Head Teacher, Hawkhill Primary School, 487.01 - WEL08756

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The proposed interview dates are long leet 24th January 2025 and short leet 3rd February 2025.

After 1 August 2020, Education Authorities can only appoint the following categories of people as permanent Head Teachers:

• People who have achieved the Standard for Headship.
• People appointed as permanent Head Teachers of a public school, a grant-aided school or an independent school on or before 1 August 2020.

A person who has not yet achieved the Standard for Headship may be appointed as a head teacher, provided the appointment does not exceed 30 months.

We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities, or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

West Lothian Council is committed to far-reaching changes to the way we deliver our Education Services. These changes include giving you the support and environment that you need to get on with your job and develop your abilities. Our dedication is demonstrated by the whole council achievement of the Investors in People Standard and always aiming a little higher in our service delivery and improvements.

The new Hawkhill Primary School and Nursery at Hawkhill in Winchburgh will provide non-denominational education for up to 231 primary and 42 nursery pupils when complete in summer 2025. The new school is required to cope with increasing demand in the growing Winchburgh Core Development Area, which will see a significant number of new homes being built over the next ten years.

The school roll will start off as a single stream but will have a flexible design that will allow for future expansion if required. The site for the new school at Hawkhill, Winchburgh was identified in the 2018 West Lothian Local Development Plan. This location is on the eastern most fringes of Winchburgh, but within the realised masterplan it will be within the heart of a new housing community.

The design of the new state-of-the-art school incorporates elements of the award-winning Calderwood Primary School, with innovation and flexibility as core objectives. The two-storey school is contemporary to suit a range of teaching and learning styles. Learning spaces are flexible in design and include traditional classrooms, some without doors, as well as open plan spaces. Flexible furniture, double-height glazing, and use of color make this a special, bright, and lively space that the pupils and staff can shape to their own needs.

Hawkhill Primary School will form part of the Winchburgh cluster, which includes Winchburgh PS. The cluster has strong working relationships across schools and very effective transition arrangements to Winchburgh Academy. Hawkhill Primary School will be at the heart of a new and growing community and strong leadership will be required to create, build, and grow a strong sense of community spirit and relationships. At the same time, the head teacher will be required to build on and develop established strong community links, giving consideration to the positive relationship developed with Winchburgh Primary School and Holy Family Primary School in the town.

A relevant teaching qualification and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland is essential.

This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Successful candidates will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment, and the cost will be met by the candidate.

The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59 or Existing Member is £18.

Requirements

In the first instance, the Head Teacher, with Senior officers, will be responsible for:

• Creating a positive and ambitious agenda for the whole school community, with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
• Developing creative and innovative approaches to the future development of the curriculum in line with West Lothian's Digital Strategy and commitment to Agile Learning.
• Developing working relationships with Winchburgh Primary School and with Winchburgh Academy.
• Procuring educational resources in fitting with a state-of-the-art school.
• Setting up school policies in line with national and local guidance.
• Managing the recruitment process of teaching and support staff.
• Leading and developing a dynamic staff team that will deliver excellence in learning, teaching, and assessment.