Reception Teacher- 1 Year Maternity Cover

The Opportunity

The Children’s House was set up in 1973 by a group of local parents, originally to provide high-quality early years education in Islington. Our Early Years site is in Elmore Street and caters for children ranging in age from 2 to 5, whilst the Prep School, a short distance away in King Henry’s Walk currently offers Year 1 to Year 6. 

The school’s focus is on families and children, with a strong emphasis on pastoral care.  Classes are small, and the school community is warm and friendly, with supportive parents and plenty of opportunities for teachers to get involved in whole school events. 

Learning is individualised, with high teacher child ratios and importance placed on creativity. Whilst we are non-selective, pupils do very well academically and are prepared for the 11+.  Whilst all of our classrooms are equipped with Chromebooks, iPads and interactive boards, traditional skills such as reading, handwriting and phonics, are valued and are taught daily. 

This role is a maternity cover with the potential for a permanent position for the right candidate to continue at our setting. It would suit an innovative and enthusiastic EYFS/KS1 Teacher who is keen to develop professionally and wants to teach in a purposeful and happy environment. The ideal applicant will have high expectations of pupils’ attainment, progress and behaviour, great integrity and a warm and confident manner with pupils and parents

PROFESSIONAL DUTIES

You are expected to act in accordance with the School’s Code of Conduct

Responsibilities

• A small class of less than 20 children and your classroom.
• Management and collaboration with Teaching and Learning Support Assistants
• Role model the core values and ethos of the school
• Work closely with the Headteacher, Deputy Head and colleagues in matters relating to children's educational and welfare needs, school events, staff management and the School Improvement Plan.

Teaching and Learning

• Plan and prepare schemes of work based on the School’s thematic curriculum, the National Curriculum and the requirements of the independent school entrance examinations.
• Create maintain and oversee curriculum resources
• Teach creative, stimulating and challenging lessons which extend children's learning and development through a balance of activities based on the children's interests, strengths and needs
• Prepare, mark and provide feedback to children on class work and homework
• Assess, record, monitor and report on the development, progress and achievement of the children in your class including inputting data into I Track, maintaining children’s record folders and moderating with colleagues
• Take responsibility for child centred, interactive displays in the classroom.

Management and Organisation

Implement and follow school policies and procedures as approved by the Council of Management and Headteacher

Attend and participate in meetings which relate to the school's curriculum, teaching and learning, administration and organisation, including termly cluster meetings with other professionals from local schools and moderation from Islington

Pastoral

• Develop all children’s good learning behaviour, manners and respect for themselves, others and the environment
• Maintain a happy, calm and purposeful working environment through
• positive behaviour management in accordance with the school behaviour policy.
• Inform the Deputy Head or Head Teacher of any persistent or major problems experienced by pupils and contribute towards a solution.

Children with Special Educational Needs

Support and liaise with specialist teachers, the school’s SENCO, outside agencies and other relevant bodies in consultation with the school’s SENCO, plan for activities, resources and support for children with IEPs/EHCs

The Learning Environment

• Organise and manage the classroom to provide a safe, accessible and well organised learning environment for children.
• Maintain displays.
• Gather relevant topic resources and maintain.

Appraisal and Performance Management

Take part in the school's staff development programme by participating in arrangements for Appraisal and Performance Management and opportunities for Continuing Professional Development.

Teachers will be required to meet the criteria in the most recent Teachers Standards.  These include teachers’ responsibility to keep up to date with new legislation, approaches to teaching and learning and curriculum changes, through reading research and discussion with colleagues. 

Assessment and Reports

Provide and contribute oral and written reports relating to individual children and groups of children. Communicate and consult with the parents of pupils in formal meetings.

School Events

Participate in School events such as festivals, fund-raising events and the Summer Fair.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications: Minimum B.Ed, Cert Ed or PGCE

Experience:

• Has experience/detailed knowledge and understanding, of class teaching in EYFS/KS1
• National Curriculum EYFS/KS1
• Working as part of a team

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

To effectively demonstrate:

• An ability to create a stimulating and safe learning environment
• Excellent teaching and class management skills
• An ability to plan, prepare and deliver the EYFS curriculum as relevant to abilities within the class.
• An ability to assess and record the progress of children's learning to inform next steps and monitor progress
• Knowledge of a wide range of teaching strategies to meet different learning styles
• Encouragement of children in developing self esteem and respect for others
• Ability to manage and work with support staff
• An ability to communicate both verbally and in writing, to a range of audiences including parents and the Council of Management
• Effective ICT skills
• A commitment to promoting parental and local community involvement
• A commitment to equal opportunities and to use a variety of strategies and practices to promote diverse cultural and equality issues
• An ability to promote the safeguarding of children within the school
• A willingness to further your own professional skills, knowledge and abilities

Other:

• Energy and enthusiasm
• Reliability and integrity
• Adaptability and sense of humour.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Accountable to: Headteacher of The Children’s House

Frameworks: The National Curriculum, The Children’s House Thematic Curriculum

Remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience for the role.