Class Teacher

“It takes a whole village to raise a child” - African Proverb

At Valentine we believe in a relationships-first approach to instilling teaching and learning. If the climate for learning is right, and children are championed to be the best they can be – young people can truly flourish.

If that fits with your philosophy for teaching – I want to hear from you!

Valentine is a 3-form-entry primary school, situated on the east side of the City of Southampton. With a recently purpose-built junior wing added in 2020 and a complete renovation in 2024, we have a school that staff, children and parents can be proud of.

Valentine Primary is a member of the 'St Mary's Partnership' - a collective of schools working together to improve the educational landscape. Across our group, we share leaders, teachers and curriculum innovation in a forum that enables teachers to deliver an education that places the child front-and-centre of their learning.

What makes us different?

Our people. Whilst some schools fixate on finding and appointing candidates with impressive qualifications, we choose new entrants based on their attitude and disposition. It is this, derived from their background and personal grit and determination, that enables children under them to truly thrive.

Our investment in the future - EDTech. We spend every penny possible on improving the Quality of Education for our young people. In the last year, all schools in the Partnership have bought and use VR headsets. Virtual reality helps us to level the playing field. It enables children to experience trips that aren't otherwise possible: a walk around Machu Picchu or to travel to 1835 and understand what living conditions were like during the Industrial Revolution. Recently, we have begun to embrace and grapple with AI - teachers utilise it when creating models for learning and reports for children.

Our commitment to continued professional development. Leaders at our school do not sit around in offices distant from the children we serve. Every minute counts and to that end, you will notice coaching and development alive and a core tenet of what we do. If teachers are to thrive - they need a champion too!

Curriculum Delivery

We utilise a curriculum called 'Lion Pathways'. A sequenced learning pathway created and curated for teachers from some of the most talented and excellent subject teaching experts in their field. Over 800 lessons across all of the non-core are planned and ready for delivery. Teachers are asked to innovate and amend for classes to suit individual needs.

The pathways curriculum began with our Executive Headteacher when he worked for a Trust in London. This is not an off the shelf model.

• We set children for Reading and Writing and Maths from Year 1 to Year 6. This reduces workload for teachers and ensures that they can concentrate on developing and supporting outcomes at the ability-band a child has. It also creates experts in fields - such as SEND teachers and Greater Depth specialists.
• We teach children in mixed ability for non-core in the afternoon. Ensuring that teachers have that breadth and knowledge of a range of children within their year group.
• We plan exciting, brilliant trips. Every child goes to London, every year! We offer Arts and Music based visits as often as we see them and all children benefit from local field trips for History and Geography. Learning is connected schematically to widen children's horizons.
• Everybody is a teacher of every child. Since September 2023, we have begun 'Vertical tutoring' twice weekly. Children from Year 1 to Year 6 mix for a 1 hour session where they learn about mindfulness, vote within the Smart School Council and develop relationships and friendships with peers across the school.

Investing in PEOPLE

Whilst you've scrolled down, and hopefully liked what you have read, we are by no means perfect. We continue to evolve, develop and curate what we do to support every single person within our team.

Since February 2024, we've invested in the CALM app. Every staff member employed has the opportunity to download the full-subscription for free (and to share this with up to 5 people in their household). We recognise that there is NO one-size-fits-all approach to mental health and, since the pandemic, we all need to look after ourselves in different ways. The app isn't a golden bullet, but it does offer a mix of things to support staff in their home lives - sleeping, meditation, daily affirmations, music and more.

We encourage you to be the teacher you want to be. Whether that's through NPQ courses, Maths development you are interested in, Masters study or more! We can only be as successful as the people we have in our team.

Information about your application:

1.     We encourage tours and for you to come and see the school and how we do things. Call Kevin (School Business Manager) or email on: info@valentineprimary.co.uk

2.     Your interview shouldn't be a stressful experience. All shortlisted candidates receive our questions, ahead of interview, so that you can bring with you the notes and information you wish to share.

3.     Applications can only be received from those living in UK or with a right to work in the UK. We are a local authority maintained school and cannot support those with visa applications.

4.     We follow Safer Recruitment Guidance as well as Keeping Children Safe in Education updates.