Librarian

We are seeking an enthusiastic, inspirational, innovative, and well qualified Librarian/Information Scientist with a strong leaning to information, library systems and research, to join our dynamic, superbly stocked Library. The Library comprises of three qualified librarians and an assistant librarian, and is housed on two floors in our modern Martin Centre for Innovation, and a beautiful, child-friendly space in the adjacent Preparatory School.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate knowledge and passion for the power of imagination and information, in developing literate, information aware pupils and teachers who can confidently navigate and effectively harness 21st Century information environments and resources creatively, productively, and responsibly.

Forest School is large, diverse, friendly, and dynamic. Our library services allow each pupil to discover relatable fiction and credible, accessible non-fiction to support their personal and academic development, using media that suit their needs at a given time.

The school has developed modern, relevant library resources and services to support all staff and pupils in their information needs, research, and work. The Librarians must promote, develop, and integrate information literacy and skills across the academic, pastoral and co-curriculum to support informed research and enquiry by pupils and staff, with the library as their first, preferred source.

All GCSE and A-Level pupils complete Project Qualifications. The Librarian must integrate and coordinate library services with the research and development needs of supervisors and over 600 pupils, providing specialised research support to them. All librarians periodically supervise a project group to stay in touch with the needs of pupils and supervisors, and with developments in the subject.

The Librarians are responsible for maintaining and developing our excellent and dynamic collection of relevant, diverse, and up-to-date resources for staff and pupils. Striving to develop a central information hub for all, the library services extend to managing all the senior school textbooks and all online subscriptions in the school, including educational applications and resources, making these visible and accessible to everyone via online catalogue. Librarians work closely with the Digital Education specialist and others in the school to modernise.

Library resources are available to pupils and staff, anywhere and anytime, via online catalogue. Maintaining and developing the catalogue, learning paths, reading lists and other resources, and integrating the catalogue and information literacy supports into every lesson through MS-Teams, will be an important aspect of the role. Conversely, it is equally important to bring classes into the library. At every opportunity, the librarian must be a passionate promoter, facilitator and teacher of information literacy and skills, using the best tools and sources available, to any group, class, teacher, or pupil.

Librarians are responsible for the daily operation of the libraries as welcoming, interesting, and orderly spaces, hosting events and activities that support academic, pastoral, and co-curricular programmes. The Senior School Library is housed on two floors in the school’s modern Martin Centre for Innovation.

Librarians have the support of the Head Librarian, Information Director, Senior Leadership, and other information services, to develop library services, skills, and facilities to the benefit of the whole school community.

About Forest

Forest is a large, vibrant school, with approximately 1500 pupils from 4 to 18. Our traditional House structure means that each pupil is treated as an individual, of whom we have the highest expectations, while our size enables us to offer breadth and depth of opportunity. 

Location

Forest is a city school surrounded by Epping Forest, within easy walking distance of Snaresbrook Central line tube station and Wood Street Overground station.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest school as staff are our single most important asset. Key benefits include:    

• Generous CPD budget               
• Comprehensive Professional Development Review system               
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme       
• Free hot lunch (takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day               
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13               
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre             
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme        
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees               
• Membership of a pension scheme

Details on Online Profile:

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) asks schools to carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of the process of assessing suitability. If you are shortlisted for the role, we may carry out an online search based on the information you provide to the school. If we carry out a search, we will also search more widely for any other online information about you.

You (and all other candidates) are therefore required to provide the following information as part of your application:

· the social media platforms on which you have accounts;

· the account names / handles for all of your social media accounts, including any under a nickname or pseudonym;

· any websites you are involved with, in or featured on or named on; and

· any other publicly available online information about you of which the School should be made aware.

You are not required to provide account passwords or to grant the School access to private social media accounts.

If you are not shortlisted for the role, online searches will not be carried out on you.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so early applications are encouraged. Forest School reserves the right to make appointments at any stage.

Applications close on 29 November 2023, 08:00.

Interviews will commence week beginning 4th December 2023.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.