catering assistant ark academy - brent council catering... · 2013-08-15 · 2 | august 2013 dear...
TRANSCRIPT
Catering Assistant
Ark Academy
Candidate Information Brief
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August 2013
Dear candidate,
Thank you for taking the time to find out more about Ark Academy in Wembley Park and the possibility
of working here. Included in this information pack is information about the academy, ARK Schools
(who sponsor the academy) and the role of Catering Assistant.
Ark Academy, rated as Outstanding in its last Ofsted inspection, opened to reception pupils in
September 2008 in high quality, specialist designed temporary accommodation. Ofsted stated that
“[p]upils make outstanding progress in their studies. They greatly enjoy coming to school and attendance is high. Pupils
behave well and they respond enthusiastically to the growing team of dedicated staff.” (November 2010)
In September 2010 the brand new, all-through, academy was founded; as the first year 7 intake arrived
and the new buildings were completed. The academy is growing year on year and in September 2013 the
first cohort of students will begin GCSE courses.
This is a unique opportunity to join a community of staff striving to maintain and continue to create an
outstanding comprehensive school. You will assist the Catering Manager with all aspects of food
preparation, food service, kitchen hygiene and other duties associated with the running of the academies
kitchen.
The Catering Assistant will have the opportunity to be part of a new school that has the highest
expectations of pupils and is striving for absolute excellence in its staff, the environment and teaching
lessons. By joining ARK Schools, the successful candidate will have access to a range of tailored
professional development opportunities within the academy and across the network.
For further information please visit www.arkacademy.org . To apply, please complete the online
application form found at: https://application.arkschools.net/?r=NPTNN8Ns. Applications should be
made by no later than 9am on Wednesday 28 August.
If you would like to discuss the role, or if you have any technical issues with the application form, please
contact Holly Harris on 0203 116 0894 or [email protected] .
Yours sincerely,
Delia Smith, OBE
Principal, Ark Academy
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Ark Academy
The Principal
Delia Smith is the founding principal of Ark Academy. Previously she
was the headteacher of St Angela’s Ursuline School in Forest Gate for
14 years. She has also been a schools’ inspector and was awarded an
OBE for services to education.
About Ark Academy We are a non-selective school specialising in mathematics and
citizenship that serves children of all abilities. Our commitment is to know every pupil as an individual,
and to foster the principles of team spirit, responsibility and care for others. Our pupils enjoy both a
nurturing environment and the social benefits of a small school and the range and resources of a large,
well equipped academy.
Aims, Vision and Ethos
We are very ambitious for our pupils. Our aim is to ensure that all our students develop as high-
achieving, confident, articulate young people whose education fully equips them to go on to university or
the career of their choice. The foundations for that achievement are laid at primary school.
Our motto ‘Civitas’ is our core principle and relates to our specialist subject of Citizenship. We also
believe in:
● Academic achievement, no excuses ● Personal responsibility and mutual respect ● Behaviour – we emphasise the importance of good behaviour ● Commitment – our home-school agreement demonstrates our commitment to putting in the
effort to ensure each child succeeds.
We expect a great deal of hard work from our pupils because we know that is what is needed to succeed.
We demand high standards from children, staff and parents, and believe that the simple formula of
“work hard, be nice” will ensure the best future for our pupils.
We instil in our students a commitment to these shared values:
● Excellence ● Citizenship ● Participation ● Persistence
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Inspiring Excellence: Our Curriculum
We are passionate about learning and teaching
and we want to inspire a love of learning in all
our students. Teaching is at the core of
everything we do – without outstanding lessons
we can’t be an outstanding school. Our approach
ensures that all compulsory aspects of the
national curriculum are covered, while our longer
school day and additional enrichment classes
help us turn today’s students into tomorrow’s
leaders.
Our approach:
● Depth before breadth: we are committed to the effective teaching of literacy and numeracy. We
know our students need to become skilled communicators who are confident with numbers, so
our curriculum has a strong focus on English and mathematics.
● Extended hours: our students work longer hours than typical school students, and both primary
and secondary departments benefit from an extended curriculum.
● Rigorous assessment: we regularly evaluate student progress to ensure all children are catered to
as individuals.
Enrichment
We provide students with enrichment classes, giving them the opportunity to study areas which help
them develop into well-rounded people. This ranges from performing arts, including drama and glee
club to sports, chess and gardening.
Facilities
Our buildings were designed by award winning architects Studio E (who created the successful design
for City of London Academy in Southwark) and are organised to support calm and ordered learning.
Pupils have access to specialist indoor and outdoor sports facilities, excellent science and ICT facilities,
music, Design and Technology, art and drama studios and a 150 sqm, well-stocked and up-to-date library
as well as inviting and well-equipped classrooms.
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About ARK Schools
ARK Schools is an education charity set up in
2004 to create a network of high-achieving, non-
selective, inner city schools where all pupils,
regardless of their background or prior
attainment, achieve highly enough by age 18 to
have real choices: to go on to university or the
career of their choice. ARK Schools has no faith
affiliations.
All the ARK schools are situated in areas of high
deprivation or educational need and our pupil
profile reflects this: over half of our pupils are eligible for free school meals compared to 18% nationally.
The ARK network is growing: we operate 18 academies across London, Portsmouth and Birmingham
and aim to have 50 schools open by 2015. At this size, we will be able to achieve our vision of creating a
sustainable network of outstanding schools succeeding in closing the achievement gap. We’re growing as
quickly as we can but as slowly as necessary to ensure we never compromise on quality.
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Track record ARK Schools is one of the top-performing academy operators in the country. 11 of the 12 ARK
academies inspected by Ofsted so far are rated good or outstanding. The average annual GCSE
improvement rate amongst the five ARK academies with year 11 pupils is 6.6 percentage points since
each school opened as an academy.
Secondary
Percentage of pupils passing five GCSEs at A*-C including English and mathematics
Year of
opening
Final
results of
predecessor
school %
2012
Percentage
point increase
since opening
Av. annual
percentage point
increase since
opening as ARK
academy
Burlington
Danes 2006 31 66 35 5.8
Walworth 2007 27 60 33 6.6
Globe 2008 26 45 19 4.8
St Alban’s 2009 31 51 20 6.7
Charter 2009 21 48 27 9
Average across ARK Schools 56 6.6
Primary
At primary level, our four schools with Key Stage 1 pupils in 2011/12 achieved results above national
levels at the expected benchmark of level 2.
Percentage of pupils achieving level 2 by the end of Year 2 (2011/12)
Reading Writing Maths
ARK network 94 91 96
National
(2011)
87 83 91
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Our Approach Each of the ARK academies has its own distinctive character, reflecting its local community and history
but all share a commitment to the six ARK pillars:
1. HIGH EXPECTATIONS We set exceptionally high expectations for our
pupils and do whatever it takes to achieve these:
At primary, at least 90% of pupils achieve
level 4a in English and maths by Year 6
so they are fully prepared for secondary
school
At secondary, at least 80% of pupils
achieve five good GCSEs including
English and maths
In the sixth form, at least 80% qualify for
a good university and all will secure a
university place, job or training course.
Our aspirations are no lower for our most
vulnerable pupils. We work together to ensure
that pupils with special educational needs receive
the high quality provision they need to achieve
their full potential.
2. EXCELLENT TEACHING Nothing is more important than excellent teaching, underpinned by high quality professional
development. We prioritise learning and development and ensure that teaching and operational staff
have access to high quality professional development opportunities, at all stages of their career.
3. EXEMPLARY BEHAVIOUR Our schools have a respectful and orderly atmosphere, where teachers can focus on teaching and pupils
on learning.
4. DEPTH BEFORE BREADTH We prioritise depth before breadth, so that all pupils secure firm foundations in English and maths as
early as possible. At primary school and key stage 3, pupils receive above average teaching time in
English and maths, with more time for students who are working below year level expectations.
At key stages 4 and 5, ARK prioritises academic pathways that will enable the majority of our pupils to
go to university. For those pupils for whom this is not appropriate, valuable alternative pathways are
provided.
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5. MORE TIME FOR LEARNING Where possible, our schools run a longer
school day, which provides more time to
embed core subjects and to extend the
curriculum through enrichment. Typically, our
primary schools run from 8.30am until 4pm
and our secondary schools run from 8.30am
until 4.30pm.
The longer school day enables our pupils to
participate in a wide range of activities that
will develop their social and personal skills
and prepare them for the wider world.
At the same time, the longer school day gives
staff the opportunity to meet and plan within
the school day. Teaching loads at ARK
schools are not higher than at similar inner
city schools.
6. KNOWING EVERY CHILD Positive relationships between pupils
reinforce a culture of excellent behaviour and
commitment to learning. Our schools ensure
that all pupils, and their families, are known
well to the school so no child can go
unnoticed.
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Primary Curriculum
The ARK primary heads and teachers work closely together continually to develop and improve the
ARK approach to primary teaching, learning and social and emotional development.
EARLY YEARS
We have developed a specific Early Years curriculum which combines the development of personal,
social and emotional skills, opportunities for child initiated learning and a broad curriculum with daily
mathematics and literacy sessions.
KEY STAGE 1 AND 2
At key stage 1 and 2, pupils study a broad curriculum including history, geography, art, DT, RE, PE,
PSHE, Philosophy for Children and a MFL (KS2 only). The subject content is based round carefully
planned themes which vary from academy to academy. Children receive at least ten hours teaching a
week in all the aspects of English and five hours a week in mathematics (depth before breadth).
MATHEMATICS
In mathematics we follow the Mathematics Mastery programme which we were instrumental in
developing. This is a mathematics curriculum which ensures all pupils gain mastery of mathematical
concepts ensuring they become competent and confident mathematicians.
ENGLISH
In English all schools start with the Read Write Inc phonics programme and move on to grammar and
spelling lessons. The daily English lesson is based on good quality children’s books and/or the current
theme being studied.
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A Commitment to Training and Professional Development We are committed to helping our principals recruit, develop and support excellent staff within the
network. ARK invests significantly in a number of professional development programmes which
complement academy level training:
The ARK training menu: we have developed a bespoke training menu, which is accessible by all
staff in the network offering a wide range of training modules to staff in all roles
The Summit: ARK Schools hosts an annual staff training conference in London, bringing
together all the staff in the network to celebrate success and participate in specialist seminars and
workshops
Network hub days: all the schools share INSET days, allowing us to share best practice and role
specific training across the network, facilitated by in-school and central staff
ARK staff receive 10 training days each year rather than five.
ARK runs a number of additional programmes, including:
Leading Impact for senior leadership development
Lead Teachers, aimed at developing the skills of outstanding teachers to improve performance of
other teachers
Outstanding Teachers, aimed at good teachers aiming to improve and embed outstanding practice
SEN training for new to role and established SENCos
New Teacher induction
ARK Schools is running an Initial Teacher Training programme through School Direct, starting in
September 2013.
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We also encourage staff at all stages of their career to take advantage of:
International visits: recent trips include New York, New Orleans and Singapore
Career opportunities across the network
ARK Schools is the co-founder of the Future Leaders and Teaching Leaders development programmes.
Ark Academy offers teachers and support staff a comprehensive range of school-based first class
professional development opportunities
Other Staff Benefits
Alongside our continued focus on professional development we also offer a variety of other benefits.
These have been chosen to help our employees develop professionally, plan their finances and look after
their wellbeing.
GymFlex: Save up to 40% at your local gym
Discount scheme: Employees can access up to £1,000 in savings a year from over 3,000 major
retailers
Interest Free Loans: ARK Schools offers employees up to £5,000 in interest free loans for
season ticket or bicycle purchases.
Childcare Vouchers: All employees are eligible for tax free childcare vouchers as part of a salary
sacrifice scheme
Healthcare: A low-cost plan gives you money back towards the cost of your optical bills, dental
costs and consultations.
A Commitment to Encourage Diversity
ARK Schools is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our
employees. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and that
each employee feels respected and able to give their best. To that end we are committed to provide
equality and fairness for all in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on
grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and
maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair
discrimination.
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Terms and Conditions
Teaching Staff We want to compete for the best staff and offer attractive pay and conditions and career development
opportunities.
We operate our own terms and conditions, which broadly mirror national pay and conditions. The main
differences are:
A 39 week year: 37 teaching weeks and 2 weeks for planning preparation and professional
development
An 8am – 5pm day: including significant planning and preparation time (overall teaching loads
are not higher than similar inner city schools)
Main scale and UPS teaching staff receive a 2.5% salary uplift to reflect this additional
flexibility.
Leadership Contracts The leadership contract mirrors the national leadership contract.
Operational Staff Contracts Operational staff contracts are based on:
36 hours a week
25 days holiday a year (for those on year round, pro-rated for Term Time Only contracts)
Competitive salary scales.
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Job Description: Catering Assistant
Reporting to: Catering Manager
Salary: £16,030 pro rata per annum
Start date: September 2013
Hours: 36 per week, 42 weeks per year - hours will work on an alternating week basis:
Week 1: Monday- 07.45 to 16.15. Tuesday to Friday- 07.45 to 15.15
Week 2: Monday- 08.00 to 16.30. Tuesday to Friday- 09.00 to 16.30
Key responsibilities
To assist the Catering Manager with all aspects of food preparation, food service, kitchen hygiene and
other duties associated with the running of the academies kitchen.
Responsibilities
To assist in the preparation breakfast, sandwiches and break times, as directed by the Catering Manager
To assist in the preparation for lunch service, taking temperatures of hot holding (main meal, vegetarian including vegetables on hot counter) and record
To record food temperatures and labelling of stock items in accordance with procedures
To carry out the responsibilities of the post in accordance with all Health and Safety and relevant legislation, reporting any incidents or accidents, including near-misses, to the Catering Manager
To keep the kitchen, cooking preparation area, equipment and dining hall clean and tidy
To serve the food to a high standard and interact with the staff and pupils in an appropriate and helpful way
To set up the serving and dining areas as directed by the Catering Manager
To serve food and provide a helpful and knowledgeable service at all times
To ensure food is replenished and kept clean throughout service
To operate a cashless till and any other items of catering machinery or equipment as directed by the Catering Manager
To carry out washing up and cleaning tasks, including cleaning equipment and machinery, in accordance with requirements and procedures
To take part in deep clean of the kitchen, food storage, serving and dining areas of the academy during academic holidays
To receive stock and check quality and quantity against the delivery note/invoice. To put deliveries of stock away in the designated storage location, ensuring that all stock is dated and rotated in accordance with directions from the Catering Manager
To prepare and deliver refreshments for special functions, and collect and clean dirty cutlery, crockery and other serving items after functions, as and when required. This may include some evening work
To work as part of a team to ensure that all service requirements are met
To attend training courses as required.
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Other
To undertake various responsibilities as directed by the Catering Manager, Facilities Manager, Finance and Resources Manager and Principal
This job description is subject to change with the agreement of the post holder.
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Person Specification: Catering Assistant
Qualification Criteria
Right to work in the UK
GCSE level Math’s and English or equivalent level qualification.
Relevant Health & Safety and Food Hygiene qualifications desirable.
Experience
Experience of catering essential
Experience of working with children preferred.
Personal Characteristics
Hard working, conscientious and organised
Excellent team player, helpful, friendly and willing to undertake extra tasks (as and when necessary)
Good role model for both students and staff, with high expectations for self and others
Genuine interest in and willingness to help children to learn how to eat healthily.
Other
Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all pupils
This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service.
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ARK Schools, Safe Recruitment Procedure
ARK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its
academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to
discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. This process is outlined below, but can be provided in
more detail if requested.
Disclosure
ARK Schools requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Shortlisting Only those candidates meeting the right criteria will be taken forward from application.
Interview 1. Longlisted candidates will be subject to a screening interview. Those shortlisted will take part in
an in-depth interview process.
2. Candidates will be asked to address any discrepancies, anomalies or gaps in their application
form.
Reference Checking References from the previous and current employer will be taken up for shortlisted candidates, and
where necessary employers may be contacted to gather further information.
Probation All new staff will be subject to a probation period of six months (which may, in certain circumstances,
be extended by up to 10 weeks). The probation period is a trial period, to enable the assessment of an
employee’s suitability for the job for which they have been employed. It provides the academy with the
opportunity to monitor and review the performance of new staff in relation to various areas, but also in
terms of their commitment to safe guarding and relationships with pupils.