Principal in Craigavon

Overview: This is a teaching Principal post and the school currently has a financial allocation to allow for Principal Release of up to 2 days per week.

Professional Duties: In addition to the role of a teaching Principal, the professional duties of a Principal include:

• Formulating the overall aims and objectives of the school and policies for their implementation;
• Participating in the selection and appointment of the teaching and non-teaching staff of the school;
• Deploying and managing all teaching and non-teaching staff of the school and allocating particular duties to them;
• Ensuring that the duty of providing cover for absent teachers is shared equitably among all teachers in the school;
• Maintaining relationships with organisations representing teachers and other staff of the school;
• Determining, organising and implementing an appropriate curriculum for the school;
• Keeping under review the work and organisation of the school;
• Evaluating the standards of teaching and learning in the school;
• Providing information about the work and performance of the staff employed at the school;
• Participating in staff development and performance review of teachers;
• Ensuring that all staff in the school have access to advice and training appropriate to their needs;
• Ensuring that the progress of the pupils of the school is monitored and recorded;
• Determining and ensuring the implementation of a policy for the pastoral care of the pupils;
• Making arrangements for parents to be given regular information about the school curriculum and the progress of their children;
• Promoting effective relationships with external persons and bodies;
• Advising and assisting the Board of Governors in their functions;
• Providing for liaison and cooperation with the employing authority;
• Maintaining liaison with other schools and institutions of further education;
• Allocating, controlling and accounting for financial and material resources;
• Arranging security and supervision of the school buildings;
• Participating in staff development and performance review of principals;
• Arranging for a Vice-Principal or another suitable person to assume responsibilities when absent;
• Participating in teaching of pupils and providing cover for absent teachers as appropriate;
• Participating in the Performance Review and Staff Development (PRSD) for Principals.

Management and Development of Staff: The following professional duties have been amended to include:

• Consideration of how duties may be delegated to a vice-principal;
• Ensuring that teachers receive information they need to carry out their professional duties effectively.

Training and Development: Ensuring that newly-qualified teachers and those returning to teaching have access to adequate support in their first years of service.

A successful candidate will be able to demonstrate relevant experience, knowledge and skills in the following key areas:

• Shaping the Future
• Leading and Managing Staff
• Leading Learning and Teaching
• Developing the School in the Community
• Managing the Organisation
• Ensuring Accountability

Conditions of Service: The Conditions of Service for this post are in accordance with the Regulations of the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. The job description is subject to revision and may include other duties.

Person Specification: Essential criteria that will be applied at shortlisting:

• Applicants must hold a teaching qualification recognized to teach in grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland.
• Have a minimum of 7 years post-qualification primary teaching experience or equivalent within the last 12 years;
• Currently hold or have held for at least 5 years a post with strategic leadership or whole-school coordination.

Knowledge: The NI Primary Curriculum and current policies and procedures; Current educational developments and ability to manage change; Effective pedagogy and high standards of teaching and achievement.

Skills: Lead, motivate, manage, challenge and enthuse others; Create an ethos and vision for the future; Develop relationships and promote collaboration among staff, pupils, parents and governors.

Personal Qualities: Vision; A sound value system; Enthusiasm and motivation; Assertiveness and confidence; A caring, child-centred approach; Integrity; Advocacy and empathy; Discretion; Ability to cope under pressure; Tact and diplomacy; Decisiveness; Adaptability.

The Board of Governors reserves the right to enhance the essential criteria if necessary to facilitate shortlist.

Disclosure of Criminal Background: The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children as regulated activity. If recommended for appointment to a post involving regulated activity, the Education Authority will undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.