INFORMATION BOOKLET FOR APPLICANTS – MARCH 2015

RATHORE SCHOOL

APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL

RATHORE SCHOOL, NEWRY APPOINTMENT OF PRINCIPAL GENERAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION Rathore School

23 Martin's Lane Carnagat Newry BT35 8PJ

Tel: 028 3026 1617 Fax: 028 3026 0809

Email: info@rathoreschool.com Website: www.rathoreschool.com Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr J Campbell

Rathore School

A Chance For All

Rathore is a controlled Special School for pupils with severe learning difficulties. The school has a wide age range of pupils from 3-19 years. The school is situated on 7 acres in Carnagat overlooking Newry.

The school is currently organised in three departments: Early Years and Primary, Secondary and Post-16. There are 23 classes each with a teacher and classroom assistant. Most classes have one or two additional classroom assistants to support particular educational programmes or pupils. Classes are mixed ability and are normally age banded.

The current staffing complement is Acting Principal, Acting Vice-Principal, 23 Teachers and 41 Classroom Assistants. The school is also supported by a number of medical, therapy, auxiliary and ancillary staff.

Curriculum

The Curriculum of Rathore School takes into account that it is a Special School for children who have severe learning difficulties.

The curriculum reflects the Northern Ireland Curriculum with an emphasis on the development of pupils' physical, social, life, communication, vocational and leisure skills.

Rathore School is organised into three progressive phases; Early Years/Primary, for pupils in Nursery, Foundation, Key Stage 1 and 2. The Secondary Department is for students in Key Stage 3, 4 and Post-16 for students in our further education department.

Careful design and planning of the school ensure a distinctive and age appropriate ethos exists at each phase.

Extra-curricular

A wide range of extra-curricular activities and clubs are available to pupils to suit all ages and preferences. Secondary and Post-16 pupils participate in the Extended Schools Lunch Clubs which has identified several outcomes that are important to our pupils:

Improved health and fitness.

Increased Enjoyment and Achievement

Improved social inclusion for pupils.

Enhanced social interaction between classes.

The school also encourages pupils to participate or make use of community-based facilities and activities including the local swimming pool, Hydrotherapy pool in Daisy Hill Hospital Newry, Horse-riding clubs and a number of trips throughout the year.

Extended Schools Council

Pupils are directly involved in the planning and delivery of certain activities during our Extended Schools Lunch Clubs.

Rathore Extended Schools Council does a number of things:

The school council meets - with a teacher present - to discuss any area of interest or importance to the pupils. These may include activity planning ideas for how to spend funding.

Members of the school council are responsible for carrying out the ideas that have been agreed, such as planning an end of term event or deciding what equipment to purchase for use during the Lunch Clubs.

Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care of pupils is central to all efforts made to help each pupil to be the very best that he / she can be socially, physically, intellectually and emotionally and to understand their relationships with others

The school seeks to create an atmosphere in which pupils feel happy and secure and to nurture personal growth through the provision of an environment which is stimulating and challenging and in which pupils can become involved in activities which are exciting, purposeful and personally relevant.

Mainstream 11 – 18 Controlled Enrolment: R The Board of Governors of Rathore School invites applications for the position of Principal. The Board of Governors of Rathore School wish to appoint a person with energy and vision who has a proven record of successful management and leadership in Special Education. As well as demonstrating evidence of leading and managing staff development, curriculum and change, the successful candidate must be committed to consolidating and building on the school’s quality teaching and learning ethos and further promoting its central role within the community. Additionally the successful candidate would be expected to be supportive of the school’s aims, vision and mission statement.

Posts involving work with children and young people in educational establishments are subject to the provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007. The successful candidate will require an enhanced disclosure check which at present costs £30.

Download a job pack which includes an application form & personnel specification from:

www.selb.org/jobs

Alternatively you can send an A4 envelope with a large 1st

class stamp for each application to,

Human Resources, SELB, 3 Charlemont Place, The Mall, Armagh, BT61 9AX.

Always quote the Job Reference & Details, Your Name and your Address in your

request

Applications must be returned not later than 4:00 pm on Thursday 19 March 2015. EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS IN SERVICE AND EMPLOYMENT

PRINCIPAL

1 insertion in BELFAST TELEGRAPH on Thursday 3 March 2015

(Salary range L26 – L32) Job Ref: P13002

RATHORE SCHOOL, NEWRY

Controlled Special School

PRINCIPAL

Job Ref: P15005

School Group 5: L20 – L26

Enrolment: 164

RATHORE SCHOOL

POST OF PRINCIPAL

ESSENTIAL & DESIRABLE CRITERIA

1. Educational Qualifications

Essential Criteria

Be a recognised teacher eligible to teach in a grant-aided school in Northern Ireland and be registered or have, if successful, registered with the GTCNI by the agreed date of taking up duty.

Desirable Criterion

For applicants not currently in the role of Principal or Vice Principal it is desirable that they possess, or be in the process of obtaining, the Professional Qualification for Headship or a relevant post graduate qualification in educational leadership and management.

2. Experience

Essential Criteria

Have a minimum of 5 years teaching experience in a grant-aided school within the last 8 years of which at least 3 years should have involved either teaching or management of a wide range of children and young people with special educational needs in a special school, or in special education provision attached to a mainstream school, or in support services related to the management of Special Education.

Currently hold and have held for at least 3 years, a promoted post of at least 3 Teaching Allowances (which may include allowances in respect of Special Needs and/or Management) or

i. as a Principal; and/or ii. as a Vice Principal; and/or iii. in an equivalent* relevant management post within the Education Service. (*Equivalence to be regarded as a post with a salary placement which is at least equal to point ii. above).

Have experience of being a member of a Senior Management Team/Leadership Team.

3. Management Knowledge and Skills, Leadership and Personal Qualities

Essential Criteria

Familiarity with the National Standards for Headteachers (NI Edition).

Candidates will be required to demonstrate the ability to think strategically and possess: i. the management knowledge and skills; ii the leadership skills; and iii the personal qualities required for the post.

Have a working knowledge of management resources across the school.

Where a number of years’ experience is required, this means full school years (September to August). The symbol indicates a minimum requirement. The Governors reserve the right to enhance the criteria (detailed in 1-3 above) to facilitate a manageable shortlist of candidates for interview.

RATHORE SCHOOL

POST OF PRINCIPAL

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

Management knowledge and skills:

Awareness and understanding of the main educational issues facing grant aided schools in Northern Ireland.

Experience of successful management of whole school issues.

Demonstrate the ability to manage finance and resources to ensure their most effective and efficient use.

Understanding of how to develop, implement and evaluate policies.

Ability to manage human and other resources.

An understanding of how to set and monitor targets and an ability to use this information to improve performance.

Ability to form and foster good interpersonal relationships.

Ability to make informed decisions and communicate these effectively.

Effective conflict resolution skills.

Excellent organisational skills.

Excellent communication and presentational skills both verbal and written.

Knowledge of the Northern Ireland Curriculum and the principles which underpin it and Teaching and Learning as appropriate with children who have a wide range of Special Educational needs

Sound knowledge of the National Standards for Headteachers (NI Edition).

Leadership Qualities:

Ability to work strategically.

Ability to develop the school’s existing ethos with staff, pupils, parents and Governors.

Ability to work well with others and motivate staff in the common aim of ensuring that all pupils are enabled to develop to their full potential.

Ability to successfully lead and motivate staff in the pursuit of the school aims and objectives.

Ability to take responsibility, manage conflict and foster positive behaviour.

Ability to establish partnerships among staff, pupils, parents, the community and other relevant partners.

A sound understanding of the key factors involved in effective change management.

Ability to be an effective listener with the ability to assimilate the views of staff, pupils, parents and Governors.

Ability and willingness to maintain and develop the school’s role in the community.

Ability to recognise the need for change in education and to take the necessary steps to implement it.

Personal Qualities:

A commitment to a learning environment which will provide opportunities for each pupil to fulfil their potential.

A confident approach and ability to lead by example.

An interest and enthusiasm in undertaking the post.

Demonstrating a consistent pupil centred approach.

Demonstrating a clear vision for the future development of the school.

A commitment to the professional development of all staff.

A commitment to the ethos and core values of Rathore School.

THE SOUTHERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD RATHORE SCHOOL CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT TO POST OF PRINCIPAL 1. The person appointed must have such qualifications as may be approved by the

Department of Education and must comply with all other legal conditions applicable to the post. An applicant must establish that he/she possesses the appropriate qualifications required for the post before submitting an application. Only application forms from persons who meet the terms of the post will be considered. Applicants should ensure that their application forms are completed in full and that all necessary information is included thereon to enable their eligibility for the post to be assessed. A separate Curriculum Vitae will not be considered and must not be submitted with the application form. No additional pages should be submitted with the application form.

2. The appointment is subject to the approval of the Department of Education and such terms and conditions as it may attach.

3. The appointment is also subject to the person offered the post signing an agreement in the

form approved by the Department of Education.

4. The salary for the post will be in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Education. As a Group 5 school (7416 unit total) the salary will be in the range L20 – L26 £60,407 - £ 69,968 per annum. The starting salary will be L20 £60,407.

5. The general functions and professional duties attached to this post are set out in the attached job description which will form part of the successful candidate’s contract.

6. This post is currently being advertised by The Southern Education and Library Board.

From 1 April 2015, the Education Authority (EA) will take over all functions of The Southern Education and Library Board. All appointment processes that complete before 1st April 2015 will be unaffected by the transfer of functions to the EA. After 1 April 2015, all ongoing appointment processes will be subject to the transitional recruitment and selection procedures for the EA, and all appointments will be effected by the EA as the employing authority. Teaching posts will continue to be offered on the basis of current terms and conditions of employment for teachers, as advertised.

7. Applications will be considered by the Board of Governors and short-listed candidates will

be invited for interview by the Board of Governors on a date to be arranged. Candidates will be required to make a presentation. It should be noted that the levels of qualifications and experience advertised represent only the minimum requirements. The Board of Governors may short-list only those candidates who are deemed to have enhanced levels of qualifications and experience. In accordance with Paragraph 3 (2) of Part 1 of Schedule 14 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 short-listed candidates will be interviewed by the Teaching Appointments Committee of the Board at a meeting in Board’s Headquarters.

8. In connection with interviews it should be noted that interviewees shall pay their own travelling expenses.

9. Completed application forms in an envelope marked in the top left hand corner “Application” must be lodged with the Human Resources Manager, The Southern Education and Library Board, 3 Charlemont Place, The Mall, Armagh BT61 9AX by 4.00 pm on Thursday 19 March 2015. 10. Applicants must not submit Inspectors’ Reports or extracts from them.

11. An application will not be considered unless signed by the applicant. 12. Canvassing will disqualify.

Canvassing is defined as: ‘Any approach direct or indirect by the candidate or with the knowledge or approval of the candidate to any member of the Board of Governors or The Southern Education and Library Board or the Teaching Appointments Committee thereof, provided that a candidate requesting a member of the Board of Governors or the Board to act as a referee is not deemed to be an approach within the meaning of this definition of canvassing.”

A personal or written request to the Principal or The Southern Education and Library Board for information regarding the post will not be regarded as canvassing. Shortlisted applicants will be notified in writing of arrangements to visit the school. The Board of Governors expects that applicants will be interested in visiting the school and acquainting themselves fully of its situation and circumstances.

13. Applicants should NOT furnish testimonials but should supply names and address of two referees. To avoid embarrassment applicants should state on their application forms that they have obtained the prior consent of the person named as referees.

14. If a member of The Southern Education and Library Board is requested to act as a referee:

14.1 he/she shall be free to do so if he/she is not a member of either the Board of Governors or the Teaching Appointments Committee; or 14.2 if he/she is a member of either the Board of Governors or the Teaching Appointments Committee, he/she shall be free to act as a referee but, if he/she does, he/she should withdraw from that part of each meeting at which the appointment is under consideration.

The same rule as at 13.2 will apply in the case of all members of the Board of Governors and Principals who are members of the Teaching Appointments Committee. The Teaching Appointments Committee is constituted in accordance with Schedule 3 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 and consists of six members of the Board and two Principals of Controlled Schools. The Principals have the same right to speak and vote at a meeting of the Teaching Appointments Committee as the other members of the Committee. The Chief Executive of the Board or a person nominated by him attends as Assessor.

JOB DESCRIPTION POST OF PRINCIPAL OF RATHORE SCHOOL STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL FUNCTIONS AND PROFESSIONAL DUTIES OF THE PRINCIPAL PRELIMINARY It shall be the duty of the Board of Governors and Principal to exercise their functions with a view to securing that the curriculum for the school is balanced and broadly based so as to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, intellectual and physical development of the pupils and prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. The functions of the principal are set out in Part VI of the Scheme for the Management of Rathore School and a copy of that part of the Scheme is attached. In addition the Board of Governors has decided that the following statement should be issued: GENERAL FUNCTIONS 1. The principal shall be required to carry out the duties of the post in accordance with

the school’s policy and objectives as determined by The Southern Education and Library Board (hereinafter referred to as the employing authority) and the Board of Governors and shall obey the reasonable directions of the employing authority and the Board of Governors.

2. Subject to paragraph 1 the principal shall control the internal organisation,

management and discipline of the school. 3. In carrying out the duties of the post the principal shall consult, where this is

appropriate, with the employing authority, the staff of the school and the Board of Governors.

PROFESSIONAL DUTIES 4. The professional duties of the principal shall include:-

(1) formulating the overall aims and objectives of the school and policies for their implementation;

(2) participating in the selection and appointment of the teaching and non-teaching

staff of the school; (3) (a)deploying and managing all teaching and non-teaching staff of the school

and allocating particular duties to them (including such duties of the principal as may properly be delegated to the vice-principal or other members of the staff), in a manner consistent with their terms and conditions of employment, maintaining a reasonable balance for each employee;

(b) ensuring that the duty of providing cover for absent teachers, as set out in

the Teachers’ (Terms and Conditions of Employment) Regulations, is shared

equitably among all teachers in the school, taking account of their teaching and other duties;

(4) maintaining relationships, as appropriate, with organisations representing teachers and other persons on the staff of the school;

(5) subject to the provisions of paragraph 1 determining, organising and

implementing an appropriate curriculum for the school, having regard to the needs, experience, interests, aptitudes and stage of development of the pupils and the resources available to the school;

(6) keeping under review the work and organisation of the school;

(7) evaluating the standards of teaching and learning in the school, and ensuring

that proper standards of professional performance are established and maintained;

(8) providing information about the work and performance of the staff employed

at the school where this is relevant to their future employment;

(9) (a) participating in the approved staff development and performance review of teachers scheme;

(b) ensuring that all staff in the school have access to advice and training

appropriate to their needs, in accordance with the policies of the employing authority for the development of staff;

(10) ensuring that the progress of the pupils of the school is monitored and

recorded; (11) determining and ensuring the implementation of a policy for the pastoral care

of the pupils;

(12) determining, in accordance with any written statement of general principles provided by the employing authority and the Board of Governors, measures to be taken with a view to promoting, among the pupils, self-discipline and proper regard for authority, encouraging good behaviour on the part of the pupils, securing that the standard of behaviour of the pupils is acceptable, and otherwise regulating the conduct of the pupils making such measures generally known within the school, and ensuring that they are implemented;

(13) in accordance with the policy of the employing authority having responsibility

for good order and discipline on the school premises whenever pupils are present, including the mid-day break;

(14) making arrangements for parents to be given regular information about the

school curriculum, the progress of their children and other matters affecting the school, so as to promote common understanding of its aims;

(15) promoting effective relationships with persons and bodies outside the school

as may be approved by the employing authority;

(16) advising and assisting the Board of Governors in the exercise of their functions, including attending meetings of the Board of Governors, or committees thereof, acting as Secretary and making such reports to it as it may properly require either on a regular basis or from time to time;

(17) providing for liaison and co-operation with the employing authority; making

such reports to the employing authority in connection with the discharge of the principal’s functions as it may properly require either on a regular basis or from time to time;

(18) maintaining liaison with other schools and institutions of further education

with which the school has a relationship;

(19) allocating, controlling and accounting for those financial and material resources of the school which are under the control of the principal;

(20) making arrangements in co-operation with the employing authority for the

security and effective supervision of the school buildings and their contents and of the school grounds; and ensuring (if so required) that any lack of maintenance is promptly reported to the employing authority or, as the case may be, the Board of Governors;

(21) participating not only in the approved staff development and performance

review of teachers scheme but also in the identification of areas in which benefit would derive from further training and undergoing such training;

(22) arranging for the vice-principal or, if the vice-principal is not available,

another suitable person to assume responsibility for the discharge of the functions of principal at any time when the principal is absent from the school;

(23) participating, to such extent as may be appropriate having regard to any

other duties, in the teaching of the pupils at the school, including the provision of cover for absent teachers;

(24) promoting the development of extra-curricular activities within the school;

(25) delegating duties to the vice-principal;

(26) ensuring that teachers receive information they need to carry out their duties

effectively;

(27) ensuring that newly qualified teachers and returners have adequate support.

PART VI – FUNCTIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL General 28 (1) In addition to his/her statutory functions and subject to the provisions of the

Education Orders and regulations, orders and directions made thereunder and to the provisions of this scheme and a scheme under Article 46 of the 1989 Order and such directions as may, from time to time, be given to him/her by the Board of Governors, the principal shall control the internal organisation, management and discipline of the school.

(2) Unless the board otherwise approves nothing in paragraph (1) shall apply to- (a) the school meals service or staff employed solely for the purpose of the

school meals service; or

(b) non-teaching staff, other than school meals staff, employed by the board on a contract; where the school has no delegated budget or where it does have a delegated budget but no allowance is made for expenditure on or in connection with the items of expenditure referred to in paragraph 2 (a) or (b) as appropriate in determining the school’s budget share (within the meaning of Part V of the 1989 Order).

29 (1) Subject to a scheme under Article 46 of the 1989 Order the Board of

Governors may delegate to the principal such of its functions in respect of the school for which the principal is appointed, as it considers desirable except functions relating to powers conferred or duties imposed by or under the following provisions -

(a) Articles 4, 10 and 11 of the 1989 Order which relate to duties with respect to

the curriculum. (b) Article 13(3A) and (3B) of the 1986 Order – appointment of parent governors

– and Articles 122 and 139(5) of the 1989 Order – co-option of members to the Board of Governors.

(c) Articles 31 and 42(3) of the 1989 Order which relate to the provision and

publication of information. (d) Article 38 of the 1989 Order which relates to the criteria for selecting pupils

for admission to the school. (e) Article 69 of the 1989 Order which relates to the initiation of procedures for

the acquisition of grant-maintained integrated status. (f) Article 69 of the 1989 Order as applied by Article 91 of that Order which

relates to the initiation of procedures for the acquisition of controlled integrated status.

(g) Article 88 of the 1986 Order which relates to the appointment of non-teaching

staff.

(h) Article 124(1)(b) of the 1989 Order which relates to the provision of a statement of general principles concerning pupil discipline.

(i) Article 125 of the 1989 Order in so far as approval of the annual report of the

Board of Governors is concerned. (j) Article 131 of the 1989 Order which relates to charges and remissions

policies. (k) Paragraph 5 of Schedule 4 to the 1989 Order which relates to the dismissal

of staff. (l) Article 34(3) of this scheme with relates to the convening of meetings. (m) Article 42 of this scheme which relates to the election of Chairman and Vice-

Chairman of the Board of Governors. (n) This Article of this scheme which relates to the delegation of functions to the

principal. (o) Any functions of the Board of Governors under the Board’s scheme for

teaching appointments under Article 153 of the 1989 Order or under the Board’s scheme for the promotion of teachers other than functions relating to the appointment of full-time temporary teachers for periods of less than twelve months.

(2) The functions to be delegated to a principal under this Article shall not,

unless the Board of Governors otherwise determines, include the power to take decisions on behalf of or in the name of the Board of Governors without the approval of the Board of Governors.

Curriculum 30 In relation to the curriculum the principal shall carry out the functions

allocated to him/her under paragraph (4) of Article 14 of this scheme. Communication 31 The principal shall - (a) promote regular communication between assistant teachers and parents of

pupils; and (b) maintain regular communication and consultation between himself/herself

and assistant teachers on the management of the school, curricular matters and on matters relating to the education, health and welfare and discipline of the pupils;

and shall report to the Board of Governors on these matters as necessary or

when so requested by the Board of Governors.

Delegated Functions 32 The principal shall carry out any functions delegated to him by the Board of

Governors under Article 26 of this scheme and shall report any action or decision taken by him/her in relation to those functions to the next meeting of the Board of Governors or as soon as practicable thereafter.

Discipline 33 (1) The principal shall determine measures (which may include the making of

rules and provision for enforcing them) to be taken with a view to – (a) promoting, among pupils, self-discipline and proper regard for authority; (b) encouraging good behaviour on the part of pupils; (c) securing that the standard of behaviour of pupils is acceptable; and (d) otherwise regulating the conduct of pupils. (2) In determining any such measures the principal shall - (a) act in accordance with the scheme prepared by the Board under Article 49 of

the 1986 Order in respect of the suspension and expulsion of pupils and any written statement of general principles provided for him/her by the Board of Governors; and

(b) have regard to any guidance that the Board of Governors may offer in

relation to particular matters. (3) The principal shall prepare a written statement of such measures and secure

that - (a) a copy of that statement is given (free of charge) to the parents of all

registered pupils at the school and the Chief Executive of the Board; and (b) copies of that statement are available for inspection (at all reasonable times

and free of charge) at the school. (4) The standard of behaviour which is to be regarded as acceptable at the

school shall be determined by the principal so far as it is not determined by the Board of Governors.

Meetings of the Board of Governors and Committees Thereof 34 Unless prevented from doing so by illness or other unavoidable cause and

subject to paragraph 2(5) of Schedule 5 to the 1986 Order and to Articles 35(4), 44, 45, 47 and 48 of this scheme the principal shall attend every meeting of the Board of Governors and of any committees established under Article 22 of this scheme of which he/she is a member.

If the principal is unable to attend a meeting of the Board of Governors or a committee of which he/she is a member he/she shall inform the Board of Governors of the reason for his/her inability to attend. In these circumstances the Board of Governors may require the attendance of a vice-principal.

Resolutions of Annual Parents’ Meetings 35 When so requested by the Board of Governors the principal shall comment in

writing on any resolution which is duly passed by an annual parents’ meeting and which the Board of Governors consider is a matter for him/her and report on any action he/she has taken thereon.