Principle of Pupil Support

Defence Children Services (DCS) Army

Ministry of Defence

Principal of Pupil Support

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 23 March

Location : Queen Victoria School, Scotland

Grade : Other - Teacher

Salary : £57,

Contract : Permanent

Working Pattern : Full-time

Queen Victoria School is an independent full-boarding school within Scottish Education. We exist to provide a caring but stretching learning environment, valued by the military families whom we serve. We embody and promote values of Excellence, Equality, Integrity, Nurture and Positivity. Queen Victoria School has a long tradition of ceremonial excellence; we take pride in this and all that our School has to offer.

We are seeking a Principal Teacher (PT) of Pupil Support to ensure that all children and young people at QVS get all the support they need as they navigate their way through their secondary education.

The PT Pupil Support will lead on both the academic support provided for young people and the holistic support required for wellbeing under the Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) framework.

Applicants should be experienced in delivering support for young people within Scottish Education and must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) this is a statutory requirement.

The job also comes with a tutor role within a boarding house, which involves 4 hours per week (one evening per week) and eight weekend day shifts across the year (14:00 – 22:00). A boarding allowance is paid for this additional role.

Job Description

The Principal Teacher of Pupil Support is responsible to the Deputy Head (Pupil Support) and the Head for all matters relating to:

PT Pupil Support Responsibilities

· Lead the GIRFEC process at QVS, working closely with the Deputy Headteacher Pupil support, through Intervention Planning Meetings, creating Child and Young Person's plans, administering and developing the School's GIRFEC Staged Intervention system.

· Have a thorough working knowledge of current Additional Support Needs(ASN) legislation and the GIRFEC process both nationally and locally. PT Pupil support will advise relevant staff on national initiatives, national policies, relevant legislation and best practice.

· Lead and develop a team to support Children and Young People (CYP) through a holistic approach that puts the child at the centre and places as much importance on emotional wellbeing as academic attainment.

· Liaise with outside agencies, Educational Psychologists and attend relevant training and planning meetings.

· Assessment, recording and reporting on the Additional Support Needs of pupils, including screening for Specific Learning Difficulties and reporting back to parents as well as attending parent/teacher meetings as required by the School.

· Play a leading role in maintaining and developing systems that support the tracking and monitoring of ASN pupils, particularly regarding key transitions.

· PT Pupil Support will provide in-service training on whole school issues affecting teaching staff and tutors.

· PT Pupil Support will work with the Deputy Head Teacher Academic/SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) coordinator, to make applications to the SQA for appropriate AAAs (Access and Assistance for All). He or she will also take a leading role during Assessment periods, to co-ordinate readers and/or scribes.

· Liaise, through Intervention Planning Meetings, with the School's Medical Centre for pupils with Additional Support Needs.

· Maintain and develop the QVS Pupil Support Department handbook. Lead on the production and dissemination of Pupil Support Profiles, detailing the individual needs of pupils with ASN and recommend strategies for teachers to meet these needs.

· Play a crucial role in the continuing adaptation of the Digital Pastoral Process (Google classroom, 3Sys, Assistive Technology) ensuring the efficient running of the PS department and improving provision for CYP.

· Work closely with the Deputy Headteacher (DHT) PS on the use of the Nurture Room at QVS and the deployment and development of our W-ELSA trained staff and Seasons for Growth companions.

· Develop the use of Chromebooks and Assistive Technology to support students with Additional Support Needs - both within the department and working with Principal Teachers to ensure that all students have access to tools that will help them fulfil their potential across the curriculum.

· In partnership with DHT PS, oversee transitions across the school, taking into account the additional support needs of the pupils. This includes the induction and screening of new students as well as transition to positive destinations.

Departmental Management

· Exercising leadership within the Department i.e. management, deployment, development and welfare of staff including offering support and guidance relating to teaching methods and content to staff.

· Maintaining and developing the Departmental Improvement Plan, in line with the SIP and in line with National and school priorities.

· Compiling the departmental budget and requisitioning materials necessary for courses and facilities.

· Deploying and developing QVS Classroom Assistants and contributing to the professional development of colleagues including developing their skills and enhancing provision for CYP.

· Attending Principal Teachers meetings, holding regular Departmental meetings for the Department and carrying out Quality Assurance within the Department and cross curricular evaluation with other Departments.

Pastoral, Games and Extra Curricular

· Responsibilities are directed by the Head on an on-going basis and are subject to regular review. Present responsibilities in these areas are:

· Acting as a House Tutor to a group of pupils for whom you are responsible to Housemaster/Housemistress.

· As part of boarding school life, teachers are required to assist in the Hobbies/Extra-curricular programme, which includes a minimum of 1 night per week of 1-hour duration during the Winter and Spring Terms. In addition, teachers are required to assist in a Boarding House according to the agreed House supervision rota. A generous Boarding House Allowance is paid in recognition of this commitment.

· Regular attendance at morning assembly is encouraged, as is attendance at our semi-regular Sunday Parades.

· Staff are expected to support pupils at events such as sports days and occasional evening socials

· A contribution towards games, CCF or outdoor activities is highly valued.

Health & Safety

Teachers must take reasonable care of their own safety and that of their colleagues and any persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. They are required to co-operate with their employer, as necessary, to enable any duty or requirement imposed on their employer by, or under, any of the relevant statutory provisions to be performed or complied with.

Person Specification

Please see essential requirements for Leading Learning, Raising attainment & Achievement and Supporting Learners in the attached Job Description on the Civil Service Jobs Website.

Qualifications

A teaching qualification (PGCE, PGDE or BEd) and GTCS Standard for Full Registration (must be GTCS registered on taking up appointment).

Additional Support Needs Qualification .

2. Paediatric First Aid

Benefits

As a QVS employee you will become a MOD Civil Servant. As a teacher, you will also be a member of the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS). As such, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies and prides itself on being a supportive employer.

Other benefits for QVS/MOD Civil Servants and members of the GTCS include:

· Highly competitive salary (SNCT scale), SPPA (Scottish Public Pension Agency) scheme and other wider MOD benefits - Civilian Discover My Benefits (mod.gov.uk)

· Personal and professional development opportunities.

· Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

· Scottish Pension- Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA).

· On campus car parking.

· Access to excellent sports facilities, including a multi-gym.

· Very favourable teacher/pupil ratio.

Discover My Benefits : Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD.