuals and teams within the school Collaborate and work with others within and beyond the school Give and receive effective feedback and act to improve personal performance Accept support from others including colleagues, governors and the Trust Show commitment to working as part of the Trust

Managing the Organisation

Provide effective organisation and management of the school, including sound financial management and seek ways of improving organisational structures and functions based on rigorous self-evaluation.

Ensure that the school and the people and resources within it are organised and managed to provide an efficient, effective and safe learning environment. This includes adhering to safe employment procedures which place the safety of children and young people at the heart of all practices.

To build a successful organisation through effective collaboration with others

Establish and sustain appropriate structures and systems

Manage the school efficiently and effectively on a day-to-day basis Delegate, management tasks and monitor their implementation The ability to prioritise, plan and organise themselves and others Make professional, managerial and organisational evidence-based decisions to make informed

judgements Think creatively to anticipate and solve problems

Securing Accountability

The Head Teacher is legally and contractually accountable to the Governing Body for the school, its environment and all its work. The Head Teacher also must fulfil the wider accountabilities in relation to pupils, parents, carers, the Trust and other relevant groups.

Demonstrate political insight and anticipate trends Engage in the systematic and rigorous self-evaluation of the work of the school and work

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closely with the Governing Body to ensure that effective school self-evaluation informs school improvement priorities.

Collect and use a rich set of data to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school Combine the outcomes of regular school self-review with external evaluations in order to

develop the school

Strengthening Community

The Head Teacher will engage with the internal and external school community to secure equity and entitlement. This includes collaborating with other schools and with parents and carers and other agencies for the well-being of all children and developing extended services to meet the needs of the community.

Recognise and take account of the richness and diversity of the school’s communities Engage in a dialogue which builds partnerships and community consensus on values, beliefs

and shared responsibilities Listen to, reflect and act on community feedback Build and maintain effective relationships with parents/carers, partners and the community to

enhance the education of all pupils.

Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children

To have substantial knowledge and effective experience of addressing all safeguarding issues and ensure that safeguarding is embodied within the school culture.

Have knowledge and understanding of statutory requirements to keep all our children and adults that are part of our community safe.

Identify key features of staff recruitment and comply with safer recruitment procedures. Develop and introduce policies and practices that minimise opportunities for abuse or ensure

its prompt reporting.

Employment Duties: To be performed in accordance with the provisions of the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document and within the range of headteachers’ duties set out in that document.

Person Specification

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AF: Application Form I: Interview

CQ: Certificates/Qualifications R: Reference

OT: Occupational Task P: Presentation

Qualifications Essential Desirable HowIdentified

Qualified Teacher Status X AF/CQ

Evidence of continuing and relevant professional development in school leadership and management

X AF/CQ

National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH)

X AF/CQ/I

Skills and experience

Successful experience as a Senior Leader or Headteacher in a primary school

X AF/I/R

A highly effective teacher with proven good/outstanding teaching over time in the primary classroom

X AF/I/R

Have excellent organisational skills which maintain the day to day rhythm of the school whilst maintaining a focus on the long term vision

X AF/I

Experience of teaching in more than one school and across the whole Primary range

X AF/R

Good understanding of national curriculum and its associated assessments

X AF/I

Experience of leading change effectively X AF/I/R

Strategic direction and development

Ability to build, communicate and implement a coherent vision for the school in consultation with stakeholders

X AF/I

Proven record of inspiring, challenging and motivating others to achieve agreed aims

X AF/I/R

Ability to sustain excellence in everything we do with a clear sense of what strategies might be effective for pursuing that objective

X AF/I

Governance, accountability and compliance

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A clear understanding of the range of mechanisms for working productively with the Governing Body with proven examples and an understanding of its statutory duties including challenge and support

X AF/I

Proven record of being transparent, approachable and accountable to parents/carers, Governors, relevant external bodies and the local community

X AF/I/R

Knowledge of legal requirements affecting schools X AF/I

Leading, Managing and developing people and the organisation

Proven ability in leading and motivating teams X AF/I/R

Proven ability to lead and inspire staff, Governors, pupils and parents/carers

X AF/I/R

Effective communication skills, with experience of handling a variety of audiences and media

X AF/I/R

Proven experience of managing people, data & processes to contribute to school improvement

X AF/I/R

The ability to work in partnership with other schools and leaders in the Trust

X AF/I/R

Demonstrate an understanding of school finances and how to successfully make effective use of available resources within a finite budget whilst taking account of competing and challenging budget demands

X AF/I/R

Experience of staff performance reviews and acting effectively on any associated issues

X AF/I/R

Leading teaching and learning

Experience of setting and achieving challenging goals and targets for staff and pupils

X AF/I/R

Knowledge and understanding and proven experience of how to raise achievements across the school

X AF/I/R

Proven experience of analysing pupil performance data to identify trends to inform school improvement

X

AF/I/R

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decisions that improves teaching & learning outcomes

Experience of developing a consistently high standard of teaching through rigorous assessment, monitoring, evaluation and support X

AF/I/R

Commitment to a curriculum that is creative and relevant to the interests and needs of all pupils

X AF/I/R

Ability to engage parents and carers to ensure they play their part in their child’s learning (both in and out of school) X

AF/I/R

Promoting the safety and wellbeing of pupils

Absolute commitment to safeguarding X AF/I/R

Has undertaken the role of designated or deputy designated safeguarding lead

X AF/R

Ability to ensure an ethos which promotes good behaviour and enables all pupils to aspire and achieve success

X AF/I

Working with the wider community

Commitment and ability to work in partnership with parents and the wider community

X AF/I

Experience of working with external agencies to support and enhance the opportunities for pupils in the school

X AF/I/R

Personal Qualities

Open, honest, approachable and enthusiastic X I/P/R

Enjoys teaching and respects children X AF/I

Able to command the respect of all stakeholders X AF/I

Willing to accept support from others including colleagues, Governors, and outside agencies X

AF/I/R

A strong intellect, able to exercise creativity and emotional intelligence in leadership

X AF/I/R

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Ability to communicate positively and appropriately with all stakeholders

X AF/I

Adaptable to change, able to assess new ideas and embrace them if they improve children’s learning

X AF/I

A creative and imaginative problem solver X AF/I/R

Ability to exercise good judgement and take decisive action to deal with unforeseen circumstances

X AF/I

Values and Commitment

Evidence of a commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities for all pupils in the school, including British values

X AF/I/R

An understanding of the Head teacher’s position as role model

X AF/I/R

A determination to achieve the highest personal and educational achievement for every child

X AF/I/P

h

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5. Waterton Academy Trust

Waterton Academy Trust is Wakefield’s first primary phase Academy Trust. The organisation was created to support the school improvement and development of all its Academy members. Our members all emanate from the Wakefield and Barnsley areas and represent a diverse collective of primary, infant and junior schools. There are currently 13 academy members to date.

The fundamental principle of Waterton Academy Trust is its egalitarian nature. Every Academy member is fully represented at all levels of governance and enjoys a level of autonomy that allows them to maintain their individual identities and feeling of self-determination whilst simultaneously feeling part of a larger support network.

Our vision is to create a family of outstanding schools with clear purpose, direction and objectives. The Trust is looking to create an environment in all member academies where teaching and learning is paramount and children enjoy and are engaged in a rich and relevant curriculum tailored to their individual needs ensuring empowerment of all pupils to achieve their full potential.

Waterton Academy Trust’s vision is to create and foster a culture of high aspiration amongst all pupils, regardless of their social, economic or cultural background. The Trust will lead and support in striving for excellence in teaching and learning; we will aim for a strong engagement in learning that fosters a lifelong learning ethos and will promote good progress for all learners.

Waterton Academy Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare and expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility.

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6. Our School

Normanton Junior Academy

NOR 349

Age Range 7-11 yrs

Average class size 30 pupils

Date of establishment with Waterton Academy Trust

April 1st 2015

% Disadvantaged pupils 27%

% SEN 19%

% EAL 7%

Attendance Target 2020 - 21 96%

Key Stage Two (Year 6)

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7. KS2 outcomes 2019

About Normanton

Normanton is a town and civil parish in the City of Wakefield in West Yorkshire. At the time of the 2011 Census, the population of the civil parish was 20,872.

Normanton was originally surrounded by a moat, and in Norman times was the site of an enclosed settlement (chosen for its strategic view points across the surrounding area), and became known as 'Norman – tune', or 'Norman – ton'.

Normanton has become a growing commuter suburb with easy access to Leeds, Castleford, Wakefield and Sheffield. The town is served by three major motorway networks: the M62; the M1 and A1.

Reading

61% of pupils achieved at least the expected standard for reading, compared to 73% nationally. 8% of pupils reached the higher standard compared to 27% nationally.

Writing

58% of pupils achieved at least the expected standard for writing, compared to 78% nationally. 8% of pupils reached the higher standard compared to 20% nationally.

Mathematics

58% of pupils achieved at least the expected standard for mathematics, compared to 79% nationally. 8% of pupils reached the higher standard compared to 27% nationally.

Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling

58% of pupils achieved at least the expected standard for GPS, compared to 78% nationally. 8% of pupils reached the higher standard compared to 36%.

Percentage of pupils that achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths

58% (65% nationally)

The progress score in reading between KS1 and KS2

-4.7

The progress score in writing between KS1 and KS2

-2.6

The progress score in maths between KS1 and KS2

-4.3

Percentage of pupils that achieved a higher standard in reading, writing and maths

8% (11% nationally)

Pupils’ average scaled score in the reading test

103 (104 nationally)

Pupils’ average scaled score in the maths test

103 (105 nationally)

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