Principal Teacher - Guidance

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Proposed Interview Date: Week Commencing 13 December 2021

To assist the PT4 leading and managing the work of a Guidance House to provide support to pupils and to be jointly responsible for managing the work of the Extended Pupil Support Team as defined by the school (Pastoral Care/Additional Support Needs/Learning Support/Behaviour Support/Inclusion).

The postholder will have a key role in managing a caseload of young people with a strong focus on supporting pupils towards the highest possible levels of attainment and achievement and with a firm emphasis on social inclusion, developing social and personal responsibility, values and citizenship, better behaviour/better learning, maximising pupil potential and ensuring access to suitable post-school opportunities.

The postholder will normally have a 0.6 FTE teaching commitment. However, this may vary in the light of changing circumstances.

The postholder will be an active member of the school’s extended management team.

Principally the postholder will have a key role in assisting the PT4 with monitoring and evaluating pupil support mechanisms for their Guidance House. The postholder will also have a key role in co-ordinating support for pupils, promoting social inclusion and linking with all relevant agencies. The postholder will be required to operate in a collegiate manner with colleagues, supporting pupils in achieving their potential. This will facilitate the ultimate aim of maximising educational progress and attainment for all within a supportive environment.

In this role the postholder will:

• Be aware of the wide range of background of current educational theories/practices/research information, on teaching and learning strategies and pupil support.
• Be able to initiate and lead professional discussion in addressing learning and achievement and pupil support issues.
• Ensure effective strategies to support pupils’ learning.

The postholder will be responsible for all aspects of the pastoral, curricular and vocational welfare of allocated pupils including:

• Monitoring and tracking of individual pupil attendance, performance and achievement.
• Identifying underachievement in individual pupils and groups.
• Working with pupils on self-evaluation and target setting procedures.
• Working with pupils, teaching staff and parents to agree strategies to address under-achievement.
• Monitoring and evaluating strategies put in place to maximise pupil achievement.
• Highlighting and celebrating success and achievement.
• Providing relevant curricular and pastoral advice where appropriate (eg in relation to P7/S1 transfer, course choices at S2, S3, S4 and S5 and regarding progression to the world of work and Further and Higher Education).
• Monitor progress reports, progress files and compile references, as and when these are required.
• Managing and helping to deliver the strategies to support pupils across the school.
• Reviewing and developing appropriate staff and ensuring that suitable staff development is provided to meet identified needs.
• Sharing with colleague Principal Teachers, responsibility for Pupil Support in development planning and the evaluation and strategic direction of the Pupil Support Team.
• Supporting the work of designated support staff.
• Contributing to the planning and delivery of a programme of Personal and Social Education for allocated pupils.
• Responsibility for overseeing the behaviour management of a group of pupils.
• Working in partnership with Principal Teachers Curriculum to maximise learning and teaching of allocated pupils.
• Liaison with colleagues in other support agencies on behalf of allocated pupils.
• Responsibility for managing organisation of class groups, timetables and calendar of events for allocated pupils.
• Contribution to whole-school developments as Principal Teacher Guidance.

These duties may change as the school further develops its Management and Pupil Support plans.

Resource Responsibility:

The postholder will have the responsibility for direct spending of devolved finances in line with development priorities. This will be managed in a collegiate manner to enable all colleagues to be aware of the resources available and be available in the allocation process.

Accountability:

The Principal Teacher Guidance is accountable to their Line Manager, the Depute Headteacher (Pupil Support) and through that person, to the Headteacher.

Qualification, Registration and Skill Requirements

The postholder will be able to demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in supporting pupils in secondary school.
• A high level of management ability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead and manage a team.
• Awareness of and commitment to National and Council priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Experience of managing change.
• Commitment to the personal and professional development of self and others.
• Ability to contribute to the management of the whole school.

For further information please contact: Miss Jennifer MacLaren - balweariehs.enquiries@fife.gov.uk