Assistant Principal

We are looking for an Assistant Principal to support the vision, ethos and policies of Harris Primary Academy Merton , securing effective teaching and successful learning and promoting high levels of achievement and self-esteem for all pupils irrespective of background, ethnicity, gender or disability.

About Us

We opened in 2014 as a local school for children aged two to eleven. We have a Nursery for 60 children and are a 2 form entry school for children in Pre School through to Year 6. We also have an additional resource base for 22 children who are diagnosed with Autism. Our belief is that children thrive when they are consistently happy and safe at school and that through expert teaching and support all pupils can achieve to a high standard. As a part of the Harris Federation, we share best teaching practice with other Harris Academies and continue to build on the Harris Federation’s proven track record in the borough: with two successful and oversubscribed Harris Secondary Academies, Harris Academy Merton and Harris Academy Morden.

Our aim at Harris Primary Academy Merton is to make sure that our pupils leave us thoroughly prepared for secondary school and feeling that they have succeeded both academically and in the extracurricular aspects of Academy life.

We want all of our children to have a truly enjoyable experience at school. Our pupils’ achievements are celebrated every day in their lessons and we are proud that they are kind, caring, self-assured and eager to learn. 

Main Areas of Responsibility

Teaching and Learning

• Liaising with other Phase and Subject Leaders to ensure pupils experience a programme that is personalised to their particular needs, identified through a robust assessment programme;
• Working with class teachers and support staff in supporting the development of children within the academy;
• Working with relevant staff to build up subject knowledge and expertise in relation to raising standards in literacy and numeracy.
• Acting as a role model for other teachers, modelling effective strategies within them;
• Liaising with other academies/schools and providers to ensure continuity of support and learning.

Recording and Assessment

• Monitoring the effectiveness of literacy and numeracy provision throughout the academy lesson observations, book scrutinies, planning audits and data analysis;
• Ensuring that literacy and numeracy data is well organised and understood by all stakeholders.
• Setting up systems for identifying, assessing and reviewing pupil progress of pupils and maintain and present up to date records of progress for SEN, EMA, More Able, LAC;
• Monitoring pupils’ standards in literacy and numeracy and achievement against academy targets and National Benchmarks

Leadership

• Leading staff development in literacy and numeracy and in conjunction with the Principal, arrange related training in line with the academy schedule
• Line manage staff;
• Monitoring progress, analysing results and taking appropriate action including liaising with the Leadership Team
• Ensuring effective recruitment, deployment and impact of relevant staff;
• Inspiring confidence in teaching and support staff and disseminating good practice in assessment and inclusion practice across the academy;
• Demonstrating the confidence and ability to make management and organizational decisions and ensure equity, access and entitlement to learning;
• Updating the Principal and Governing body on information relating to literacy and numeracy and the quality of teaching;
• Taking responsibility for securing an attractive, effective and safe learning environment in the lower school;
• Attend, lead (as appropriate) and  participate in open evenings, curriculum event  and pupil performances;
• Sharing responsibility for the smooth day to day running of the academy;

Maintenance and Professional Standards

• Keeping fully appraised and aware of educational and other appropriate developments whether national or local, and assess their impact on the academy and the team for which you are responsible;
• Ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct and confidentiality at all times, and in particular when with other staff of the academy;
• Ensuring the development and maintenance of a team culture that enables all members of the Leadership Team to be effective in their respective roles;
• Undertake performance appraisal in line with the policy, both as a reviewer and reviewee;
• Ensuring the development and maintenance of a collaborative culture which demonstrates loyalty and integrity towards academy leaders;
• Undertaking any other reasonable professional tasks as directed by the Principal.

Qualifications & Experience

• First degree plus formal Teaching Qualification or other relevant professional studies
• Minimum of 3 years’ teaching experience within a culturally diverse environment and producing high quality achievements for all children
• Evidence of successful management experience of a curriculum area or phase
• Experience of contributing to problem solving and strategic thinking at a whole academy level with regard to academy improvement and outcomes for children
• Ability to provide professional leadership and management of a staff team and contribute to the work of other teams to secure high quality teaching effective use of resources and improved standards of learning and achievement for all pupils across the academy
• Experience of involvement in assessment, pupil tracking and record keeping
• Knowledge of relevant pedagogy and curriculum developments in literacy and numeracy
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and the National Curriculum and the principles of effective literacy and numeracy teaching within each key stage
• Evidence of successful working relationships with parents and carers, Governors, outside agencies and the local community
• Experience of effective data analysis and target setting

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.