Head of Key Stage 1

Overview:     

Heads of Key Stage are responsible for the Pastoral and Academic overview of their year groups. They are expected to support the school’s ethos at all times and will liaise closely with the Prep School Senior Leadership Team. The Head of KS1 will also act as Deputy Safeguarding Leads for their respective Key Stage. They will be able to act in the absence of the other should the need arise.

Report to: Prep Senior Leadership Team

Principal Accountabilities

Pastoral

• Pastoral care and matters relating to pupil wellbeing, learning and expectations within the Key Stage. Particular attention should be paid to the care of the individual within the core values of curiosity, confidence and above all kindness.
• Strive to create an ethos within the key stage where all pupils feel included and involved in the life of Brighton College Prep School.
• Assume overall responsibility for supporting the wellbeing and have accountability for this group of pupils across the curriculum.
• Help, give advice and support staff in dealing with pupils.; Work in partnership with parents/careers in helping them support their child’s academic and pastoral needs.
• Work in partnership with the AEN and EAL Departments to ensure we meet the needs of all learners, especially the most vulnerable. Create individual support plans for our most vulnerable learners.
• Work in partnership with the Deputy Head Pastoral to ensure the Growing Minds/RSHE programme is relevant, engaging and in line with BCVN expectations for all learning and teaching; Ensure that our BCVN Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is implemented at all times.
• Ensure that high expectations are set to maintain the code of conduct, uphold the behaviour policy and to develop responsible, happy pupils who feel nurtured and supported; Help young people understand their rights.
• Monitor all incidents of bullying including discrimination against pupils with a protected characteristic.; Liaise with relevant outside agencies in agreement with the Deputy Head.
• Manage and lead a team of form tutors meeting with them both formally and informally on a regular basis in order to coordinate their work.

  Academic

• Track and monitor each individual learner’s academic and wider achievement.
• Monitor and evaluate the standards of achievement and progress of the key stage as a cohort, using information from tracking and monitoring and on CPOMS.
• Organise and lead progress meetings with individual pupils and parents.
• Create and develop leadership opportunities for pupils.
• Help build community by organising social and charity events for the key stage.

  Responding, Recording and Monitoring

• Respond to parental enquiries by telephone, letter or email as appropriate.
• Follow up incidents, maintain detailed records, pupil files and CPOMS recording. Have meetings with parents/carers as required.
• Keep accurate records on CPOMS and on our MIS (iSAMs) of all communication with parents, all sanctions issued and any other pertinent pastoral information relating to pupils within the key stage.
• Coordinate case conferences, to engage all stakeholders, for individual pupils when required.; Monitor pupil attendance across the key stage in liaison with the Form Teacher and report any issues to the Deputy Head (Pastoral).
• Organise and lead Assemblies as appropriate.

Transitions

Work closely with the Admissions Team to ensure the correct pastoral welcome for pupils whenever they join our school. Ensure smooth transition of pupils from current year group into their next year group. To develop and support pupils and their families at key transition points such as starting school (including induction of Pufflings & Bright Start) and for pupils moving into the Senior School (KS3).

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

• An excellent class teacher with significant experience across different years within the primary sector allowing expertise in understanding child developmental needs and where a pupil is progressing from and to within the English National Curriculum.
• A positive and respected practitioner who is solution focussed. A teacher who inspires both teachers and support staff to develop and improve our practice at BCVN in order to best meet the needs of our growing pupil body.

QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING:       

• Effective classroom practitioner with developed pastoral skills who can act as a role model for others.
•  Evidence of and clear willingness to engage in appropriate training and professional development.
•  Evidence of keeping up to date with national and international initiatives relating to wellbeing of young people and a sustained engagement in this area.
•  A thorough understanding of the English National Curriculum and the expected outcomes for each year group within the Key Stage.

  SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE:

• Ability to deal with difficult situations involving pupils, parents and staff with a capacity to remain calm, consistent and respectful at all times and being sympathetic when appropriate so as to be a role model for all.
•  Interpersonal skills that demonstrate an ability to engage with young people and parents in order support other teachers where required.
•  Vision and leadership to enable all staff working within the Key Stage to contribute to Safeguarding expectations as an essential element of the mission of the College; A clear understanding of the ethos and vision for BCVN and how this underpins our pastoral care and support systems.

  PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Enthusiasm, good humour and patience
•  Resilience, determination, and hard work
•  Ability to be open minded, take responsibility and make decisions

OTHER REQUIREMENTS    

• Communication skills (both oral and written) of the highest order
•  A sensitivity and awareness of cultural needs across all stakeholders

SUPPORT IN PLACE:

• Attendance at regular 1:1 meetings with the Head of Prep
•  Participation in Prep Senior Leadership meetings
•  Support and advice from BCI and the development of links with other Key Stage Leaders in the Brighton College family of schools

Safeguarding: Brighton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils and expects all employees to share this commitment. All applicants should read the College’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, which is available on our website, and are required to declare any information as requested on the application form. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, such as the International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) if they are UK based/UK national or a police certificate from every country that they have worked in outside the UK, as well as written/verbal reference checks from previous employers and qualification verification checks.

Hear from our team: Discover what our colleagues say about working at Brighton College Vietnam!

**Please note that only fully completed applications will be processed.