Job Description
bJOB DESCRIPTION
bSERVICE AREA: EDUCATION DIRECTORATE – CONTROLLED SCHOOLS’ UNIT
bRESPONSIBLE TO: PROGRAMME DIRECTOR CONTROLLED SCHOOLS’ UNIT
* Controlled Schools’ Unit (CSU) – Educational Partner (Nursery & Primary)
Responsibilities
The CSU – Educational Partner (Nursery & Primary) will lead the provision of high‑quality strategic support and challenge to Controlled Schools across the region, improve educational outcomes, and support the Education Authority’s implementation of the TransformED programme and other DE and EA priorities.
* Provide challenge and support to Controlled Schools in raising standards and enabling the EA to meet Department of Education priorities.
* Act as an Educational Partner for Controlled Schools ensuring the provision of support and challenge in relation to:
o Leadership and management.
o Self‑evaluation.
o School development planning & target setting.
o Academic performance.
o Learning and teaching.
o Leading identified aspects of school improvement within the CSU team.
o Analysing school performance and management data, contributing to development of school profiles and information systems.
o Identifying Controlled Schools with potential or actual concern.
o Representing the EA at Boards of Governors’ meetings, where required.
o Assuming the role of Assessor within the appointment scheme for Controlled Schools, as required.
o Attending meetings relating to the inspection process in Controlled Schools across the region.
o Leading and contributing to project teams and working groups for EA & DE priorities, as required.
o Minding personal knowledge of the curriculum, teacher professional learning, and strategies for monitoring, evaluation, and development of high‑quality provision.
o Contributing to responses to Assembly Questions, FOI requests, correspondence and complaints relating to schools within the locality.
o Preparing EA Board and Committee papers, as required.
o Undertaking such training as may be required for personal and professional development.
* Other duties and responsibilities applicable to the role of CSU Educational Partner
o Challenge performance and work to agreed protocols.
o Act as an enabler by providing professional support to drive delivery.
o Enable knowledge transfer through reference to up‑to‑date knowledge and access to local and national exemplars.
o Analyse all aspects of a school’s performance; including examination data, inspection and/or review evidence.
o Support schools to self‑evaluate the quality of leadership, governance, learning and teaching, and pastoral provision.
o Support schools to challenge underperformance and assist with improvement.
o Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant educational legislation and guidance.
o Lead and advise on governance roles, responsibilities and relationships, including school performance and financial accountability.
o Promote good corporate governance behaviour and adherence to the Nolan Principles of conduct.
Person Specification – Essential Criteria
* Hold a teaching qualification meeting the requirements for recognition to teach in grant‑aided schools in Northern Ireland.
* Have a minimum of two years’ demonstrable experience of leading and contributing to at least three of the following areas within the nursery and/or primary sector:
o School Improvement.
o Teacher Professional Learning.
o Development and facilitation of school and teacher networks.
o The identification and dissemination of effective practice.
o Collaboration and/or consultation with a range of stakeholders.
* Have demonstrable experience of making a strategic contribution to measurable improvements in school performance.
* Have demonstrable experience of successfully leading teams or working groups to achieve targets or objectives.
* Access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for EA business) or evidence of alternative transport meeting the post’s mobility requirements.
Essential Criteria – Knowledge and Skills
* Demonstrable knowledge of current and anticipated challenges facing the wider education sector in Northern Ireland.
* Knowledge of the EA’s strategic priorities and corporate objectives.
* Knowledge of statutory responsibilities, policies and procedures relevant to the work of the Education Directorate.
* Knowledge of the scope of the Education Directorate’s responsibilities and the structures and processes through which its services are delivered.
* Knowledge of the reach of EA services and the relevant stakeholder groups.
* Knowledge of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
* Skills/abilities to: build effective working relationships, lead and coordinate teams, work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders; work autonomously, make sound decisions, negotiate and influence; analyse and interpret complex information; manage time and workloads effectively; present and communicate effectively with integrity and initiative.
Desirable Criteria
* Demonstrable experience of leading a key area of the curriculum to include monitoring and evaluating to bring about school improvement.
* Three years’ demonstrable experience in at least the following areas:
o School Improvement.
o Teacher Professional Learning.
o Development and facilitation of school and teacher networks.
Equal Opportunities and Disclosure
The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations and equality of opportunity.
Applicants may be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate for regulated activity. The cost will be covered by the Education Authority.
Further information on criminal background checks can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.
Applicant Guidance
Applicant guidance notes: available online.
Information on benefits: available online.
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