WOODLANDS PRIMARY SCHOOL
Person Specification for Assistant Headteacher (knowledge, experience and personal attributes)
The following outlines the key skills and experience required for this position. The selection panel will assess each candidate against the
criteria listed below, expecting candidates to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of each area and show evidence of having
applied (or awareness of how to apply) this knowledge and understanding in the school context.
The panel will use the following assessment tools: application form and letter, interview, assessment activities, references and other
employment checks.
Attributes
Qualifications
and
Professional
Development
Professional
Experience
Leadership
Criteria
Source of
Evidence
Requirement
Qualified teacher status/sound academic background
A
E
Evidence of recent and relevant professional development
A
E
Additional qualification eg Masters Degree
A
D
Experience of leadership at a senior level. TLR / EYFS consultant
AI
D
Senior Leadership Team experience in a mainstream primary school
AI
E
Outstanding classroom practitioner, as evidenced by Ofsted/Performance
Management, across the primary phase
AI
E
Experience of teaching in two or more primary schools, with at least 5 years
experience in the primary sector
AI
D
Experience of teaching and learning within EYFS
AI
E
Proven ability in curriculum leadership, with particular strength in EYFS
AI
E
Proven experience of successful delivery against agreed strategic plans (SSDP)
AI
E
Experience of using ICT effectively for school management, curriculum
development and pupil progress
AI
D
Excellent management of pupils’ behaviour
AI
E
Passion and commitment to promoting inclusion and to meeting the needs of all
pupils
AI
E
Evidence of sound knowledge of children’s centre initiatives and multi-agency
working
AI
D
Track record of providing inspirational strong leadership within EYFS/KS1, thereby
improving outcomes for all learners
AI
E
Track record of leading by example to promote the school’s vision and values
AI
E
Experience of carrying out staff performance reviews and acting upon any issues that
arise
AI
E
Ability to demonstrate initiative and effective leadership in managing the complex
process of change
AI
E
Track record of providing a collaborative style of leadership
AI
E
Ability to handle difficult situations sensitively and resolve conflict
AI
E
Excellent understanding of how children learn and of effective teaching methods
AI
E
Experience of/commitment to promoting interactive, collaborative learning (Learn 2
Learn, Kagan Co-operative learning Structures etc)
AI
D
A clear understanding of best practice with regard to the principles of assessment in
EYFS.
AI
E
Evidence of clear, straightforward systems for tracking progress within EYFS/KS1
from baseline and measuring attainment (eg implications of the Dame Tickell report
and new OFSTED Evaluation Schedule for EY provision.
AI
E
Evidence of a sound knowledge of current major issues.
AI
E
Thorough knowledge of the primary curriculum, effective provision and skills based
learning
AI
E
Proven track record of working successfully in partnership with parents and the
wider community, ensuring that all parents are:
AI
E
Actively draw on the richness and diversity within school communities to enhance
learning opportunities
AI
E
Safeguarding
and Equal
Opportunities
Evidence of a commitment to promoting the welfare and safeguarding of children
AI
E
Evidence of promoting, implementing and monitoring equal opportunities across all
aspects of school life
AI
E
Personal
Management
Skills
Prioritise tasks and manage time/workload efficiently and effectively
AI
E
Works effectively under pressure and meets deadlines
AI
E
Takes responsibility for personal professional development
AI
E
Manage work/life balance and pursue personal interests/hobbies
AI
E
Demonstrates emotional intelligence, excellent interpersonal skills and empathy with
children and adults
AI
E
Relates well to children and shares their interests and enthusiasms
AI
E
Effective communicator – self aware/perceptive
AI
E
Adaptable to changing circumstances and new ideas
AI
E
Demonstrates personal impact and presence
AI
E
Demonstrates creativity and imagination to anticipate and solve problems
AI
E
Demonstrates good judgement and the ability to inspire, challenge and enable others
AI
E
Demonstrates commitment, reliability and integrity
AI
E
Is resilient, robust and calm under pressure
AI
E
Has stamina, boundless enthusiasm and a good sense of humour
AI
E
Demonstrates an optimistic stance in all circumstances
AI
E
Learning and
Teaching
Community


Personal
Attributes
well informed about the curriculum, pupil attainment and progress
clear about the contribution that they can make to support their children’s
learning
KEY
A = Application Form I = Interview
E = Essential
D = Desirable
Referees will be asked to comment upon how the applicant meets the attributes
outlined above.