Head of Year

Job purpose:

To lead the development of the year group in line with the strategic priorities of the school. To set and maintain high standards of academic excellence and behaviour with the year team.

Strategic direction and development:

• To support and promote school improvement
• To ensure all students within the year group demonstrate the USH Values
• To articulate the USH vision to all stakeholders
• To lead and support the development of a team of tutors to be able to deliver transformational pastoral care.

Key Duties:

• To be the identified lead for the Year Group and take overall responsibility for the coordination of student pastoral care
• Be responsible for the welfare of students within the year group. This includes: following up incidents; maintaining detailed records and student files, particularly in the use of the MIS system; having meetings with parents during or after school as required, sometimes with other senior staff members; arranging consequences where appropriate; and communicating with parents
• To carry out data analysis to allow effective intervention to support students with their academic progress and behaviour.
• To lead learning walks, lesson observations, student panels, attendance discussions, phone calls and meetings with parents.
• Meet fortnightly with the Attendance Officer, identifying students whose attendance and punctuality to school is a concern and implement specific interventions where appropriate
• To line manage a team of tutors and a Pastoral Support Worker.
• Liaise with the Guidance and Learning Support team where appropriate to identify appropriate support.
• Liaise and meet with external agencies as appropriate to support all vulnerable students
• Liaise with tutors to ensure effective tutoring to support the students in the year group
• Monitor and evaluate the standards of achievement and progress of the Year group by using student data and information, meeting with the Data Lead and contributing to Leadership discussions
• Create new timetables for new students or adapt timetables for other students where appropriate
• Organise and lead meetings with tutors and parents, regarding students of concern, vulnerable students and any students who are under-performing
• Identify the success of USH students and promote this to the wider USH community
• Support the students and tutors by promoting House competition, leading assemblies and monitoring tutor groups where appropriate
• Monitor tutor time and take action where appropriate to ensure highly effective tutoring
• Lead and coordinate Parents Evening, using strategies to engage as many parents as possible

Support for Students:

• To develop an understanding of the needs of identified students
• To support the behavioural and emotional needs of the students in line with school policies
• To promote inclusion and acceptance of all students
• To provide feedback to students in relation to progress, achievement and behaviour
• To assist in educational visits for students with additional needs and other school events where appropriate
• To work as part of a team in relation to individual students, liaising, advising and consulting where appropriate
• To be aware of school policies and procedures, including those relating to confidentiality and Child Protection and highlight and discuss any safeguarding concerns at the weekly meetings, taking key action where required