Our mission is to develop academically successful, community minded, self-confident and well rounded individuals who are well prepared for their futures: Westbrook Hay is a thriving co-educational independent day school. Pupils enjoy a broad curriculum, achieve excellent results and have the all-important confidence to succeed. The school roll is currently at a record high of around 380 pupils and in September 2023 announced that it is growing its Senior Section of the school from Year 8 to Year 11 and will begin offering GCSEs.
Our ethos is to be a welcoming, inclusive community that provides the best for, and expects the best from us all: The school is well known locally for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. This is something we cherish and, even though we are potentially going to grow slightly in size, we do not want to lose this ethos. We believe our ethos separates us from larger competitor schools in our locality. This ethos is generated by the staff and their relationships with the pupils and parents. It has been regularly described as ‘friendly and professional’.
We are seeking a new Reception Teacher (Part Time Maternity Cover) who can help us with achieving our mission and thrive under this ethos, supporting our youngest pupils to reach their full potential as they move through the school.
Reception Teacher (Part Time Maternity Cover) Vacancy
We are seeking a candidate to join the Pre-Prep Department as a Reception Teacher (Part Time Maternity Cover), working three days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) on a 0.6 contract. An outstanding and inspiring practitioner, the successful candidate will have expert curriculum knowledge and an insatiable appetite for learning. We are looking for someone who is able to build our pupils’ confidence and curiosity, enjoying the opportunity to develop practice in this ambitious and successful school.
Pre-Prep Department: The Head of Pre-Prep leads the Pre-Prep Department, which consists of Class Teachers and Teaching Assistants for a Nursery Class and two-form entry from Reception to Year 2. The Head of Pre-Prep is assisted in leading this section of the school by the Pre-Prep Academic Lead, Pre-Prep Pastoral Lead and Head of Nursery.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a desire to work independently and as a part of the Pre-Prep team, it is vital that they will fit in well with the hardworking nature of the existing staff. The postholder will be expected to work collaboratively with their year group colleague, sharing responsibility for planning, assessment and organising events and trips.
Reception Teacher: Reception Teachers teach Phonics, English, Maths and Outdoor Learning. They also plan and lead 'Child-Initiated Learning'. Subject Specialists are timetabled to teach Pre-Prep pupils in Dance, French, Games, Music and Physical Education.
A thorough knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework, including experience of teaching Phonics, is essential. The Pre-Prep Department are supported by the Pre-Prep Teaching Assistants, Graduate Tutors and Gap Students. Teachers are responsible for directing the additional staff with supporting individuals and groups during lessons.
Salary and Benefits
This is a part time teaching position, the salary will be competitive and dependent on experience. What can we offer you?
* A fantastic team of staff to work with and be a part of
* A post currently pensionable under the Teachers' Pension Scheme (under consultation)
* A school that is rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI with waiting lists in operation in a number of year groups
* Commitment to continuing professional development
* Enhanced Family Leave
* Free cooked lunches and refreshments throughout the day
* Membership of the Employee Assistance Programme
* Opportunities to attend events organised by the Staff Social Committee
* Receipt of a 'Golden Ticket' for assisting with an overnight event, which enables staff to apply for a half day either in the morning or afternoon
* Small class sizes, a beautiful rural location and excellent facilities
* 50% fee remission is offered for children of school staff, subject to availability of places
Safeguarding
The safety and well-being of the children in School is paramount at all times. Staff are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact. Staff will adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times. If in the course of carrying out their duties, a member of staff becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, it is their responsibility to report any concerns to the school’s Designated Senior Lead for Child Protection or the Head.
Online Searches
As part of the shortlisting process, the School will carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of its due diligence. This may help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, that the School may want to explore with an applicant at interview. This forms part of the School’s wider safeguarding due diligence which aims to prevent and/or deter individuals who may be unsuitable to work with children from working in a school environment.
Equality and Diversity
Westbrook Hay is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and pupils. This means that employees are treated fairly, irrespective of sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, gender, marital status or other reason. Staff are expected to always comply with the provisions set out in law and school policies on equality and diversity.
Application and Recruitment Process
The deadline for the receipt of applications is 12:00 on Thursday 20th February. To apply for this position, please complete an application via the TES website. Further information or any enquiries can be requested from our HR Officer, Mrs Rachel Franklin ( rachel_franklin@westbrookhay.co.uk ).
It is anticipated that interviews will be held on the week beginning Monday 3rd March. Although the programme is yet to be confirmed it will include an interview, the teaching of a lesson and other tasks. Candidates will be offered a tour of the school and lunch, if the timing is appropriate. Overnight accommodation is available on request.
This appointment is for April 2025 and is a part time fixed term contract for three terms (Summer 2025, Autumn 2025 and Spring 2026), finishing at the end of term in March 2026. Early applications are encouraged and the school reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.