Candidate BriefINFORMATION FOR HEAD OF PRE-PREP APPLICANTS

for September 2021

ContentsABOUT THE SCHOOL

Introduction 3

The School 3

Vision, Aims and Values 4

History 5

Campus and Facilities 5

Structure of the School 6

Structure of Pre-Prep 6

Pre-Prep 7

Teaching and Learning 8

Sport, Music, Drama and Activities 9

Boarding 10

Governance 11

Finance and Development Plans 11

THE JOB DESCRIPTION

The Head of Pre-Prep’s Role 12

The Head of Pre-Prep’s Duties and Responsibilities 13

Candidate Profile 16

Skills, Knowledge and Experience 17

FURTHER INFORMATION

Terms and Conditions of Employment 18

Application and Interview Process 19

2

IntroductionPinewood School invite applications from outstanding and committed candidates for the post of Head of Pre-Prep at Pinewood School from 1st September 2021.

The SchoolPinewood School is set in 84 acres of rolling countryside on the border between Wiltshire and Oxfordshire and is situated in the small village of Bourton, within easy reach of towns such as Shrivenham, Marlborough, Farringdon and Cirencester. It is approximately seven miles from Swindon with its direct road and train links to London, Oxford and Bristol.

Pinewood is widely recognised as an outstanding school and is thriving. Academic excellence, superb pastoral care and an inspiring and broad curriculum form a sound foundation for the education of our pupils and future registrations are strong. The school received a ringing endorsement in its latest ISI inspection report in March 2018 which can be read either on the school website www.pinewoodschool.co.uk or on the ISI website.

3ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Vision, Aims and ValuesManners, self-reliance and a regard for others are valued principles upon which the school’s ethos is built. The school propounds the following vision, aims and values:

Vision: To be recognised as the leading independent co-educational, 3–13 day, flexi and weekly boarding school in the area.

Aims: To release the potential of Pinewood children by developing character, curiosity, learning and skills through a variety of opportunities that present themselves within the academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic arenas, as well as through our activity and adventure programmes and approach to boarding.

Values: The Pinewood co-educational philosophy; its country location; its size; the flexible approach to boarding; high levels of pastoral care, as the result of an excellent teacher:pupil ratio – all these combine to create an environment that allows Pinewood children to enjoy a happy, secure and fulfilled childhood that engenders courteous, kind, cultivated and considerate children who possess a degree of independence and a bedrock of traditional Christian values.

4ABOUT THE SCHOOL

History

Pinewood has a fascinating and eminent history. Founded by the Reverend F.F. Brackenbury in 1875 at Maiden Erleigh in Berkshire, it moved to Farnborough from 1883 to 1938. The school led a nomadic existence during the Second World War, moving four times before its arrival at its current home in Bourton with 75 pupils in May 1946. The school is a Charitable Trust and became a Limited Company in 1938. It is administered by a Board of Governors, known as the Council. Originally a boys’ boarding school, Pinewood has admitted girls and day pupils since 1978. Additional facilities were added in this era, including the Music School and the Lower School, and our thriving Pre-Prep was opened for pupils aged 3+ to 7+ in 1993.

Campus and FacilitiesPinewood benefits from an excellent campus and superb facilities. In 2004 the Council and Headmaster implemented a new strategic vision for the School, involving its academic restructuring and a significant building programme designed to prepare Pinewood for the year 2020. A new all-weather sports pitch was built that year, followed by new classrooms, a science building and changing block. A new Sports Hall was opened in May 2015 and the School continues to develop its facilities. A major new Teaching and Learning Centre has been opened this year and the kitchens, servery and boarding areas have also recently been extended and updated.

The school has a music building for both class and individual music teaching and art studios for use by the prep school. There is also a theatre for school drama productions, music ensembles, weekly assemblies and lectures.

In addition to the Sports Hall, other sporting facilities include our extensive pitches for rugby, football, hockey, cricket and athletics, as well as tennis and netball courts, an all-weather pitch, cricket nets, mountain bike trail, adventure play structure and an outdoor swimming pool.

5ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Structure of the SchoolPinewood currently has 119 employees, including both teaching and support staff. All employees are welcomed into the Common Room. There are 49 members of teaching staff (36 in the Prep School and 10 in the Pre-Prep) of whom 40 work full-time and 9 part-time. There are 67 members of support staff. 14 members of the teaching staff are currently resident on campus, including the Head and his wife and the Deputy Head and his family.

Under the current leadership structure, the Head is supported by a Senior Leadership Team (SLT) of seven and a broader Senior Management Team (SMT) of fourteen, including the members of the SLT.

The SLT is currently comprised of the Bursar, the Deputy Head (who is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Head of Upper School), the Head’s Wife, the Director of Education & Head of Pre-Prep, the Head of Middle School, the Head of Lower School and the Senior Master/Director of Sport.

The SMT is a wider group of senior managers who discuss policy and ensure its implementation at the operational level. Each team member has responsibility for different aspects of the School, and Heads of Departments are responsible for their own curriculum area.

Structure of Pre-PrepThe Pre-Prep currently consists of 22 members of staff. The Head of Pre-Prep is supported by the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep and there are 10 Pre-Prep teachers and 8 Teaching Assistants. In addition, administrative support is provided by 2 Administrative Assistants working on a job- share basis.

6ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Pre-PrepThe school boasts a thriving Pre-Prep which has a dedicated team of teachers led by the School’s Head of Pre-Prep. It has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which children are encouraged to enhance their full potential. The staff are committed to creative teaching, nurturing the individual needs of pupils and providing a safe, loving and secure environment.

The Pre-Prep is based in its own buildings within the school grounds and directly opposite the main school, giving the children their own working

environment and the ability to use the school’s wider facilities. The immediate surrounds include a beautiful walled garden, an outdoor classroom and a storytellers’ circle. There is also a dedicated library.

The Pre-Prep consists of a Nursery (3-4 years) and two parallel Reception classes (4-5 years). These children follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum. The Pre-Prep also includes two parallel Year 1 classes and two parallel Year 2 classes. There are currently 98 pupils on roll.

7ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Pupils are prepared for top independent senior schools at both Common Entrance and scholarship level. The school combines traditional and forward-thinking approaches to teaching, and encourages independent thinking in its pupils. Pupils at the school benefit from small class sizes. The normal class maximum in the prep school is 18, and there are usually three forms per year. Setting for Maths is introduced in Spring of Year 3 and for all subjects from Year 5. Class sizes in Pre-Prep are normally between 12-16 pupils.

Our pupils achieve highly successful Common Entrance results and move on to a variety of senior schools such as Cheltenham, Marlborough, St Edward’s Oxford, Radley, Stowe, Bradfield, Sherborne, Dauntsey’s, St Helen and St Katharine

Abingdon, St Mary’s Calne and Tudor Hall. Pinewood also prides itself on its scholarship record, and in 2018 22 of the 43 pupils who left the school in Year 8 gained between them 33 academic, music, sports, art and drama or other awards. Following a review of the Common Entrance subjects studied and a discussion with all destination senior schools, Pinewood introduced a new Humanities course for candidates sitting Common Entrance in June 2018. This is not examinable and has proved a successful and stimulating change for staff and pupils. Other academic highlights include running our annual Maths Challenge for local schools and our Science Outreach morning.

Teaching and Learning

ABOUT THE SCHOOL 8

In both the Pre-Prep and Prep, learning outside the classroom, together with music, drama, art and sport, is considered vital to a child’s development at Pinewood. The School is proud of its magnificent grounds and facilities, allowing us to offer pupils a full and diverse range of sports and activities. Every child in the Prep School has the opportunity to represent the School in matches on a regular basis and pupils within the Pre-Prep enjoy a wide variety of sporting activities.

Music plays an important part in school life at Pinewood. The Pre-Prep put on a number of plays and performances each year and all pupils enjoy being involved. In the Prep we hold regular concerts, which feature a broad range of performers as well as specialist ensembles and soloists. Pupils are also offered many opportunities to participate in drama productions and the school has a thriving and vibrant art department.

We also offer a wide range of activities, including the Pinewood Adventure programme, which provides opportunities for Prep pupils to challenge themselves in exciting outdoor pursuit challenges and expeditions and fires within them a spirit of adventure. Within both the Pre-Prep and Prep Schools Learning Outside the Classroom is very much a key part of the Pinewood experience.

For Pre-Prep pupils there are opportunities to be involved in activities such ballet and in the Prep every Thursday afternoon is dedicated to the Activities Programme which covers a wide range of activities such as archery, jewellery-making, computing and yoga.

Sport, Music, Drama and Activities

9ABOUT THE SCHOOL

BoardingPinewood continues to pride itself on the boarding experience which it offers. Pupils can board between Years 5 and 8 on a flexible arrangement, either on a weekly basis (Monday to Friday/Saturday) or on a regular boarding pattern based on a set number of nights a week. No pupils stay over the weekend. Boarding numbers vary but there can be up to 90 children boarding on busy nights. We provide a full evening activities programme and the pupils are cared for by a dedicated boarding team including a Head of Boarding, Matrons, Nursing staff and Gap helpers. In addition to this, numerous members of the teaching staff assist on a rota basis.

At weekends, the Prep school is in session every other Saturday when sports take place.

10ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Governance

The Governance of the school is undertaken by the Council (the Board of Governors). The Governors have a wide range of experience and skills and work closely with the Head to ensure that the School meets its strategic aims.

The Council is further sub-divided into several committees which meet at least once per term. These committees include Finance and General Purposes, Education, Building and Estates, Governance and Admissions, Marketing and Development. They report and make recommendations to the full Council, which also meets on a termly basis. The Bursar acts as Secretary to the Council, and the Head attends all Council and committee meetings.

Finance and Development PlansThe school continues to have strong pupil numbers and is in a good financial position. The Core Proposition of the most recent Strategic Review sets a target to maintain and develop the holistic offering and success criteria of the School, ensuring it is a parents’ first choice for their children’s schooling until the end of Year 8. There is a yearly Development Plan to show how the strategy will be implemented.

11ABOUT THE SCHOOL

The Head of Pre-Prep’s RoleThe Head of Pre-Prep is responsible to the Headmaster for the leadership and management of the Pre-Prep ensuring the Pre-Prep provides the highest quality of teaching and learning for all pupils.

12THE JOB DESCRIPTION

• Support Staff Continued Professional Development ensuring relevant courses are made available for all Pre-Prep staff.

• Take an active role in teacher learning opportunities and training including leading training sessions as required.

• Ensure that a rolling programme of appraisal is in operation for all Pre-Prep staff.

• Complete appraisals for all Pre-Prep teachers and Administrative Staff and oversee the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep in her role as appraiser for Teaching Assistants.

• Liaise with Deputy Head of Prep school about inset needs relevant to the Pre-Prep.

• Facilitate and oversee staff in making constructive relationships with their children and their parents.

• Ensure all school activities are supported by staff including those organised by Friends of Pinewood.

• Support staff in organising Pre-Prep events such as plays and special days.

• Work closely with Year 3 staff to ensure smooth transition of pupils from the Pre-Prep to the Prep School.

• Oversee the academic tracking and monitoring of pupils within the Pre-Prep.

• Oversee and manage the Pre-Prep assessment and reporting framework and ensure staff understand this in order to share the information with parents as appropriate.

Curriculum Management

• Review and develop the Pre-Prep curriculum in the context of whole-school priorities and legislative developments.

• Support curriculum co-ordinators in liaising with Prep school staff to ensure consistency of curriculum delivery across the whole school.

Main Tasks will include but are not limited to:

Champion Pre-Prep

• Champion the Pre-Prep within the School ensuring high visibility of the Pre-Prep staff and pupils throughout the School.

• Ensure the Pre-Prep continues to be a very successful part of the School, showcasing its strengths and character to the School and the wider community.

• Continue to raise the profile of Pre-Prep within the School including during staff and governor meetings and inset days.

• Communicate the vision for the Pre-Prep to parents and visitors in a clear and coherent way, ensuring their engagement.

• Take a lead role in the promotion of the Pre-Prep in terms of meeting prospective parents and speaking at events such as Open Days.

• Foster and develop further links with the local community including those of key external stakeholders.

Staff Management

• Support and guide all Pre-Prep staff in delivering the highest quality provision for the pupils.

• Support the development of newly appointed staff, ensuring they are mentored and supported to allow them to succeed.

• Be fully involved in the recruitment process for new Pre-Prep staff in conjunction with the Headmaster.

• Establish clear expectations for all staff involved in the Pre-Prep through team work and mutual support, delegating tasks as appropriate.

• Hold regular staff meetings about issues arising including individual children, provide agenda for meetings in liaison with the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep.

• Ensure liaison takes place between different year group teachers including year 3 teachers.

The Head of Pre-Prep’s Duties and Responsibilities

13THE JOB DESCRIPTION

• Work with all curriculum co-ordinators to ensure balanced curriculum planning and the developing and reviewing of policies and schemes of work.

• Check appropriate long term, mid-term and short term plans are in place and that they are being followed effectively by the class teachers, ensure planning and teaching is differentiated to take individual children’s needs into account.

Working Strategically

• Support the Headmaster in developing whole school strategies.

• Review the Development plan for the Pre-Prep annually, reviewing the progress made in achieving the targets set for the Development Plan.

• Ensure Pre-Prep staff work with Heads of Department across the School to complete the required annual reviews for academic and other areas of the curriculum including the provision of resources.

• Collate all annual reviews and have responsibility for on-going management of progress made.

• Attend and contribute to Senior Management meetings.

• Attend and contribute to School IT Strategy meetings.

• Attend IAPS and cluster meetings if appropriate.

Financial & Resources Management

• Manage the Pre-Prep budget and ordering of resources liaising with the Bursar and Finance Manager as appropriate.

• Use the Development Plan to allocate budget. Identify and prioritise the needs and resources for the Pre-Prep in conjunction with subject coordinators and teachers with specific responsibilities.

• Help maintain existing resources throughout the Pre-Prep, delegating responsibilities for maintaining these to the relevant staff.

• Ensure indoor and outdoor facilities, both existing and developing, meet the needs of the pupils and the staff.

Teaching Responsibility

• To take responsibility for teaching within the Pre-Prep, demonstrating the very highest standards of teaching ability and setting an example for all Pre-Prep staff to follow.

• To take on cover teaching within the Pre-Prep to cover short-term teacher absence as required.

Policies & Procedures

• Complete annual reviews of policies and ensure they are updated as required.

• Develop new policies as required.

• Ensure staff are following policies and procedures and challenge behaviour if this is not the case.

• Ensure that there is a safe working environment for all pupils and staff within the Pre-Prep and that staff are following all relevant Health & Safety policies and procedures.

• Support the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep in her role as Deputy Health & Safety Officer, ensuring the Pre-Prep fulfils all Health & Safety requirements.

• Complete annual reviews of Risk Assessments and ensure staff follow these as required.

• Keep up to date with all legislative developments and changes with regards to Pre-Prep provision and provide updates to the Headmaster and other relevant staff as appropriate.

• Ensure the Pre-Prep satisfies all regulatory / mandatory requirements issued by the DfE and relevant to ISI inspection, including EYFS elements. This will involve both the updating of school policies and the oversight of these in daily practise.

Working with Pupils

• Provide a secure and stimulating environment in which pupils’ happiness, welfare and development is nurtured and supported.

• Ensure a wide range of activities are available for pupils, including music, sport and extra-curricular activities to allow them to thrive and take on new challenges.

• Manage Trips and Visitors to the Pre-Prep ensuring a programme of exciting and relevant events is planned on an on-going basis.

14THE JOB DESCRIPTION

• In conjunction with the teachers identify pupils who may require additional support and work closely with the Learning Skills Department to ensure appropriate support is provided.

• Work with the SENCO and teachers to review the needs of the children on the Learning Skills register (including the very able and EAL).

• Ensure all pupils behave appropriately, in line with the School’s Behaviour Policies, and support staff in developing strategies for good behaviour.

• Become involved with discipline matters at request of class teacher.

• Support the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep in her role as supervisor of the After-School Care Assistant and support the After-School provision as appropriate.

• Support Early Years co-ordinator in her role and champion the Early Years provision within the Pre-Prep.

Working with Parents

• Develop strong relationships with parents and ensure they are kept informed of any events or issues.

• Deal with queries and issues raised by parents and members of staff or other interested parties.

• Write Head of Pre-Prep reports for every pupil.

• Read and sign all written reports sent to parents about their child.

• Read all letters sent to parents by class teachers.

• Become an active member of Friends of Pinewood (the parent body responsible for planning charity events), and attend and support their fundraising events.

Safeguarding of Children

• Be responsible for the overall safeguarding of all pupils within the Pre-Prep.

• Completed Higher Level Safeguarding training.

• Liaise as appropriate with the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and immediately highlight any areas of concern.

• Champion the School’s Safeguarding (Child Protection) Policy and ensure all staff understand and follow the required procedures.

• Complete Safer Recruiting training in line with School requirements.

Providing Support for the School (outside of normal hours)

• To be available to meet with parents outside of normal working hours as required.

• To attend all Pre-Prep Parent meeting and social evenings.

• To attend any relevant Governor meetings and events.

• To attend networking events to build relations with other Schools and associations.

• To attend School social and charity events outside of normal working hours such as the Christmas Fair and Friends of Pinewood events.

15THE JOB DESCRIPTION

Candidate ProfileThe Head of Pre-Prep will have the personal qualities and charisma to motivate and inspire the Pre-Prep staff, and will be able to demonstrate natural authority, to lead by example, and to command the respect of pupils, staff and parents.

In addition, the successful candidate will:

• Be able to inspire, motivate and challenge both pupils and adults.

• Have a passionate commitment to the academic, personal and social development of the Pre-Prep pupils, understand the needs and concerns of their age group and have a natural empathy with them.

• Have self-confidence and inspire confidence in others. He/she will be considerate of the needs of others, with an ability to deal calmly and sensitively with conflict.

• Display energy, vision and imagination, with the courage to innovate and an unwavering commitment to the continuing development of the school.

• Set the standards and be a role model for all sections of the school community.

• Have an open, participative and collegiate style with an inclusive and empowering approach to management and the ability to build trust and team spirit.

• Relate to, value, nurture and communicate effectively with all members of the school

community including staff, pupils, parents, Members of Council, former pupils, other independent and maintained schools, and the local community.

• Develop and maintain strong and positive relationships with Members of Council, members of the SLT/SMT and other colleagues (including both teaching and support staff).

• Demonstrate personal strength of character through transparency, integrity and fairness.

• Show emotional resilience and an ability to work under pressure.

• Be willing to tackle difficult issues and conversations.

• Be at ease with and actively promote and support the school’s Christian ethos.

• Have a genuine interest in striving for excellence in every area of the Pre-Prep.

• Be willing to be flexible, adaptable and to embrace change.

• Be able to act as an ambassador and professional advocate for the School, with strong personal credibility and the capacity to build relationships.

• Display suitable self-awareness and an appropriate sense of humour.

16THE JOB DESCRIPTION

Applicants for the post will be expected to show that they:

• Have a good University honours degree and teaching qualification, and can show evidence of continuing professional development over the course of their career.

• Have relevant Pre-Prep educational leadership and management experience with proven experience of leading and inspiring others.

• Are a well-qualified, experienced and successful teacher, with a love of teaching and an awareness of developments in the wider educational environment.

• Have an understanding of best practise across a variety of settings and confidence in implementing this knowledge.

• Are able to prioritise effectively and be highly organised.

• Can demonstrate proven administrative skills and confident use of IT for communication, management and education without developing an over-reliance on it.

• Can establish clear standards and expectations for all members of Pre-Prep staff, delegate to them appropriately and manage and evaluate their performance effectively.

• Can keep the Pre-Prep curriculum under constant review by recognising and evaluating current educational initiatives and innovate when it is in the interests of the pupils to do so.

• Have proven judgement in the appointment and development of teaching staff, and in the support and encouragement of non-teaching staff. They will be able to recognise dedicated staff of outstanding quality who are sympathetic to the aims of the School and to assist them in developing their professional skills and ambitions.

• Can plan and think strategically, and actively lead or contribute to Senior Management discussions and decisions.

• Have a strong knowledge of safeguarding and pastoral issues and be able to lead by example in these fields.

• Have up to date knowledge of compliance with all relevant statutory and inspection requirements.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

17THE JOB DESCRIPTION

Terms and Conditions of EmploymentSalary will be competitive, and based on qualifications and experience. It will reflect the importance which the School places on good leadership and be subject to annual review.

The post is pensionable under the School’s chosen Teachers’ Pension Scheme currently managed by Royal London.

Full details of the terms and benefits of the post will be discussed with the successful candidate at the time of the initial offer. This offer will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory written references, DBS and other regulatory clearances and to completion of a Medical Questionnaire.

18FURTHER INFORMATION

Candidates wishing to discuss any aspect of the role before submitting an application are welcome to contact the Assistant Bursar, Mrs Jo Ranstead by email joranstead@pinewoodschool.co.uk or by telephone (during morning hours only) on 01793 782205. Depending on the nature of their enquiry, she will put them in touch with the relevant person.

Candidates are requested to complete the following electronically:

1. The Application Form (located on the school website vacancies page).

2. A letter of application of not more than 500 words stating why you are interested in the post and how you feel your experience, skills and personal qualities qualify you for the role. Please address the letter to Mr Neal Bailey, Headmaster.

On the Application Form, candidates are required to provide the names and contact details of two referees, the first of whom should be their current Head or (in the case of current Heads) their Chairman of Governors or equivalent. We may contact your referees at any stage of the process, but please inform us if you would prefer us not to contact them before the interview. Written references will normally be requested shortly after the selection of candidates for interview.

Please save your completed Application Form and covering letter as PDF documents, and do not attach or enclose a Curriculum Vitae (CV). Once completed, your Application Form and letter should be sent to the Assistant Bursar, Mrs Jo Ranstead at: joranstead@pinewoodschool.co.uk

Application and Interview ProcessAll applications will by acknowledged by email. If you do not receive acknowledgement within 3 working days of sending, please contact Mrs Jo Ranstead by telephone on 01793 782205.

The final deadline for acceptance of applications is 9.00am on Friday 8th January 2021.

All applications received will be handled by the School in accordance with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018.

Candidates selected for interview will be informed by Thursday 14th January 2021 or as soon as practicable thereafter. The interviews will be held at Pinewood School on Wednesday 20th January 2021.

To comply with current legislation and Safer Recruitment guidelines, all prospective candidates will be asked to supply evidence at their interview of their qualifications and eligibility to live and work in the UK. We will ask to see and to photocopy an appropriate official document, such as your passport or Birth Certificate, and original certificates of your academic and teaching qualifications (A levels or equivalent onwards). All documents supplied must be originals only. Further information will be sent to you if you are selected for interview – please do not send these documents at this stage.

19FURTHER INFORMATION

www.pinewoodschool.co.uk

Pinewood Bourton Shrivenham Wiltshire SN6 8HZ 01793 782205

office@pinewoodschool.co.uk

Registered charity 309642

Pinewood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must share this commitment and be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks

with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Pinewood School is an equal opportunities employer.