Job advert
Principal Teacher, 35 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, Permanent
We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds
West Lothian Council are committed to far reaching changes to the way we deliver our Education Services. These changes include giving you the support and environment that you need to get on with your job and develop your abilities. Our dedication is demonstrated by the whole council achievement of the Investors in People Standard and always aiming a little higher in our service delivery and improvements.
St. Mary’s R.C. Primary School is a large denominational school serving the community of Bathgate. The school roll is currently pupils, arranged in 13 classes and a small group setting. In addition to this there is a nursery class which opened in April and is housed in a separate building within the school’s grounds. The nursery has capacity to provide a care service to a maximum of 64 children, with no more than 10 aged 2-3 years old, full day Monday – Thursday during term time, to support the Scottish Government requirement of hours of early learning and childcare provision. The school and nursery enrolls pupils from a wide catchment area and our Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) in session /26 amounted to £76,.
The school is currently staffed by a Head Teacher, Depute Head Teacher, 19 Teachers (full and part time) and 1 full time Additional Support for Learning Coordinator. Non Class Contact Time (NCCT) is delivered using 3 of these staff members who develop learning and teaching within various areas of the curriculum. There are 9 Pupil Support Workers deployed across the school to support children with identified learning needs and to support whole school working. We have employed a Family Link Worker using PEF to support children across the school and their families. The nursery is staffed by 2 Early Years Officers, 6 Early Years Practitioners and 1 Pupil Support Worker. There is an Administrative Assistant and a Clerical Assistant.
The school works in partnership with St. Kentigern’s Academy and cluster primary schools as well as the Parish of St. Mary’s and St. Columba’s, the Parent Council, PTA and wider parent forum. St. Mary’s has a very good reputation within the local community and enjoys strong links with a number of local organisations and businesses. These partnerships strengthen our collaborative working and capacity for improvement.
St. Mary’s has a strong, collaborative, nurturing and inclusive ethos. Staff work well together to develop an improvement plan which supports each and every learner as an individual. Our vision, values and aims statement was recently refreshed by all stakeholders and is central to our school’s climate and culture. Staff are committed to continuous improvement in order to maintain high standards of care, welfare and learning for all our children.
The successful candidate will join a highly committed leadership team and wider school community who work together to raise attainment and further develop our curriculum, as well as approaches to effective learning, teaching and assessment. They will have the opportunity to be creative and imaginative in their approach to pedagogy, leadership and management.
Working in close partnership with the Headteacher and all pupils, parents, staff and partners, the successful candidate will contribute to strategic planning and the effective leadership and management of the school, fostering a climate that promotes equity and excellence.
Requirements
Other Information
West Lothian Council is committed to a policy of staff development. Staff will be expected to participate in training and learning events as appropriate to their professional needs and as provided and agreed by the Director of Education.
A relevant teaching qualification and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland is essential.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act. Successful candidates will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment and the cost will be met by the candidate.
The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59 or Existing Member is £18.
Applications are invited from teachers registered or who are eligible for registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. All enquiries and applications for registration should be made direct to the Registrar, The General Teaching Council for Scotland, Clerwood House, 96 Clermiston Road, Edinburgh EH12 6UT. The telephone number is.
Approval by the Catholic Church will be required for this position. Please see for further information. Candidates applying for this post must provide written evidence of approval by the Catholic Church.