What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking for a dedicated and experienced individual to join Harris Academy Beckenham, overseeing welfare-related duties and attendance data and working with at-risk students.
We would like to hear from you if you have:
• An undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
• Knowledge of behaviour for learning policies
• Knowledge of the range of barriers to learning that students face
• Training in child protection and safeguarding procedures
• Basic knowledge of first aid (e.g. emergency first aid course)
• Three years' experience of working in an inner city school or educational establishment in a pastoral capacity
• Experience of dealing successfully with a range of issues influencing poor attendance
• Experience of working with staff to ensure excellent standards of attendance and punctuality are maintained
• Experience of working with families
• Experience of working with challenging students and parents, and finding ways in which we can meet their needs more successfully
What the school offers its staff
Since opening in 2011, Harris Academy Beckenham has gone from strength to strength. We have been oversubscribed for the last three years, rapidly becoming the school of choice in the local area. Our GCSE and A Level results have improved each year, with our English and Maths combined score in 2016 reaching an outstanding 80% A*-C. Our ambition and aspiration will ensure that we continue to focus on the success of all of our students, irrespective of background. Since converting, results have dramatically improved and we secured a judgment of ‘Outstanding' from Ofsted in 2017.
Why work at Harris Academy Beckenham?
‘The school's culture of aspiration and ambition is clearly demonstrated in classes. Teachers are aspirational for their pupils and set high expectations for them. Pupils respond positively. They are determined to do their best and are confident about meeting ambitious targets set by their teachers.' (OFSTED 2017)
We invest in training and resources for our staff to help them make lessons fun, interesting and engaging. Class sizes are kept as small as possible and we place a firm emphasis on good behaviour so that students can learn in a calm and orderly environment.
We have a harmonious community with excellent relationships between students and staff, and our students have a focused and mature attitude towards their academic studies.
In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includesour Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS,a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan including access to a virtual GP, electric car scheme, and many other benefits.
Further details about the role
In this rewarding and varied role, you will:
• Oversee Educational Welfare across the academy
• Manage a caseload of ‘at risk' students where attendance falls below 85%, and implement strategies to improve attendance
• Have responsibility for monitoring the attendance of most vulnerable students at the academy, including Looked after students, those on the child protection register, and children identified as being in need
• Manage the process of addressing poor attendance across the academy
• Represent the academy at external meetings e.g. Social Services Case Conferences, Child in Need Meetings, LAC Reviews
• Line manage the Attendance Officer
• Liaise with Academy Leadership Group to address any attendance or welfare concerns.
• Assist with the smooth running of the student information centre (SIC), ensuring support for students has a positive impact on raising achievement
• Communicate effectively with all external agencies, including possible alternative providers
• Ensure effective and appropriate communication/consultation with parents through phone, letter and home visits as relevant
• Liaise with the local authority when cases of poor attendance reach the level of legal intervention, managing the process of evidence sharing and representing the academy at court were necessary
• Prepare reports and maintain records relating to student referrals and subsequent counselling or support
Commitment to safeguarding
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.