recruitment pack academy student transportation supervisor 1

							             Recruitment Pack

Student Transportation Supervisor

Closing Date: Friday 28th September 2012, 9:00am
          Interviews: To be confirmed
Contents

A Message from the Principal ...................................................................................... 1

About the Sponsor ....................................................................................................... 2

What is an Academy? .................................................................................................. 2

Introduction to the Academy ....................................................................................... 2

The Vision .................................................................................................................... 3

Specialisms: Technology, Enterprise & Innovation ....................................................... 3

The Academy Curriculum ............................................................................................. 4

The Context ................................................................................................................. 5

Job Description ............................................................................................................ 6

Person Specification..................................................................................................... 8

How to Apply ............................................................................................................... 9
  Key Dates ............................................................................................................................................ 9

  Person Specification ........................................................................................................................... 9

  Job Description ................................................................................................................................... 9

Academy Location........................................................................................................ 9

Additional Information ................................................................................................ 9
A Message from the Principal
Dear Applicant,

Thank you for downloading this application pack and for your interest in
becoming the Student Transportation Supervisor for the Discovery Academy in
Stoke.

The academy opened in September 2011 ready to educate 1500 students from
ages 11-16. It replaced Mitchell Business & Enterprise College and Edensor
Technology College, and is now operating on both sites for two years before
moving to brand new buildings in Willfield.

We have been working over the past 12 months to develop an innovative and challenging curriculum base
that focuses on personalised learning, details of which can be found in this application pack. We will offer
exciting academic and vocational opportunities to the children of Stoke as well as to the wider community.

We are sponsored by Stoke on Trent College, and our governing body includes representatives from Stoke
6th Form College and Staffordshire University. As well-respected providers of post-16 education, their
partnership with us is essential to one of the other cornerstones of our curriculum – post-16 progression
pathways.

Our ethos is based around nurture and encouragement to drive outstanding achievement – this not only
applies to our students but also our staff. Through continual professional development and extensive
pastoral programmes, we will create an environment which enables staff to set their own goals and develop
themselves as professionals.

In summary, we're looking for dedicated and enthusiastic people to join our vibrant staff and help us
improve educational opportunities for all learners in Stoke.

If that sounds like you, I look forward to reading your application and meeting you very soon.

Yours sincerely,

Rob Ridout
Principal




Recruitment Pack: Student Transportation Supervisor                                                            1
The Discovery Academy
About the Sponsor
The sponsor for the Academy is Stoke-on-Trent College.

Stoke-on-Trent College is a large further education college committed to supporting the regeneration of
Stoke-on-Trent by the provision of excellence in education and raising aspirations across the City. The
College has a significant understanding of the needs of local learners and in collaboration with the City
Council and other educational institutions is committed to tackling the high levels of deprivation in Stoke-on-
Trent including the high level of young people who are NEETs and out of work.

The College successfully provides foundation programmes and functional skills and the Skills for Life faculty
supports fulltime students to achieve high levels of success. Its 3000 16 -18 learners are predominantly
following vocational courses including a range of diplomas and there is a very strong apprenticeship
programme. The College has been awarded the Training Quality Standard and has extensive employer
engagement links; working with over 500 companies. The College will ensure that the Academy is able to
benefit from its extensive business links and that students are able to access work placements and work
experience opportunities in innovative and enterprising environments.

The College also plays a significant part in the local community and is a key partner in the University Quarter
shared developments involving the College, Staffordshire University, and Stoke on Trent 6th Form College.
The College has also collaborated with the 6th Form College to deliver a range of vocational and A-level
courses at its Burslem Campus and with the Local Authority to deliver a very successful BTEC consortium
which will transform into the diploma consortium.




What is an Academy?
An Academy is a publicly funded state school, with an independent governing body accountable to the
government, which provides free education for students of all abilities in its local and wider communities.
Whilst Academies are independent of the Local Authority, they are nonetheless part of the wider family of
schools and other educational institutions in their area.

Academies are established by sponsors from a wide range of backgrounds who are responsible for securing
the very best education for students in their communities in partnership with the Principal and the Academy
Leadership Team




Introduction to the Academy
The Discovery Academy has an admission number of 240, providing 1200 11-16 places, a reduction of just
over 4 forms of entry in line with the local authority's reorganisation plans.

The academy replaced two schools, Mitchell Business & Enterprise College and Edensor Technology College,
and operates on both sites since opening in September 2011. It is currently planned that the academy will
move to new buildings on the Willfield site in September 2013.




Recruitment Pack: Student Transportation Supervisor                                                               2
The Discovery Academy
The Vision
The Sponsor recognises that the skills agenda replaces the notion of a job for life with the ambition of
employability for life and will, through the Academy's progressive and personalised curriculum delivered
through an applied learning approach; aim to improve students' aspirations and employability skills.

The name, The Discovery Academy, embodies our aims, approaches and our ambition for each student to:

   Discover yourself: and become confident individuals who respect and care for each other, are
    motivated, have a positive attitude and are resilient;

   Discover a Love of learning: through challenge, creativity and fun which are keys to lifelong learning
    which embraces Technology, Innovation and Enterprise;

   Discover Potential: through an inclusive environment which supports every individual to be the best
    they can be;

   Discover Success: through high expectations and aspirations which lead to the celebration of
    outstanding achievement; and

   Discover life: with the whole community working together to secure bright futures.




Specialisms: Technology, Enterprise & Innovation
The Academy will build on the experience of the predecessor schools in technology and business and
enterprise to develop specialisms in Technology and in Innovation and Enterprise. These will be underpinned
by an Applied Learning approach to develop students' knowledge and understanding, skills, competencies
and attitudes relevant to employment and the working environment.

An applied learning approach will offer students the opportunity to achieve the highest standards, yet
benefit from a range of different learning and assessment styles and activities. It will add a different
dimension to the vision and will provide a wider range of options to meet students' aptitudes, abilities and
interests and so enable them to raise their levels of achievement, increase motivation, confidence, and
ability to achieve in other core subjects. As a centre of excellence for technology, enterprise and innovation
the Academy will draw upon best practice nationally and globally.




Recruitment Pack: Student Transportation Supervisor                                                              3
The Discovery Academy
The Academy Curriculum
The Academy will provide a rich education which offered: chances for every student to achieve; choices
through personalised and varied pathways; clear progression routes to FE and employability; and through
collaboration enriched opportunities for every student. We will inspire and motivate students on their
journey of discovery through a focus on:

   More active and experiential learning-with students working in groups or teams on projects or other
    practical assignments including further development of customer front facing business units linked to
    diploma studies. Current examples include a Juice Bar, Walk on community market and Big Brother
    activity: where possible real life working contexts will be utilised;

   Functional skills, particularly English, maths, ICT and occupation-related essential skills of team working,
    independent enquiry, self-management, reflective learning, effective participation, and creative
    thinking;

   Greater personalisation with students experiencing one-to-one support from a teacher, trainer, or
    mentor; work related experience based on individual needs and interests; fulfilling particular roles within
    the team; elements of negotiation in the choice of practical assignments and modes of presentation of
    outcomes; and choice of academic, applied, or work related pathways;

   Weekly tutorials and ongoing mentoring to support students in goal setting and progress monitoring, in
    preparation for exams assessments, in course work, career choice and transition; and for parents
    mentoring to help them help their children to succeed;

   Reorganised lesson length and timing and twilight sessions to enable lengthy and sustained work
    sessions and off-site visits and to accommodate tutorials;

   A rigorous approach to data management with the addition of student satisfaction, participation and
    progress as key criteria as well as attainment and value added;

   All learning staff having a confident understanding of the work environment.

All students will study English, maths, science, foundation subjects, ICT, PE, citizenship, work-related
learning and enterprise; a course within any or all of the areas of the arts, design and technology,
humanities, modern foreign languages it they wish to developing functional skills in English, maths, ICT and
developing personal learning and thinking skills. Good practice will be evidenced within the specialisms and
will pervade the whole curriculum. Enterprise and innovation will be specifically taught and the application
of technology will be encouraged in all subjects. Diploma lines and CoCo studies (Community Cohesion,
Enterprise and RE) will enrich the curriculum at KS3 and 4 further enhanced by the College's model of
enrichment activities.




Recruitment Pack: Student Transportation Supervisor                                                                4
The Discovery Academy
The Context
The City of Stoke- on-Trent is in the West Midlands and has a population, of around 240,000, which is
predominately white British but with an increasing minority ethnic community.

The City has a legacy of poor housing, a low skill low wage economy, a population with low literacy and
qualification levels and significant health challenges, including one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in
Europe; and very high numbers of 16 and 17 year olds who are not in education, employment or training.

There are ambitious plans to transform the City through major investment in health, housing, economic
development, and education of which the Council's secondary education transformation strategy and its BSF
programme, together with major capital projects in FE and HE, form a central part.

A reorganised estate of 9 Trust schools and 5 academies will transform secondary education in the City and,
working with FE and sixth form colleges, training providers, universities and employers, will be a major
catalyst for regeneration and social cohesion.

At the heart of the Council's secondary education transformation vision are 5 key principles- placing the
learner at the core; supporting high quality leadership, management and staff development; placing the
school at the heart of the community; creating an environment for learning: and developing the City-wide
dimension. The sponsors of the 5 proposed academies are committed to these principles and to
collaborative working particularly through the well established 14-19 partnership and collegiate
arrangements for post-16, and to addressing key priorities and outcomes in the City's Children and Young
People's Plan.

The Academy is sponsored by Stoke-on-Trent FE College and has replaced Mitchell Business and Enterprise
College and Edensor Technology College which are located in the East of the City.




Recruitment Pack: Student Transportation Supervisor                                                               5
The Discovery Academy
Job Description
The Discovery Academy wishes to appoint an experienced and suitably qualified Student Transportation
Supervisor to support the work of the Academy. This is a term time temporary contract. The Discovery
Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects
all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check under the rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).

Candidates called for interview will be required to provide photographic proof of identity, proof of address
and original qualification documents.

Closing date: 28th September 2012, 9.00am

The successful candidate will need to be in tune with the ethos of the Discovery Academy and will be
responsible for:
     working with the driver to ensure that all students are checked on entry and exit from the bus to
       ensure student safety and enter Academy premises as directed
     monitor the students on and off the bus and ensuring acceptable behaviour at all times
     supervision of students on the school bus to ensure safety for both staff, students and the general
       public (including checks to ensure seatbelts and head rests are being used appropriately and that the
       students remain in their seats at all times)
     enforcement of the school behaviour policy and the reporting of any incidents or unsatisfactory
       behaviour to the Assistant Principal
     communicating, using agreed Academy protocols, with parents of students on the bus to ensure
       efficient and safe practice
     collecting and dropping off students at designated locations and times
     being responsible for students in the event of a breakdown or accident and taking the relevant
       action promptly and effectively
     dealing with accidents/ incidents and reporting them to the School Office/Assistant Principal, as
       appropriate
     any other relevant and appropriate occasional duties that may be required by the Head/Assistant
       Principal/Director of Operations and Finance
     Responsible to the Director of Operations and Finance.


Required from 1st October 2012. Fixed term temporary post until 31st August 2013.
Hours of work: 15 hours per week. Mon to Fri - 7.30am to 9.00am and then 2.30pm to 4.00pm. Term time
only
Sick and holiday pay are in accordance with statutory requirements.


               Post Title                       Level              Salary
         Student Transportation                   3           £4897 (actual pay)
              Supervisor




Recruitment Pack: Student Transportation Supervisor                                                            6
The Discovery Academy
Support to Students and Staff
        To accompany the driver in transferring students between the Academy sites
        To accompany the driver when taking students to and collecting from colleges/higher education
         establishments as required-mornings and afternoons. Taking registers of students who travel.
        To accompany the driver when taking students and members of staff to games’ meetings after the
         Academy
        To accompany students and members of staff on Academy trips


Support to the Academy (this list is not exhaustive and should reflect the ethos of the Academy)
        Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons you are responsible for or come
         into contact with
        Comply and assist with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection.
         health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an
         appropriate person
        Be aware of, support and ensure equal opportunities for all
        Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the Academy
        Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/professionals
        Attend and participate in regular meetings
        Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required
        Recognise own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to advise and support others




Recruitment Pack: Student Transportation Supervisor                                                        7
The Discovery Academy
Person Specification

 Essential Criteria                                                              Measured By

    Experience                                                                   Application Form
     Good interpersonal/communication skills                                    Interview
 Qualifications/Training
                                                                                 Interview
          Good level of numeracy and literacy
          Complete a clearance form for the Criminal Reference Bureau
 Knowledge/Skills                                                                Application Form
     Ability to work constructively as part of a team                           Interview
     Experience of working with young people in an educational setting
     Experience of working with students with challenging behaviour
     Ability to relate well to children and to adults
     Good organising and prioritising skills
     First Aid qualification or a willingness to undertake one
 Behavioural Attributes                                                          Application Form
     Customer focused                                                           Interview
     Has a friendly yet professional and respectful approach which
         demonstrates support and shows mutual respect
     Open, honest and an active listener
     Takes responsibility and accountability
     Committed to the needs of the students, parents and other
         stakeholders and challenge barriers and blocks to providing an
         effective service
     Demonstrates a ‘can do’ attitude including suggesting solutions,
         participating, trusting and encouraging others and achieving
         expectations
     Is committed to the provision and improvement of quality service
         provision
     Is adaptable to change/embraces and welcomes change
     Acts with pace and urgency being energetic, enthusiastic and decisive
     Communicates effectively
     Has the ability to learn from experiences and challenges
     Is committed to the continuous development of self and others by
         keeping up to date and sharing knowledge, encouraging new ideas,
         seeking new opportunities and challenges, open to ideas and
         developing new skills


In addition to the ability to perform the duties of the post, issues relating to safeguarding and promoting
the welfare of children will need to be demonstrated, these will include:
     Motivation to work with children and young people
     Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and
        young people
     Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours and
     Attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline




Recruitment Pack: Student Transportation Supervisor                                                           8
The Discovery Academy
How to Apply
If you decide to apply for this post please complete the attached application form. Your formal letter of
application (supporting statement) should be no longer than 2 sides of A4 and should address:
 Why the post attracts you
 How your experiences and achievements match the job and person specification

Please return your completed application to: apply@thediscoveryacademy.co.uk

If you would like to arrange professional discussion about the post please call the Academy on 01782
233933.


Key Dates

Closing Date: 28th September 2012, at 9.00am
Interviews:   To be confirmed


Person Specification
This specification sets out which criteria will be used to shortlist candidates for interview.


Job Description

This tells you the main responsibilities of the post and explains what we are looking for. It tells you about the
personal and professional qualities you need for this post. These criteria will be used to make the
appointment.




Academy Location
Discovery North: Corneville Road, Bucknall, Stoke on Trent, ST2 9EY

Discovery South: Greendock Street, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 2NA




Additional Information
Ofsted Reports: www.ofsted.gov.uk

Information on the Sponsor: www.stokecoll.ac.uk

Information about Stoke City council: www.stoke.gov.uk




Recruitment Pack: Student Transportation Supervisor                                                             9
The Discovery Academy