JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE POST OF
RECEPTION CLASS TEACHER
This post is initially for 12 months with the full expectation
that it will become permanent.
1.
THE SCHOOL
King’s Hall School is co-educational, offering day and boarding places to boys and girls from the ages
of three to thirteen. There are about 320 children in the school, 95 of whom are in the Pre Prep.
The school is a member of the Woodard Corporation, a group of forty schools educating boys and
girls in the Christian tradition in most parts of the country. It has close links with King’s College,
Taunton which is on a separate site about three miles away and most pupils transfer there at the age
of 13+.
The school is built around Pyrland Hall, an impressive Georgian country house on the edge of the
Quantock Hills. The 50 acre estate (including 15 acres of playing fields) is entirely surrounded by
National Trust farmland but is also within a mile of Taunton, the county town of Somerset. Bristol and
Exeter are within easy reach while London is a two hour train journey or three hours via the motorway.
The Pre-Prep’s Early Years Foundation Stage consists of a Nursery, which takes children after they
have reached their third birthday, and two Reception classes. Use is made of the Montessori
system in the EYFS. There are then normally two classes in each of Years 1 and 2.
The Prep department, Years 3-8, has two or three classes in each year group. There is continuity of
educational provision between Years 1 and 8.
There is an excellent record of academic, musical, dramatic and sporting achievements throughout
the school. There is a programme of continual development: in the last twelve years this has included
a new sports hall, performing arts centre used for concerts and drama productions, new changing
areas, a computer centre for the Pre Prep and an extensive ICT centre for the Prep. A new full size
all weather pitch (“Astroturf”) was completed in November 2007. The Pre Prep has also recently
undergone an extensive refurbishment.
2.
THE JOB
Responsible to:
The Head of Pre-Prep and through her to the Headmaster.
Responsibilities:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
The teaching of a Reception class.
Planning and implementing the curriculum.
Providing a stimulating environment for the children including work displays inside and outside
the classroom.
Writing reports.
Keeping records/pupil profiles.
Planning assembly and other class activities.
The pastoral care of their class group.
Maintaining a high standard of pupil behaviour for all children.
All members of staff are required to attend and contribute to Assembly, Departmental meetings,
Parents’ evenings, School functions and Staff meetings.
All Pre-Prep staff help with the games and hobbies programmes according to their ability and interests
and are also included on a weekly duty rota either during the day or in the boarding house.
The person appointed must be able to work closely with other members of the department and
establish good relationships with parents.
All members of staff are expected to maintain a high standard of timekeeping and personal
presentation.
3.
4.
REQUIREMENTS

A degree that includes qualifications relevant to teaching in the Early Years Foundation
Stage.

Ability to communicate effectively and build professional relationships with parents and
colleagues.

Up-to-date knowledge of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
OTHER POINTS

Remuneration: King’s Hall has its own salary scale which is at least equivalent to the national
scales.

The post would suit a well qualified candidate looking for a first appointment, or one with a few
years’ experience.

Pensionable under the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

Reduced fees at King’s Hall and King’s College are available for children of staff.
Please return your completed application form, together with covering letter (by post or email) to:
Mr Justin Chippendale
Headmaster
King’s Hall School
Kingston Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA2 8AA
EGuppy@kingshalltaunton.co.uk
The closing date for applications is midday on Tuesday 26 June 2012.
Interviews will be held on Thursday 28 June 2012 (shortlisted candidates will be advised by ‘phone during
the evening of Tuesday 26th).
As part of the interview, shortlisted candidates will be asked to teach a 30 minute Literacy activity to promote
Speaking and Listening skills to a Reception class of 10 children who are currently learning about The
Seaside. A Teaching Assistant is available if required and the classroom has a SMARTBOARD. Planning
for the activity, including details of 'next steps', as well as assessment opportunities, should also be provided.
These notes are for guidance only and have no contractual implications unless/until confirmed.