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 Key Stage Two Class Teacher (Maternity Cover) who can help us with achieving our mission and thrive under this ethos, supporting our pupils to reach their full potential as they move through the school.
Key Stage Two Class Teacher (Maternity Cover) Vacancy
We are seeking a candidate to join the Prep Department as a Key Stage Two Class Teacher (Maternity Cover). 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.
Prep Department: The Head of Prep leads the Prep Department, which consists of Years 3-4 Class Teachers, Year 5-6 Form Tutors, Subject Specialists and Prep Teaching Assistant. The Head of Prep is assisted in leading this section of the school by the Prep Academic Lead and Prep Pastoral Lead, as well as working closely with the Academic & Pastoral Leadership Teams and Executive Group.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a desire to work independently and as a part of the 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. The Prep Department are supported by the Prep Teaching Assistant, Graduate Tutors and Gap Students. Teachers are responsible for directing the additional staff with supporting individuals and groups during lessons.
Class Teacher: Years 3-4 Class Teachers teach English, Maths, Art, Computing, Geography, Handwriting, History, PSHE, Reading, Religious Studies and Science. Subject Specialists are timetabled to teach Prep pupils in Dance, Design Technology, Drama, French, Games, Music, Outdoor Learning and Physical Education. A thorough knowledge of Key Stage Two National Curriculum is essential.
Some of the Years 3-4 Class Teachers combine the role with other responsibilities from different tiers of the school’s leadership and management structure. Others are subject specialists, teaching other year groups in the Prep and Seniors Departments. A number are involved with sport coaching, assisting with the teaching of Games. It is important that candidates are able to show that they are enthusiastic, flexible and open to new experiences.
Salary and Benefits
This is a 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.