This is a rewarding Headship; you will be able to lead our rural school on to the next stage of its journey and understand what our journey might look like. You must exhibit confidence, be an empathetic, engaging communicator who has a clear focus on continuing to build a healthy workplace culture to benefit the wellbeing of staff and pupils.

This exciting opportunity gives a new Headteacher the scope to shape how our school moves forward. The future of our school requires a strong leader with a clear vision, who has the ability to communicate that vision to others and to make an instant impact.

The new Headteacher will be required to commit and concentrate on:

• Building a strong rapport with both staff members and the children across all year groups
• Building back the community feel post-Covid to ensure continuation of the family atmosphere of the school
• Developing non-teachers to be able to take the lead on the pastoral support of children and families thus creating time and reducing workload for SLT and teachers to allow greater focus on creating an outstanding learning experience for the children
• Developing senior leaders within school, allowing staff to be accountable and confident in their roles
• Utilising your Inclusive leadership style to be able to build an effective Team
• Modernising but maintaining the ethos of our school

While we have many strengths, we know that we must improve too. We need to continue to build a school wide love of reading and improve outcomes in writing and mathematics across our school. Further, we need to maintain and build on the quality of teaching and our expectations of the capabilities of our children as well as developing our staff team to ensure they reach their full potential.

We are always looking for ways to improve. We want your skills as an impassioned leader to make a difference, to enhance teaching and learning across the curriculum, to enrich the personal and social development of our children and to join with everyone - staff, governors and pupils – to promote our ethos and further develop the vision for our school.

Our new leader will:

• Be an outstanding teaching practitioner able to set and achieve ambitious goals and continually seek to raise standards and promote our vision and Christian values in a way that is relevant and inspiring to all.
• Be someone who is creative in curriculum design and resourcing, including staffing to maximise the learning experience of the children in school, while managing both their own and teacher workload.
• Be comfortable working in a small school that will mean their role will extend beyond leadership duties
• Be able to provide excellent and robust staff management
• Have progressive IT skills and a deep understanding of the significance and importance of consistent data monitoring
• Consider and shape how we can adapt our practices innovatively to promote and enhance the wellbeing of our staff team.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of young people, social, physical and emotional alongside educational needs and ensure that the school provides a rounded provision to nurture them.
• Show practical knowledge and experience in raising standards
• Be a strategic thinker able to plan long, medium and short term
• Be able to review our financial resources and look at how we invest in our school
• Have a continuing drive to reflect, learn and strive for positive development, for themselves, their staff team, the children and our school as a whole.
• Be someone who is capable of and confident to make difficult decisions and ask challenging questions in order to seek the best possible outcome for our school as a whole.
• Excellent communications skills both oral and written – targeting communication to your audience
• Excellent planning and organising, planning ahead for inspections

This is an excellent opportunity to provide strategic leadership and direction while building upon the high standards already in place. This will mean a strong focus on outstanding teaching and learning, ensuring every pupil makes best possible progress, curriculum development and implementation, and forging ever-closer relationships with parents and carers and our wider school community.

Ofsted recognised – “The school’s curriculum provides pupils with some stimulating starting points and activities. However, in foundation subjects, such as art, leaders have not ensured a clear progression of skills” – Ofsted 2019

 Our school has a lovely family and welcoming feel. The children are well behaved, polite and genuinely care for each other and their school community. They are motivated leaners and have a great sense of pride in their work and the school.

Green Hammerton C.E Primary School is an attractive, village school catering for children aged between 3 and 11 years old. It is set back from the road and is situated in mature grounds of trees and shrubs.  There is a field with a forest schools area and a playground. A separate outdoor area has been designed for our EYFS children.

We have excellent links with the local Churches and with the community, including contributions to the Village News, Parish magazine and representation on the PCC.

The school is set behind St Thomas’s Church in the village of Green Hammerton, which is situated on the A59 between York and Knaresborough There are a number of new housing developments within the village which are providing a growing number of new families at the school. Green Hammerton and Whixley villages.

The adjacent Church is utilised for extra curricular activities. The Incumbent (Rev. Sarah Feaster) is on the Board of Governors. The “Open the Book” programme is followed in conjunction with YoYo and church volunteers.

The school has achieved the Bronze Christian Aid Global Neighbours Award, Eco Schools Bronze Award, School Games Gold Award and a Music Mark Award.

The majority of our children are of White, British origin. Our PPG and SEN are currently below national average, however due to demographics we have seen a steady rise in numbers of PPG and SEN numbers are increasing. We have low pupil movement away from the school.

Our school has two classrooms attached to the main building and two classrooms which are separate from the school. In addition, there is an ICT suite, kitchen and hall equipped with ropes, ladders and a climbing frame. There is an excellent Breakfast and After School Club on site called The Hive.

 Ofsted recognised – “The school puts a high priority on pupils’ welfare. Procedures for safeguarding pupils are effective. As a result, pupils say that they feel safe and nearly all parents agree” – Ofsted 2019                                                                 

Our staff are our greatest resource and are incredibly committed, loyal and dedicated. They always have the best interests of the pupils at heart and are determined to find something at which every child can shine. Staff get to know the children in the school very well and use this information to personalise opportunities for learning.

 Ofsted recognised – “There is some high-quality teaching across the school and all teachers have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and conduct. This means that time in lessons is spent on learning and also reflects pupils’ good attitudes” – Ofsted 2019

 Our class structure
Class 1 EYFS Reception and Nursery
Class 2 Key stage 1
Class 3 Year 3 and 4
Class 4 Year 5 and 6

 We have a strong and supportive staff team:

• 6 teachers (4,0 FTE ) all PT, plus the Headteacher
• PT SENCO who is shared with another school
• Each class currently has a TA to support in the mornings
• EYFS has a full time TA
• We also have teaching assistants who work 1:1 with SEND children
• Sport specialist who teaches PE once a week and provides extra-curricular clubs
• Visiting music teachers including Wider Opportunities Brass lessons for Class 4

The Governing Boards Role and Support
Both Boards of Governors actively support their schools and take their link responsibilities seriously. During Covid, they have continued to do so virtually with a focus on staff well-being.

All school governors are engaged, positive and proactive in ensuring the schools continues to thrive and develop.

As a full governing body, they meet regularly, endeavoring always to ensure our children receive the best education possible, in a safe and supportive environment.

Governors seek and consider a range of feedback from the whole school community to ensure that they fully understand the differing perspectives of all stakeholders on how the school is performing.

Ofsted recognised – “New governors bring to the governing body a sharp focus and commitment in addressing weaknesses. Governors have a good understanding of their role and responsibilities in holding the school to account and are unequivocal in their commitment to ensure that all teaching is consistently to a high standard2 – Ofsted 2019

Ofsted recognised – “Governors regularly visit the school to evaluate its effectiveness. They have an accurate overview about the quality of teaching and learning. They clearly articulate the strengths and weaknesses of the schoo”l - Ofsted 2019

Our School Vision, Ethos and Christian values are at the heart of everything we do. They underpin our teaching and learning, and provide an environment which prepares our pupils to be confident, caring and happy citizens.

We are a caring Church of England village school that aims to give children the best possible start to their education within a Christian ethos.

“Let all that you do be done in Love” 1 Corinthians 16:14

We DREAM of being excellent in all that we do.
We BELIEVE that with the gift of love from God we can grow as a family together and
ACHIEVE our full potential, to be the best that we can be.

We aim to:

• Nurture happy, well-rounded children who are confident to celebrate who they are.
• Create a safe, stimulating environment in which every child can achieve their potential and be the best that they can be.
• Encourage children to be respectful, tolerant and responsible citizens.
• Work alongside our community to achieve our aims.
• Put spirituality and Christian faith at the heart of our school.

To read more on our vison and values please view the schools website

Ofsted Inspection – Graded Good

Ofsted recognised – Pupils behave well and show high levels of engagement with their learning. This is endorsed by 100% of parents who responded to Ofsted’s questionnaire Parent View  – Ofsted 2019

 SIAMS Inspection - Graded Good

School data shows that the resulting Christian ethos is positively influencing pupil’s sustained achievement through school, with recent outcomes at the end of Year 6 meeting national expectations. Because pupils enjoy school life and classroom learning, they want to be present every day. This has ensured attendance data exceeds national expectations - SIAMS 2018

 Our School current strengths:

• The leadership team has a culture of high expectation and ambition for the school. The small staff team shares expertise and good practice and has a shared vision and responsibility for school improvement.
• Governors play an active role and are well informed of school context and provide both challenge and support through monitoring activities and review meetings.
• The development of our Christian Vision and Values are at the heart of all we do.
• Whole school themes provide continuity and enrichment across the school.
• An exciting, rich and creative curriculum fulfils requirements of national curriculum. The curriculum is enhanced by education visits, visitors and residential visits.
• A high level of engagement in a wide range of extra-curricular activities and opportunities to allow children to extend their learning.
• Development of a high quality curriculum map for the foundation subjects alongside that of core subjects ensures excellent teaching and learning across the curriculum.
• A focus on global education and diversity ensures pupils are prepared for living in a more diverse environment.
• Mixed age teaching promotes resilience, confidence and independence- all the Staff and pupils know and care for each other.
• Bespoke and dedicated EYFS unit and staff with excellent outdoor provision that prepares children well for their next stage of learning.
• All pupils show high levels of courtesy, engagement and cooperation both in and out of lessons. They are happy, confident and enjoy good physical and mental health because of opportunities provided in school.
• Families and parents engage well with school. Pre Covid there was a termly/half termly Parents
• We have excellent links with the local Churches and with the community, including contributions to the Village News, Parish magazine and representation on the PCC.
• Children have many opportunities to perform and present to parents throughout the school year.
• Children are involved in decision making through School Council, Collective Worship Team and Sports Leaders.

Current areas identified for improvement:

• Ensuring that children achieving greater depth in writing at Key Stage 1 achieve greater depth at Key Stage 2.
• Monitoring of teaching and learning reflects the new OFSTED EIF (Education Inspection Framework) and leads to improvement in staff practice and outcomes for children.
• Ensure the curriculum is planned to be sequential for children to connect new and existing knowledge. Focusing on Geography and DT this year.
• Continue to build on existing remote learning opportunities to be prepared for any future requirement

 Main priorities of your School Improvement Plan:
The priorities of the School Development Plan were decided upon to ensure the recommendations of the last Ofsted inspection are addressed and after analysis of the school’s performance in 2019/20.

In addition there are additional targets to address the school’s needs post-COVID.

• Continue to monitor the impact of Christian distinctiveness.
• Continue to review, and re-plan curriculum provision, which is targeted at key concepts and supports pupil recovery, including a path of progression in the foundation subjects
• Continue to ensure pupils edit and improve their writing
• Continue to plan lessons so that work is the right level for all learners and use questioning to deepen pupils’ understanding
• Improve the effectiveness of governors, ensure that improvement priorities are proactive rather than reactive

Post COVID

• Current SDP plan to remain in place in the short term to address school needs post COVID.
• Continue to nurture a positive learning culture focusing on children’s well-being following lockdown.
• Ensure Catch-Up programme is delivered and ensure catch up premium is spent effectively (see website)

Demographics

• With a change in the demographic of the school catchment, we intend to maintain the provision of support for children and families

Future considerations
The new housing developments in the village may lead to an expansion to the school if numbers exceed the current maximum which is 120 children.

Current levels of pupil achievement, attainment and progress:
Data collection three times a year is used to monitor and report progress to parents and identify pupils requiring further support or challenge.

• EYFS GLD is consistently well above the National Average 100% 2019
• Year 1 Phonics 100% met the standard in Autumn 2020

Key Stage 1 2019

• Reading - 89.5% achieved the expected standard, 68% achieved the higher standard
• Writing - 78.9% achieved the expected standard, 40% achieved the higher standard
• Maths - 89.5% achieved the expected standard, 47% achieved the higher standard

Key Stage 2 2019

• Reading - 75% achieved the expected standard,58% achieved the higher standard
• Writing - 83% achieved the expected standard, 33% achieved the higher standard
• Maths - 83% achieved the expected standard, 58% achieved the higher standard
• Pupils with SEND and those in receipt of Pupil Premium make good progress from their starting points.

Budgetary Position
As with many small schools Green Hammerton is unfortunately in a deficit budget position..

The governors and leaders are currently working with the Local Authority to arrange a plan which is supportive of the school and allows the budget to move into a balanced position.

Green Hammerton is part of a cluster with a group of local schools that provides support and collaborative working on development projects. The cluster also provides support from our local secondary school.

The school is central to the communities. Many parents and residents continue to support the school. It is in this way that; all are able to feel active participants in the functioning and development of the School, which can only have positive implications for the children.

Our children are encouraged to think of others and give back to their community, for example, the School Council leads the charity work for the whole school and organise exciting events to raise money in our local Churches. The school has an active Friends of Green Hammerton School group who raise money for the school and organise lovely events, for the children and their families, throughout the year.

The children regularly participate in sport and music events with other schools. The school choir has performed at services in both Green Hammerton and Whixley and attended the Young Voices Concert in Sheffield Arena in January 2020. They had a fantastic day and children, staff and parents thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Relationship with the Diocese
There is an established, supportive relationship with the Diocese of Leeds which we are seeking to strengthen. Critical friend visits, performance management and training offered by the Diocese are all accessed.

Local Authority and School Improvement
We have strong relationships with our contacts at the LA and are able to access support. Staff are also made aware of training opportunities through the LA and our leaders and designated safeguarding lead attend LA organised meetings/training/networking sessions.

Knaresborough

Is a market and spa town and civil parish in the Borough of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, on the River Nidd 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Harrogate.

Knaresborough is full of surprises, a warren of medieval streets and stone staircases that weave their way up and down the hill. The town centre is perched on the cliffs above the River Nidd and the imposing railway viaduct across the Nidd Gorge offers an amazing view to visitors as they arrive by train.

What’s best about Knaresborough?
The market place in the centre of the town offers a great place to enjoy a cup of tea or something delicious and home baked. On a Wednesday stalls fill the market place offering tasty produce, wholefoods, plants and flowers, as well as pretty much anything else you can imagine, in the ever-popular Knaresborough Market.

At the base of the cliffs on which the town sits, you will find a delightful promenade that traps the sun in summer, with a coastal feel despite being more than 60 miles from the sea making a great place to enjoy an ice-cream or indulge in the tradition English pastime of ‘simply mucking about in boats’.

York

York is a cathedral city and unitary authority area, at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss, in England. At the 2011 census, the borough population was 198,051 and the population of the city was 153,717. The city has long-standing buildings and structures, such as a minster, castle and ancient city walls.

The city is the head settlement of historic Yorkshire and was its own county corporate. City of York Council is a unitary authority responsible for providing all local services and facilities throughout the city and rural areas around the outside of the old city boundaries. The city is also included in North Yorkshire and Leeds city region

North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is England's largest county and one of the most rural. The area comprises the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a stunning coastline around Scarborough and Whitby. There are ruined castles and abbeys, serene gardens, unique breweries, thrilling rides and industrial heritage. The area hosted the phenomenal Tour de France ‘Grand Depart’ in 2014 and has since created the Tour de Yorkshire, an annual event with global recognition. Success in supporting these events led to Harrogate hosting the UCI Cycling World Championships in 2019.

North Yorkshire has plenty to offer the outdoor enthusiast. From the hard gritstone of Almscliff and Brimham rocks to the limestone of Malham, Gordale and Kilnsey climbing venues are in abundance. The Yorkshire Dales is the premier area for caving and for mountain biking; there are the bridleways of the Dales and North York Moors as well as the renowned trail centre at Dalby Forest. There are a small number of sailing clubs on reservoirs around the county and fantastic surfsport venues and sea kayaking on the east coast.

While the county is rightly known for its wide-open spaces, it also incorporates attractive market towns including Pickering and Helmsley, traditional seaside towns, the Spa town of Harrogate and the ancient city of York - the most visited city outside of London. There are a wide range of shopping, leisure and cultural facilities as well as excellent schools, universities, road and rail links. There really is everything to offer you and your family as a place to work, live and enjoy!

Travelling further afield we have convenient connectivity, with close proximity to metropolitan cities of Leeds and Newcastle and with a little over two hours commute on the main train line to London. We border the Lake District, Lancashire, County Durham, and Yorkshire & Humber regions with all they have to offer.