Head of School

Naburn CofE Primary School is a small primary school, which genuinely sits at the heart of its community. The school is in a very privileged position in that, uniquely, 50% of the school’s pupils are Travellers. The school celebrates the precious place it has in the community, and its ability to contribute to community cohesion. It has a vision, rooted in its Christian foundation, to build an environment of support and growth rooted in core values of perseverance, hope, community and compassion. The school is committed to developing successful learners who have high expectations of life, are self-motivated, inquisitive and creative and open minded.

The school is on a positive trajectory, and this is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to really make a difference, working closely with the governing body, staff, pupils and the local community. The school has recently expressed a commitment to joining The Education Alliance (TEAL) multi-academy trust, which has a growing primary arm, encouraging and enabling collaboration across its schools, with a culture built upon ethical leadership. This means that the trust will lead on the appointment of this position, working closely with the school, the York Diocese and the Local Authority. At the point of conversion, you would transfer to the trust, under TUPE terms. The trust aims to make great schools and happier, stronger communities so that people have better lives. Its improvement strategy is simple – a good teacher in every classroom delivering an excellent curriculum, underpinned by effective systems for behaviour and support.

We believe that for too long in many schools, staff have been asked to choose between being seen as good at their job and being a good mum, dad, partner, son, daughter or friend. We are doing everything we can to support our staff to balance the demands of their jobs and those at home.

To support this, we:

Trust our staff to plan, prepare and assess at the best time for them, allowing them to go off-site in their PPA

Have centralised our Behaviour Policy so teachers are freed up from supervising detentions

Demand ethical leadership built on professional trust

Reject fads and ensure our CPD is evidence-informed and predominantly subject-specific

Have reduced data collections to twice yearly

Do not expect staff to respond to emails outside normal working hours

Do not deploy staff at other trust schools unless it is at their request

We have removed the following:

Performance management objectives and performance-related pay

Lesson observations and high stakes, toxic accountability

Onerous marking policies

Requirements for daily or weekly lesson plans

We know that just seeking to reduce the number of tasks staff undertake will have little effect on improving work/home balance if this happens within a toxic culture. To support this, we offer training for our leaders to ensure they are able to translate our values into behaviours which are built on the principles of dignity, respect, professionalism and integrity. Headship in TEAL is far removed from the lonely experience too many Heads report. You will be part of a group of fantastic, supportive fellow Heads and a trust team who do everything they can to make school leadership easier. It is a group of people who share the same values, who have each other’s backs and who laugh a lot! You will be welcomed and supported from day one.

We offer a range of benefits, including:

• payment of annual prescriptions
• free eye tests
• flexible working (with a large proportion of teaching leaders working part-time)
• investment in training and professional development
• access to an Employee Assistance Package
• a Be Well programme offering counselling and mental health training and support
• free tea and coffee in staff rooms for all staff
• free parking
• a workload charter that ensures we have an enjoyable, rewarding working environment where workloads are manageable

Relocation assistance is available where appropriate.

If you are interested in this role, please contact Vic Rae, Executive Assistant, at victoria.rae@theeducationalliance.org.uk and we can arrange a chat with our CEO or Executive Principal. We welcome the opportunity to talk to you about the role, the school and the trust, and to also show you around the school. The closing date is 9am on Wednesday 17 May 2023 and interviews will take place before the May half term.

Naburn CofE Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service is required prior to appointment.