Principal in Enniskillen

This is a teaching Principal post which provides Principal Release.

PROFESSIONAL DUTIES OF A PRINCIPAL

General Functions

A Principal shall be required to carry out his/her professional duties in accordance with the school’s policy and objectives as determined by the employing authority and, in the case of a controlled school, the Board of Governors and shall obey the reasonable directions of the employing authority and, in the case of a controlled school, the Board of Governors. Subject to paragraph 1 the Principal shall be responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school. In carrying out his/her duties the Principal shall consult, where this is appropriate, with the employing authority, the staff of the school and, in the case of a controlled school, the Board of Governors.

Professional Duties

• 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, as appropriate, with organisations representing teachers and other persons on the 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 any scheme of staff development and performance review of teachers;
• 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;
• Determining measures to promote self‑discipline and proper regard for authority among 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 persons and bodies outside the school;
• Advising and assisting the Board of Governors in the exercise of their functions;
• Providing for liaison and co‑operation with the employing authority;
• Maintaining liaison with other schools and institutions of further education;
• Allocating, controlling and accounting for those financial and material resources of the school;
• Making arrangements for the security and effective supervision of the school buildings and grounds;
• Participating in any scheme of staff development and performance review of principals;
• Arranging for a Vice‑Principal or another suitable person to assume responsibility during absences;
• Participating in the teaching of the pupils at the school;
• To participate in the Performance Review and Staff Development (PRSD) for Principals.

Management of Staff

• Considering how far the duties of the principal may be delegated to any vice‑principal;
• Ensuring that teachers at the school receive information they need to carry out their professional duties effectively.

Training and Development of Staff

• Ensuring that newly‑qualified teachers and those returning to teaching after a break in service have access to adequate support.

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

Shaping the Future

• Keep abreast of and anticipate educational trends;
• Think strategically to build and communicate a shared coherent vision;
• Create an ethos and provide direction, which promotes a culture of high expectation, successful learning and achievement;
• Inspire, challenge, motivate and empower others to carry the vision and ethos forward;
• Model the values and ethos of the school.

Leading and Managing Staff

• Provide high quality leadership to secure improvement;
• Collaborate and network with others within and beyond the school;
• Foster a culture of shared/ distributed leadership;
• Develop, empower and sustain individuals and teams;
• Support the development of an open, fair, equitable culture and manage conflict effectively;
• Support and challenge performance in order to raise standards;
• Work with others to lead professional development for all staff.

Leading Learning and Teaching

• Cultivate enthusiasm for and commitment to the learning process;
• Lead and manage the development of an effective learning and teaching culture;
• Lead and manage the self‑evaluation process;
• Ensure effective implementation of the NI Curriculum.

Developing the School in the Community

• Lead and manage the development and promotion of a positive image of the school;
• Develop and maintain strong and effective relationships with parents and the local community;
• Ensure effective channels of communication are in place between the school and the community;
• Listen to, reflect and act on community feedback;
• Work closely with other relevant statutory and voluntary agencies.

Managing the Organisation

• Prioritise, plan and organise themselves and others;
• Think creatively to anticipate and solve problems;
• Make sound decisions based on informed judgments;
• Establish and maintain appropriate structures and systems;
• Lead and manage the development and implementation of the School Development Plan;
• Delegate tasks and monitor their implementation;
• Manage resources efficiently and effectively.

Ensuring Accountability

• Create and develop a culture in which all Governors and staff recognise accountability;
• Combine the outcomes of regular self‑evaluation and other evaluations to develop the school;
• Lead and manage the process of monitoring and evaluating effectively school outcomes;
• Work closely with and provide effective reports to Governors on the school’s progress.

Conditions of Service

The Conditions of Service for this post will be in accordance with the Regulations of the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances.

Primary Principal – Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Hold a teaching qualification which meets the requirements for recognition to teach in grant‑aided schools in Northern Ireland.

Experience

• Have a minimum of 8 years post qualification teaching experience in primary education;
• Currently hold or have held for a minimum of 2 years a post with experience of strategic leadership or co‑ordination of a whole school area.

Essential Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of The Northern Ireland Primary Curriculum and current policies;
• Current educational developments and the ability to evaluate and respond to new educational challenges.

Skills

• Lead, motivate, manage, challenge and enthuse others;
• Create an ethos and articulate vision for the future of the school;
• Develop good relationships at all levels and promote a collaborative approach.

Personal Qualities

• Vision;
• A sound value system;
• Enthusiasm and motivation;
• Assertiveness and confidence;
• A caring child centred approach;
• Integrity;
• Discretion;
• An ability to cope under pressure;
• Tact and diplomacy;
• Decisiveness;
• Adaptability.

The Board of Governors reserves the right to enhance the essential criteria if necessary. Applicants must be registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) upon taking up employment.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND: The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.