Assistant Headteacher - Full-time

The position would suit an experienced teacher and middle leader ready to take their next step into senior leadership within a small, but committed and hardworking staff. The post requires the candidate to drive standards within their own practice as well as the ability to positively influence the team with research driven teaching.
The successful candidate will:
+ Be able to demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for all children
+ Inspire our children to be independent, creative and happy learners who achieve their potential
+ Be an effective communicator who is able to build strong, trusting relationships with all stakeholders
+ Experience teaching across multiple age groups with a strong knowledge of the National Curriculum, assessment and the ability to drive standards
+ Have a caring and passionate disposition with a good sense of humour
+ Experience at middle leadership level, e.g. Key Stage Lead

Laddingford St Mary's CofE Primary School is a smaller than average rural primary school on the outskirts of Maidstone within easy reach of Barming, Marden, Paddock Wood and Tonbridge.
Following the example of The Good Shepherd and drawing on the parable of The Lost Sheep, we ensure that no-one is left behind. Our school vision of 'welcoming everyone, building foundations, leaving no-one behind' provides the starting point for every decision we make and thing we do here at Laddingford.
Laddingford St Mary's is a happy and vibrant school where children and staff are excited about learning. Our aim is for children to leave Laddingford not only with knowledge but also with the skills and disposition needed to be a successful lifelong learner; throughout all lessons we focus on skills such as inquisitiveness, independence and a positive mind-set. As a result, our children are excited about their learning, hardworking, focused and confident.
We strive unashamedly for academic excellence for all children in our care, whilst also nurturing and celebrating the wide range of other talents that make them special and unique.
Although we are a small school, our numbers are rapidly growing. February 2024 saw the opening of our bespoke Early Years provision. At full capacity we can education just over 100 children, plus our nursery. This means that we truly are one family, we go on whole school trips together and at playtime and lunchtime children socialise happily together across year groups. We are also lucky to have and very proud of our unique off-site Forest School provision. Our recent SIAMS inspection stated "Forest school provides a rich and unique experience. Pupils build their own sense of self-worth as they embrace challenges, as well as develop perseverance, teamwork skills and confidence."
Laddingford St Mary's is a very special place, our school has a warmth and positive buzz that is best experienced firsthand. If you are interested in what we have to offer and think this could be the right school for you, we look forward to hearing from you.
As a school, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff are subject to DBS checks.

Raising aspirations and including everyone is paramount at Laddingford. Positive relationships and high expectations are the key to this success. The role includes 60% teaching commitment with a mixed year group class. Experience of highly effective teaching is essential and flexibility for Key Stage choice is dependent upon candidate experience.
It is an exciting time to join Laddingford St Mary's, our new Headteacher joined the school in January, we achieved a 'Good' Ofsted rating in March 2023, opened a bespoke nursery provision and have recently gained a SIAMS J1 judgement. This is an opportunity to join a school at the next stage of it's journey working closely with the new Headteacher to develop a curriculum and create the very best opportunities for our wonderful pupils.
We show a commitment to continuing professional development and value the ideas and insights that this new role can bring to our school.
As a school, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff are subject to DBS checks.
Visits to the school are highly recommended and can be booked in via Susan Berry in the school office: office@laddingford.kent.sch.uk