VALLEY PARK COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL
Norton Avenue, Gleadless, Sheffield, S14 1SL
Tel: 0114 2396464 Fax: 0114 237009
www.valleyparkschool.uk.org
Dear Candidate,
Thank you for expressing an interest in the position of Headteacher at Valley Park Community
Primary School.
I am pleased to enclose some key information about Valley Park Community Primary School.
Please find enclosed an application form, a job description and person specification. You are warmly
invited to visit our school from Tuesday 8th to Friday 11th May – please telephone to make an
appointment.
Background
Valley Park Community Primary School opened its doors almost 9 years ago in September 2003 as a
result of the amalgamation of Herdings Nursery, Infant and Junior School and Hemsworth Junior and
Infant School. We are a 2 form entry school taking children from 3 to 11 years of age. We have a
total of 446 pupils currently on roll (80 of these part-time) and 67 staff working together effectively to
meet the needs of Gleadless Valley.
At the moment we have 177 children receiving free school meals, 151 children on the SEN register
and 37 children with English as an additional language. There are a total of 19 different languages
spoken.
Our school has a number of awards including Healthy Schools status and the Extended School
Award.
A Children’s Centre adjoins the school under independent management. We are looking for a new
Headteacher who will be able to develop further links with our school.
Philosophy and Ethos
Our school ethos reflects an inclusive, creative, fun, broad, balanced curriculum with a strong
emphasis placed on outdoor, practical, first hand learning experiences to enrich the learning journey
for every child.
Our school is viewed as being at the heart of the community and we pride ourselves on creating a
nurturing, caring, safe environment. Our staff are committed to ensuring that every child achieves
their full potential, whilst developing independence and confidence to be lifelong learners.
Our next Headteacher will be committed to inspire and challenge all our children, staff and the
community, working in partnership to improve the quality of life for the families of Gleadless Valley.
Ofsted
The school was rated as “Good” in its most recent Ofsted Inspection in September 2011. The
following are extracts from our latest inspection report. To view the full report, please follow the link
on the school website or go directly to the Ofsted website.
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Within a very positive and caring atmosphere, there is clear commitment to improving the
quality of provision and raising attainment further.
The broad curriculum engages all pupils’ interests effectively and enables them to achieve
well. Good attention is paid to planning activities that support pupils’ creative learning and the
structured development of skills.
Pupils of all backgrounds and abilities, including those with special educational needs and/or
disabilities, achieve well. The success of the current developments and the effective
teamwork that is developing indicate a good capacity to sustain improvement.
Very strong partnerships with a wide range of agencies and outside bodies ensure effective
support for pupils and their families who, due to their circumstances, are potentially
vulnerable.
The governing body is highly supportive and has a very good understanding of the school and
its place in the local community.
Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young
people. All staff share this commitment and an enhanced CRB check is required for this post.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
Lilian Randell MBE
Chair of Governors