Head of Pre-Prep

Thank you for your interest in the role of Head of Pre-Prep at The Beacon.  

We are seeking an inspirational and creative educator to lead the educational and pastoral provision for our very youngest pupils. 

The Beacon is a large independent prep school for boys aged between 3 and 13, and the Pre-Prep section numbers some 150 boys from Nursery to Y2.  Our school has superb facilities and resources that support a forward-looking educational environment, including the new Nursery ‘Little Beacons’ (established September 2021) and recently refurbished Reception classrooms with exciting outdoor play and learning spaces.  

The role includes responsibility for day-to-day teaching and learning across the Pre-Prep section, managing and developing the team of staff and maintaining strong parental relationships as well as promoting the school’s Pre-Prep provision to the wider community.  In this post, you would play a key part in school life and a pivotal role on the school’s SMT managing school operations and contributing to the strategic agenda in your area of remit.  

To give you a flavour of life at The Beacon please take a look around our website www.beaconschool.co.uk.   You will find our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy on the website too.  The Beacon is a remarkable school and we seek remarkable people.  I look forward to hearing from you.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

• The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Safeguarding checks will be undertaken in accordance with School policy

• The safeguarding responsibilities of the post, can be found in the job description and person specification in this recruitment pack

• The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Principal responsibilities 

• Responsible to the Headmaster for the day to day internal management, organisation, operation and administration of the Pre-Prep Department (including Early Years ‘EY’)

• Responsible, in conjunction with the Head of Early Years, for the EYFS

• Provide a safe, stimulating and well-behaved Section of the school in which boys’ happiness, welfare and all-round development can be nurtured. 

• Responsible for an excellent foundation for boys’ early stages of education and progression on to lower school; monitoring carefully; regularly liaising with Heads of Departments across the school to ensure continuity between Pre-Prep and remainder of the school.

• In collaboration with the Director of Admissions, to manage arrangements for the admission of new pupils in to Nursery, Reception and Pre-Prep and where appropriate, to visit prospective pupils in their current setting. 

• Working closely with the Director of Admissions to promote the school, enrol new pupils and ensure that the School’s youngest boys and their families are well supported on starting their Beacon journey.

• Ensure a wide range of age appropriate activities for young boys and to give them confidence in their ability to take on new challenges. 

• Identify any children with particular educational or emotional needs and, where necessary, to make provision for them. 

• Coordinate preparation for inspections

• To bring energy and creativity to everyday learning (new activities, storytelling, outdoor exploration……etc)

• Responsible for a varied and impressive wrap around care provision

STAFF

• Regularly assess the quality of teaching and learning - responsible for monitoring the work of the Teaching Staff and the Teaching Assistants in the Section carrying our lessons observations and book trawls and providing regular and constructive feedback and suitable training

• Ensure the efficient management of available resources and organise appropriate cover within Pre-Prep in the event of illness, training and rescheduling. 

• Oversee professional development and arrangements for Pre-Prep and EY staff training (including Probationary and Professional Development Reviews)

• Interview and oversee selection, induction and training of all new staff within the Section.

COMMUNICATIONS

• Ensure positive communication with parents is maintained by the whole Section, through reports, parents’ evenings, letters and other suitable opportunities. 

LEARNING & PROGRESS

• Ensure that schemes of work are regularly updated and policy documents are reviewed.

• Oversee the delivery of the curriculum.

• Track and regularly review individual boys’ progress and involve the Learning Support Centre where appropriate.

• Keep abreast of current educational thought and legislation. 

• To create assembly rotas and ideas and organise educational and recreational outings.

OTHER:

• Attend and actively contribute to weekly SMT meetings

• Ensure the efficient management of the annual budget for the Pre-Prep.

• Work closely with the Headmaster and Head of HR on HR/staff related matters 

• Be an active member of the school’s Wellbeing Committee 

• Health and safety of pupils, visitors and work colleagues in accordance with school policy and legislation

• Contribute to the overall life of the whole school. 

• Contribute to the School’s marketing strategy and to participate in Open Days, Speech Days, Conferences, Shows and exhibitions etc. 

Safeguarding

Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for who you are responsible and with whom you come into contact; following the School’s safeguarding policy at all times and using CPOMS as the internal system for monitoring safeguarding, wellbeing and pastoral issues.

Note: 

• The role will involve daily contact with children and a high level of responsibility for children. The role constitutes regulated activity with children.  

• In the role, you may also be required to undertake such other duties as the Head reasonably requires from time to time.

In all areas of school life, staff are expected to lead by example and demonstrate and uphold the values and principles that we wish the boys to learn.  

Application process

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

All applicants must be prepared to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Beacon is an equal opportunities employer. References will be required and any relevant issues arising from such will be taken up at interview or a suitable point during the process.

Candidates who have a disability or any other special requirements should let the school know if there are any reasonable adjustments they would like the school to make as part of this recruitment process.

There is a requirement to complete the school’s Application Form which can be downloaded from the website.  Please send a copy of your completed Application Form and covering letter by email to: recruitment@beaconschool.co.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 21 January 2021, and interviews will be held the following week.