EXPLORE OUR WORLD
Head of Learning Support
Senior School
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
A Catholic Independent Day School for Girls 2 -18 and Boys 2-5
Notre Dame School
Head of Learning Support
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The School
Set in 17 acres of beautiful parkland in Cobham, Notre Dame School nestles in a picturesque 18th
century mansion beside the River Mole. Notre Dame is a Catholic School and is a Foundation of
the Company of Mary Our Lady with an ethos shaped by the life and work of St Jeanne de
Lestonnac. Despite the tranquil setting Notre Dame School is a hive of activity, with approaching
a thousand children and teachers working hard in the important business of education. The
school has an enviable reputation for the highest academic standards and a progressive, holistic,
academic education that is underpinned by over 400 years of international educational tradition
in 30 countries. Established in England in 1937, the school has always had the philosophy that the
greatest success comes from knowing how to learn and how to ask the right questions; training
pupils to take an active role in reaching and exceeding early expectations. From the vibrant
Nursery to the exciting Sixth Form, tomorrow's professionals acquire the skills, knowledge and
qualifications that give them the best possible start in life. Twin aims of academic success and
ability to strive for social justice in the world create rounded, compassionate, highly qualified and
wise young women. Past pupils proliferate the professional sphere, many of whom
enthusiastically retain links to Notre Dame.
The school is filled with a strong sense of purpose, offering a wide-ranging and active education
with facilities encompassing new science laboratories, music and drama studios, sports fields,
indoor swimming pool, dedicated Sixth Form Centre, a forest school for the youngest pupils, and
a fully equipped, West End quality theatre seating over 350. The school is currently developing its
all-weather facilities to complement the existing outdoor and indoor netball and sports facilities.
The girls participate in choirs, sports teams, orchestras, language groups, outreach work, craft
clubs, swimming squads and debating societies. The school councils for the different age groups
and the peer mentoring and 'big sister' system provide pastoral care in a place that values the
individual and always stretches a hand to help others, leading to charity initiatives as well as a
happy and fulfilled community.
Leadership is prized and all are encouraged to fully engage in the life of the school. In recent
years educational research has shown that this type of all-round education adds limitless value
to the lives and experiences of our young people, as well as enhancing academic success and
personal confidence, so it is a delight to find a world-class school on the doorstep that has
promoted this so strongly and so successfully for over three quarters of a century.
Notre Dame School
Head of Learning Support
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HERITAGE AND ETHOS
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The School has a long heritage in matters spiritual and
philosophical. Notre Dame, Cobham is a Catholic School,
but with an ecumenical attitude to those of other faiths. It
was established in 1937 by the Sisters of the Order of the
Company of Mary Our Lady. The Company of Mary was
founded in France in the 17th century by St Jeanne de
Lestonnac and has over 300 educational establishments
throughout the world. The Sisters of the Company of Mary
continue to play a very important role in the pastoral life of
the school ensuring that the ethos is maintained. Our
values are rooted in our heritage, however, as an inclusive,
outward-looking School; we are committed to
encouraging a questioning spirit of mutual tolerance and
informed dialogue based on openness, reciprocal respect
and trust. We welcome girls of all faiths and none.
Notre Dame School
Head of Learning Support
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The Role
FUNCTION OF THE POST
To work closely with the Head, SMT and colleagues in the strategic development of the
school’s Learning Support and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) policy and
oversee the day-to-day operation of that policy with the aim of raising Learning Support pupil
achievement.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
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To provide professional leadership and management for the Learning Support Department for
the first year from Year 7 to GCSE and A2 level, and from the 2 nd year for the whole school from
Nursery to year 13, to secure high quality teaching, effective use of resources and the highest
standards of learning and achievement for all identified pupils.
To ensure that the learning support needs of pupils are recognised and addressed.
To provide 1:1 teaching and support for students with learning support needs.
To ensure that relevant students are correctly entered for examination access arrangements
including EAL students
To arrange for internal EAL support where necessary
To continuously review and monitor the work of the Learning Support Department in meeting the
aims of the school.
To monitor the achievements of students on the school Learning Support and SEND registers.
To give all pupils with learning support needs the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
To ensure pupil entitlement to a broad and challenging curriculum, taking into account the
requirements of the national curriculum
To ensure high standards of pupil achievement at all levels
To foster enjoyment and satisfaction in study by pupils
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITY AREAS
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Exercise a key role in assisting the Head with the strategic development of Learning Support /
SEND policy and provision,
Screening and assessment of pupils for to establish learning needs
Leading and managing staff
Managing resources and liaising with parents and staff over learning support needs provision
KEY TASKS
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To establish a vision and development plans for the Learning Support Department in respect of
pupils of all ages and abilities and keep up to date with new developments in the field of
learning support needs provision and communicate these to other members of the department,
senior management and other staff as appropriate.
Organise the provision of 1:1 tuition to Learning Support / SEND pupils in the Senior School
Notre Dame School
Head of Learning Support
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To establish, develop and implement policy for Learning Support in accordance with school
policy, inspection findings and research evidence.
Support all staff in understanding the needs of Learning Support / SEND pupils and ensure the
objectives to develop Learning Support are reflected in the School Development Plan. To
monitor and evaluate the effects of plans, establishing clear targets for improving and sustaining
pupil achievement
To contribute to whole school policy-making through Heads of Departments meetings
To participate willingly and lead the Learning Support Department contribution in a range of
school functions and Open Days
To lead the teaching by example and carry out screening of all pupils at appropriate points in
their school career
To set expectations for the work of all staff involved in teaching in the Learning Support
Department and to take action to secure
To monitor and evaluate progress and achievements in the Learning Support Department by all
pupils, analysing data in line with school policies
To develop effective working relationships with all members of the department, support staff,
parents, senior managers and governors
To participate in the professional development and review of staff as required by school policy
To liaise with the school’s Examinations Officer for those pupils who may need access
arrangements in public examinations
To participate in the deployment of staff involved in the Learning Support teaching and report
back regularly to parents concerning assessments, strategies for success and future needs.
To establish, maintain and develop appropriate resources for Learning Support and the provision
of a stimulating learning environment
To ensure the effective and efficient management and organisation of learning resources
including information technology
To manage the financial resources allocated to the Learning Support Department effectively
and
efficiently
LEADING AND MANAGING
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Provide professional guidance to staff to secure good teaching for Learning Support / SEND
pupils, through both written guidance and meetings
Contribute fully to the school’s CPD procedures
Advise the Heads on and contribute to the professional development of staff, including whole
school INSET
Provide regular information to the Head on the evaluation of Learning Support provision in the
school
Act as line manager for all self-employed Learning Support tutors, and Learning Support
Assistants
Co-ordinate all review meetings with staff, parents and other professionals, attending and
chairing where necessary
To provide induction and support for new staff
EFFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF STAFF AND RESOURCES
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Advise the Heads of priorities and deployment of staff
Construct timetables for teachers of the Learning Support department
Advise the Heads of priorities for expenditure
Manage the budgetary allowance for Learning Support and prepare a new schedule on an
annual basis
Maintain an inventory of resources available and disseminate this to all staff concerned
Oversee the organisation and use of specialist rooms and resources provided for the use of
Learning Support
Advise staff on the effective use of ICT potentialities relating to Learning Support.
Notre Dame School
Head of Learning Support
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STANDARDS
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Has a thorough up to date subject knowledge
Has a thorough knowledge of the national curriculum and public examination syllabuses as
appropriate
Plans and produces interesting, varied and effective lessons, with clear and appropriate
objectives
Sets appropriate and challenging tasks
Understands and builds on pupils’ previous experience
Marks work regularly and promptly, in accordance with the school’s assessment policy
Uses assessments to inform future planning
Communicates professionally with parents. Participates in the planning and development of the
subject within the department under the direction of Head of Department(s)
Aspires to the aims set out in the Policy on Teaching and Learning
Maintains high standards of discipline, behaviour and courtesy
Provides a positive role model for students through own personal conduct
Participates in the school’s Professional Review and Development Scheme, taking a pro-active
role in own continuing professional development
Carries out a reasonable extra-curricular school activity and duties as assigned each year
Offers an activity for the Wednesday afternoon Activities Session (part-time staff by arrangement)
 Participates in up to ten INSET days per year (part-time staff attend pro-rata)
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
 To assist the Head of Department in the coordination of extra-curricular Psychology and/or
English clubs.
 To assist the Head of Department in maintaining the high profile of English and Psychology
within the school and wider community.
 To involve pupils in departmental competitions and projects.
STAFF MANAGEMENT
Line management responsibility for this post includes 2 part time learning support assistants
and several self-employed part time learning support tutors.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
All employees have a legal duty to ensure the safety of him/herself and all the pupils and
staff within the school as detailed in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
DATA PROTECTION
All employees should familiarise themselves with and follow the Data Protection guidelines
and practices.
SAFEGUARDING
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young
people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Notre Dame School
Head of Learning Support
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PASTORAL
 The successful applicant will also be expected to play an active role in the pastoral care of
girls showing such qualities as empathy, compassion and sensitivity to all.
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Supporting and contributing to the school’s responsibility for safeguarding and promoting
the welfare and well-being of pupils.
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Being aware of school safeguarding procedures and taking appropriate action within
these procedures when necessary, working with colleagues and external agencies and
services.
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Maintaining good order and discipline among the pupils and safeguarding their health
and safety both when they are authorised to be on the school premises and when they are
engaged in authorised school activities elsewhere.
The Person
Qualifications
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The successful applicant will ideally have QTS and should be well-qualified to OCR
Level 7 or equivalent in SpLD.
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An up-to-date Assessment Practising Certificate would be an additional advantage.
Experience
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The successful applicant should be an inspirational learning support teacher, capable
of leading by his/her own example.
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The person appointed will be in charge of several part time learning support tutors and
assistants.
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A range of recent and relevant experience of working with children with SpLD.
Knowledge and Understanding
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A comprehensive knowledge, and experience of suitable and varied materials for
SpLD teaching.
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Knowledge of current developments in Learning Support provision
Knowledge of specific learning difficulties and a wide range of experience of working
with pupils who may require additional support and challenge
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Good administrative skills to include the maintenance of records and effective liaison
with external agencies
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ICT literate and able to work skilfully with IT programmes relevant to Learning Support
A considered and organized approach to setting budgets and operating within them
Awareness of children’s varied learning styles
An awareness of the factors that contextualise each child’s ability to learn
Notre Dame School
Head of Learning Support
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Interpersonal Qualities
A high level of professionalism in all aspects of work
Good organisational skills
Flexible and proactive
Willing to support the School’s ethos
Supportive and sensitive to the needs of others
Excellent communication skills
A proven ability to establish good relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues
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Benefits of Service
Hours:
Full Time, Term Time
Contract:
Permanent
Benefits
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The School has high expectations of its staff, and therefore looks to reward them with a
competitive salary scale and beneficial conditions of service
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There is an extensive induction programme for all new colleagues and NQTs and ongoing
professional development is encouraged
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There is ample opportunity to take on additional responsibility
Personal
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The School enjoys a fantastic situation: central London is 30 minutes away, the M25 and A3
are 5 minutes away. Heathrow is less than half an hour.
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Fee concessions are available for the pupils of any member of staff who meet the school’s
entry requirements
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Longer holidays than the state maintained sector
Free on-site parking
School Nurse on site
For Recreation
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Free use of the school’s leisure and sporting facilities, including a heated indoor pool
Free lunch and refreshments are available throughout the working day
Notre Dame School
Head of Learning Support
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Selection Process
Notre Dame School
Head of Learning Support
Page 9
Please complete an application form and an accompanying letter
outlining your suitability for the post; you may wish to include a brief
CV.
Closing date: Monday 15th February 2016
Interviews:
Wednesday 24th February 2016
All applicants will receive an email to confirm receipt of the
application form. If you have not been contacted by Friday 19 th
February 2016 your application has not been successful.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by senior members of the
School, deliver an observed lesson and take a tour of the school.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare
of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers
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.
As an organisation using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to
assess applicants’ ability for positions of trust, Notre Dame School
complies fully with the DBS code of practice and undertakes to treat
all applicants for positions fairly. It does not discriminate unfairly
against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of conviction or
other information revealed.
APPLICATIONS TO:
Human
Resources
Department
Notre Dame
School
Burwood House
Convent Lane
Cobham
Surrey KT11 1HA
Email:
[email protected]
Any questions,
please contact HR
on 01932 589092.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory previous employment
references, List 99, DBS, Prohibition and completion of a medical
selfdeclaration.
The School is an equal opportunities employer and is fully committed
to a policy of treating all its employees and job applicants equally
and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, sex or marital
status.
Notre Dame School
Head of Learning Support
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