Appointment of GroundskeeperFor September 2019

About the SchoolNewcastle High School for Girls is one of the North East’s leading independent girls’ day schools. Founded in 2014 following the merger of two very long-standing predecessor schools, NHSG is a state-of-the-art, modern school with a tradition and history stemming back almost 150 years.We are an all through school (ages 3-18) with around 250 girls in the Junior School and 450 in the Senior School, including 150 in the Sixth Form, who, together with around 150 staff, make up a friendly and welcoming community.The Junior and Senior Schools occupy their own separate campuses around a mile apart and the role will require working at both locations. Our two campuses are situated within the suburban, leafy, areas of Jesmond and Sandyford, both with excellent transport links to the Tyne & Wear Metro and bus services from across the region.Our School is a very popular choice at all ages with girls joining us from most parts of the Tyne & Wear metropolitan area as well as areas further afield in Durham, Northumberland, the Tyne Valley, the Borders and Teesside. Girls who attend NHSG are bright, enthusiastic, eager to learn and have high aspirations. Our public examination results are consistently outstanding and girls go on to study a wide range of subjects at prestigious universities in the UK and abroad. NHSG is highly regarded for the way it achieves its outstanding outcomes within a particularly warm and supportive environment, with pastoral care and achieving the best for every girl at the heart of everything we do.“We are delighted that you are considering NHSG and hope that you will want to apply for this post once you have found out more about us. Our website, www.newcastlehigh.gdst.net will tell you more about the School and give you a taste of the atmosphere here.”Michael Tippett, Head

About the Girls’ Day School Trust

The GDST is a family of 24 independent schools and 2 all girls’ academies across England and Wales. As specialists in girls' education, we tailor our teaching to the way girls learn best, and instil in them the conviction that there's no limit to what they can achieve.Within this family, networking opportunities enable staff to share best practice and develop initiatives that benefit all our schools and pupils. In addition to supporting the work of individual schools in supplying excellent induction and development opportunities for staff, the GDST provides access to an extensive training programme. This includes development opportunities and grants for individual courses of study.

GroundskeeperThe PostThe post is available from September 2019 and is a full-time, full-year role including 30 days’ annual leave.

The Role We are seeking to appoint a diligent and methodical Groundskeeper with a keen eye for presentation and a love of horticulture to maintain the School’s grounds and outdoor sporting facilities across four school sites. This will include providing exemplary and consistent standards of maintenance for 5 artificial and natural grass sports surfaces and the impeccable presentation of our extensive grounds including woodland and wildlife areas and formal lawns, beds and borders.

Fundamental to the role is the provision of an efficient and effective groundskeeping service to enable us to operate and maintain first class outdoor sporting facilities and grounds and a safe, pleasant outdoor environment for staff, students and visitors to support teaching and learning, pupil recruitment and the generation of commercial lettings.

Accountable to: Maintenance Supervisor

Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesWorking under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, you will take responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the School’s grounds and outdoor sporting facilities across four school sites. You will maintain exemplary and consistent standards of maintenance and presentation of the grounds and outdoor sports facilities and equipment. Duties and responsibilities will include:

Management of ResourcesSite Security Follow school procedures to ensure the security of school premises as

required

Maintenance of outdoor facilities, plant & equipment Undertake maintenance to all school external facilities including sports

pitches, gardens, lawns, the green roof, wildlife ponds, hard landscaped areas, perimeter structures, gates at all 5 of the school’s sites.

Maintenance of conservation areas and other specific requirements falling under, and in accordance with the detail prescribed by the Woodland Management Plans covering 3 of the school sites.

Creation, marking-out, setting-up and maintenance of all sports pitches and surfaces – both natural and artificial.

Horticultural maintenance and care of all planting schemes on all school sites to ensure the best presentation of the school at all times and from all aspects.

Regular inspection of all trees on school sites liaising with the Maintenance Supervisor, external arborists and NCC officers as required.

Regular inspection of all outdoor lighting, furniture, floor surfaces, retaining walls, stairways, handrails and outdoor play equipment (static and mobile)

Regular inspection of all perimeter planting to ensure public footpaths and neighbouring properties are not impacted by planting on the school’s grounds.

Oversight of all external contractors engaged on routine or ad hoc grounds works on any of the school sites.

Minor construction, landscaping and planting works as necessary. Operation, safe storage and maintenance of machinery, equipment,

vehicles, materials and consumables associated with grounds maintenance Undertake all external cleaning and clearing duties as necessary to ensure

grounds, gardens, footpaths, car parks, bin-stores, playgrounds, sports pitches, signage, drains (and other low-level gutters and gulleys) and other external areas remain clear of graffiti, litter, weeds, leaves and other rubbish to ensure the School is presented to the highest possible standard at all times.

Clear and grit external areas of snow and ice to allow safe passage for pupils, staff and visitors between school buildings and around the school sites.

Working with other school staff and pupils as necessary to assist with and advise on the establishment and maintenance of wildlife areas/habitats/shelters, gardening clubs, allotment clubs, experiments, studies and similar initiatives as required from time to time.

Management and Teamwork Take personal pride in ensuring that the appearance and smooth running of

the school grounds contribute to a positive image of the school, and encourage and direct others as appropriate to do so.

To work co-operatively with colleagues to achieve the aims and objectives of the post and the School.

To participate positively in the implementation of new working methods and practices as required.

To undertake other duties within his/her competence or otherwise appropriate to the grading of the post as required including occasional assistance with caretaking and driving duties as requested by the Maintenance Supervisor.

Health and Safety To comply with all School and GDST Health & Safety policies and to take

reasonable care for the health and safety of him/herself and anyone who may be affected by his/her actions.

Carry out designated procedures in the event of fire, flood, breaking and entering, accident or major damage in accordance with school policy, reporting any required matters as necessary in accordance with such procedures.

Maintain waste storage areas and equipment and deal with the disposal of waste in accordance with relevant statutory, environmental and sustainability requirements.

Maintain storage areas for pesticides and other similar substances and equipment and deal with the disposal of such in accordance with relevant statutory (including COSHH), environmental and sustainability requirements.

Communications and Marketing Provide a courteous, friendly service to all stakeholders both internal and

external. (e.g. pupils, parents, staff, contractors, GDST Estates Department, Governors, external hirers etc.).

Ensure that high profile areas including all planting schemes that are visible from public highways and especially those leading up to main site entrances, are maintained and presented to an excellent standard at all times.

Assist during school functions or lettings as required, and prior to school/public relation events (e.g. open days, concerts, tours by visitors etc.) to ensure that outdoor areas are checked for tidiness, litter, weeds, planting structure etc.

Person SpecificationSkills RequiredAbility to work effectively both in collaboration with other professionals/teams and also on own initiative

Essential

Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly the ability to relate to young people, parents, colleagues and external agencies

Essential

Excellent organisational skills / Time management / Ability to prioritise and organise own workload / able to work to deadlines

Essential

Basic IT skills, sufficient to maintain records send and receive messages e.g. working knowledge of Microsoft office Excel, Word, Outlook email (or prepared to train)

Essential

Physically fit and active EssentialDemonstrable competence in maintenance of specialist outdoor natural and artificial sports pitches

Essential

Demonstrable competence in maintenance of a large and varied grounds estate

Essential

Demonstrable horticultural skills EssentialDemonstrable competence to a basic level in a variety of trade skills – joinery, plumbing, drainage, electrical, bricklaying, paving etc

Essential

Ability to undertake and write risk assessments Essential

Knowledge BaseKnowledge of relevant health and safety requirements including safe storage and use of grounds maintenance plant, equipment, consumables and chemicals

Essential

Knowledge of sports pitch maintenance techniques and processes EssentialKnowledge of horticultural planting maintenance techniques and processes EssentialKnowledge of routine preventive maintenance of grounds maintenance plant and equipment

Essential

Knowledge of basic trades skills to a level expected from a competent handyperson

Essential

Knowledge of landscape gardening planning and design Desirable

Knowledge of site security and emergency procedures Desirable

Understanding of child protection issues Desirable

Qualifications/AttainmentLevel

Groundsmanship qualification NVQ level 2 or equiv

Desirable

Horticultural qualification NVQ level 2 or equiv

Desirable

Arboricultural qualification NVQ level 2 or equiv

Desirable

Any other trade skill qualification CITB, C&G, or NVQ Level 2

Desirable

Up to date First Aid at Work Qualification Desirable

ExperienceSubstantial experience of sports pitch maintenance, preferably in an education context

Essential

Substantial experience of maintenance of a large and varied grounds estate, preferably in an education context

Desirable

Experience of supervising contractors Desirable

Attitude/ApproachKeen eye for presentation Essential

Interest in sport and delivery/maintenance of high quality outdoor facilities EssentialPassion for planting, landscaping and maintenance of outdoor learning spaces

Essential

Interest in sustainability, biodiversity and ecology Desirable

Honesty and integrity EssentialProfessional and approachable attitude EssentialWillingness to learn new skills EssentialSelf-motivated with a positive ‘can do’ approach to work EssentialReliable EssentialWell Presented EssentialFlexible over working hours according to the needs of the school Essential

Terms and Conditions of the PostAs a large and very long established employer to over 3,000 staff throughout the UK, the GDST offers attractive salaries, pay progression (according to its own pay and grading structure), pensions and other employment benefits.

Benefits include: Membership of Defined Contribution Pension Scheme which offers

flexibility in terms of both contribution levels and retirement options. Access to the extensive GDST central training and development

programme. Training grants for obtaining further qualifications. Discounted fees for children at GDST schools. Lunches: free lunches are provided to all staff during term time. Season Ticket Loans: Interest free loans for travel are available to staff to

enable them to buy annual season tickets. Computer Loans: Interest free loans are available to staff to enable them

to buy a computer for personal use at home. Cycle Scheme: the School is part of the scheme which enables staff to

purchase bicycles and equipment at a tax advantageous rate and pay for the equipment over 12 months.

A great working environment, atmosphere and location.

Application and Interview ProcessApplications should be submitted by midday, on 31st July at the latest. Candidates should complete the application form provided and also include a covering letter setting out your interest in and suitability for the role.Completed applications should be sent to:

Mr John CrosbyDirector of Finance and OperationsNewcastle High School for Girls Tankerville TerraceJesmondNE2 3BA

or may be emailed to: recruitment@nhsg.gdst.net

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on week commencing 12th August. We will endeavour to acknowledge all applications but candidates who have not heard from us further within two weeks of the closing date should assume that the post has been filled. All adults employed at the school are cleared for working with children and young people through the Disclosure & Barring Service. Please see attached full information regarding the Girls’ Day School Trust guidelines on the Safeguarding of Children.

Further information about the school can be found on our website at: https://newcastlehigh.gdst.net

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

TEACHING, TEACHING SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATIVE POSTS

Form version: September 2018

NAME:

POSITION APPLIED FOR:

SCHOOL:

Where did you see this job advertised?

The information provided by you in connection with your application for this vacancy will be treated as confidential by the Girls’ Day School Trust. Your application form may be copied for use during the recruitment process.

Information given by you in the Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form will be dealt with separately from the rest of your application. The information provided will be used solely to monitor equal opportunities policies.

Further information provided by you will be used to determine your suitability for a position and, if applicable, in determining terms of employment or engagement. It may also be used to monitor recruitment initiatives. If your application progresses further, details may be disclosed to third parties (such as educational institutions, past and present employers, credit reference agencies, etc.) for reasons such as the verification of, or obtaining extra, information. Internet searches may also be carried out for the purpose of considering your application. If your application is unsuccessful, we may retain any information as required by law or, at our discretion, for up to six months following our final communication with you, unless you tell us otherwise.

The Girls’ Day School Trust is committed to the safeguarding of children, and child protection screening will apply to this post. Some of the information that we request in this form is for this purpose.

By signing and returning this application form, you consent to the Girls’ Day School Trust using and keeping the information provided by you as outlined above, carrying out any reference, criminal record, or child protection checks as may be appropriate in the circumstances.

The Girls’ Day School TrustA Limited Company Registered in England No. 6400. A Registered Charity No.

306983Registered office: 100 Rochester Row London SW1P 1JP

1 PERSONAL DETAILS

Surname: First Names:

Title: MR/MRS/MISS/MS/DR Preferred name: Any former names: Date of birth:Home address: Address for correspondence (if different):

Post code: Post Code: Tel no: (day) Email: (eve) National Insurance no: (mob) Teacher registration number, if

applicable:Are you legally entitled to work in the UK? YES/NOIf you are not a UK, EEA or Swiss national, please give details of your permission to work, specifying the type and length of visa or permit.

2 EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS (to include details of QTS where appropriate)School/College/University Dates attended Qualifications obtained /

Examinations passed / Awarding Body (please give detail of grade, level or class of degree)

Date

FromMonth/ Year

ToMonth/ Year

Membership of professional institutions and other training/knowledge relevant to this post. Continue on separate sheet if required.

3 EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Present or most recent employer:

Address:

Job Title: From: To:

Brief description of responsibilities:

Reason for leaving/wishing to leave:

Notice required (or when you could join us): Current salary:

Provide a full employment history in chronological order (most recent first) to include: periods of work in the UK and abroad; education/training; voluntary work; travel; career breaks; and any periods not in employment or education.

Dates Position held and brief

description of duties

Reason for leaving

FromMonth/Year

ToMonth/Year

4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Do you have a current clean driving licence? (applicable only if duties involve driving) YES/NOHobbies, interests and anything you wish to tell us about your personal and family circumstances, including any special needs. Please declare any family or close relationship to existing employees of the school or the GDST (including Governors).

5 PERSONAL STATEMENTPlease state why you believe your qualifications, experience and personal qualities fulfil the requirements of this post, and any other information to demonstrate your suitability for the post.

Continue on separate sheet if required

6 REFERENCESPlease give the names of two people who can comment on your suitability for this post. One should be your current or last employer, or if you have not been employed, your school head teacher or college tutor. If you do not currently work with children, a reference will be required from your most recent employment involving work with children. References will not be accepted from relatives or those writing solely in the capacity of friends. Open references provided by you will also not be accepted.Name: Name: Address: Address:

Tel no: Tel no: Email: Email:

Relationship: Relationship: It is our practice to take up references before interview unless requested not to do so. If you do not wish us to contact a referee at this stage, please mark the alongside the name with a cross.

7 SIGNATURE

I confirm that the above information is true and accurate.

Signed: Date:

EMPLOYMENT APPLICANT PRIVACY NOTICE

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT?  

The Girls’ Day School Trust is a “data controller”. This means that we are responsible for deciding how we hold and use personal information about you. You are being given this privacy notice because you are applying for work with us (whether as an employee, worker or contractor). It makes you aware of how and why your personal data will be used, namely for the purposes of the recruitment exercise, and how long it will usually be retained for. It provides you with certain information that must be provided under the General Data Protection Regulation ((EU) 2016/679) (GDPR).

DATA PROTECTION PRINCIPLES We will comply with data protection law and principles, which means that your data will be: 

• Used lawfully, fairly and in a transparent way.• Collected only for valid purposes that we have clearly explained to you and not

used in any way that is incompatible with those purposes.• Relevant to the purposes we have told you about and limited only to those

purposes.• Accurate and kept up to date.• Kept only as long as necessary for the purposes we have told you about.• Kept securely.

THE KIND OF INFORMATION WE HOLD ABOUT YOU  In connection with your application for work with us, we will collect, store, and use the following categories of personal information about you (where applicable): 

• The information you have provided to us in your curriculum vitae and covering letter.

• The information you have provided on our application form, including name, title, address, telephone number, personal email address, date of birth, gender, national insurance number, employment history, qualifications, hobbies and interests, personal statement.

• Any information you provide to us during an interview.• The results of any testing or exercises.

We may also collect, store and use the following types of more sensitive personal information:

• Information about your race or ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation and political opinions.

• Information about your health, including any medical condition, health and sickness records.

• Information about criminal convictions and offences.

HOW IS YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTED?   We collect personal information about applicants from other sources, including but not limited to the following: 

• You, the applicant.• Recruitment agencies.• Disclosure and Barring Service in respect of criminal convictions.• Your named referees.• Data from third parties from a publicly accessible source.

SHARING YOUR DATAWe may share your data where reasonable with third parties, including third-party service providers such as recruitment consultants or advisers and other entities in the GDST group.We require third parties to respect the security of your data and to treat it in accordance with the law.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN:

 SAFEGUARDING STRATEGY STATEMENT

The GDST Safeguarding Strategy forms a fundamental part of our approach to providing excellent pastoral care to all pupils, including those who may be over the age of 18 years. We believe that all pupils, regardless of age, special needs or disability, racial/cultural heritage, religious belief and sexual orientation have the right to protection from all types of harm and abuse and the promotion of their welfare.

The Safeguarding Strategy consists of:-1. GDST Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy 2. GDST Safeguarding Procedures3. GDST Model School Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy 4. Training to equip staff and volunteers to carry out their responsibilities in

relation to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils.

The Safeguarding Strategy provides a clear framework within which individual schools will develop systems and local procedures to:- Prevent unsuitable people working with children Identify pupils who are at risk of, and/or are likely to suffer significant harm

and take appropriate action, and promote the welfare of pupils in need of additional support

Record and share information appropriately Respond to allegations against staff and volunteers Promote safe practice and challenge poor and unsafe practice

Adherence to the GDST Safeguarding Strategy is mandatory for all staff and volunteers.

We recognise that Safeguarding covers much more than child protection , and so this strategy will operate in conjunction with related policies and procedures, such as effective whole school policies on Anti-Bullying, Behaviour Management, ICT and School Security.

Our approach to safeguarding is based on, and reflects the current principles recognised in UK legislation, including those around maintaining confidentiality and reporting concerns about pupils likely to suffer significant harm to the child protection agencies.

We are committed to working in partnership with parents, child protection agencies and diverse communities, to continuously develop and improve the Safeguarding Culture within our schools.

Version: September 2018

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND OF THOSE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE CONTACT WITH CHILDREN

The appointment for which you are applying involves access to children or the opportunity to have contact with children and is an excepted occupation for the purposes of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check and Children’s Barred List check for the Child Workforce from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions, and "spent" convictions.

The disclosure of a criminal record will not automatically prevent you from being appointed unless the Girls' Day School Trust considers that the record renders you unsuitable for appointment. In making this decision, consideration will be given to the nature of the offence, its relevance to the nature of your employment, how long ago it was committed, what age you were at the time and any other factors that may be relevant.

If you wish to tell us about any criminal record in advance of an enhanced DBS check with Children’s Barred List check being sought, this information should be sent under confidential cover to the person to whom you are making your application. We will not view this information unless you have been shortlisted for interview. We guarantee that this information will only be seen by those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process. If you are not shortlisted for interview, the unopened information will be destroyed securely.

If you are currently working or have previously worked with children in an educational environment, your current or previous employer(s) will be asked about any disciplinary offences relating to children, including any which may be “time expired”, and whether you have been the subject of any child protection concerns.

Providing false information could result in your application being rejected, or summary dismissal if you have been appointed, and possible referral to the police.

DECLARATION

I declare that I am not barred from activity relating to children, or (if a teacher) subject to sanctions imposed by a regulatory body e.g. the Teaching Regulation Agency. I either have no convictions, cautions, or bind-overs that may have an impact on my suitability to work in an educational environment, or have attached details in a sealed envelope marked confidential.

Signed: _______________________________________Date: _______________________

The Girls' Day School TrustA Limited Company, Registered in England No. 6400. A Registered Charity No.

306983Registered office: 100 Rochester Row London SW1P 1JP

THE GIRLS’ DAY SCHOOL TRUSTEQUAL OPPORTUNITIES MONITORING FORM – FORM S22

The GDST is committed to equal opportunities. One aim of this policy is to ensure that you and other job applicants are not discriminated against on the grounds of sex, race, disability, age, nationality, colour, ethnic or national origin, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief.

To monitor this policy, we should be grateful if you would complete and return this form. The information you give will be treated as strictly confidential and will be used only for Equal Opportunities monitoring purposes. This form will be detached from your application form, will not be used at any stage of the selection process and will be destroyed after evaluation has taken place.

POST APPLIED FOR:

NAME OF SCHOOL or TRUST OFFICE:

Personal details:GENDER: Male / Female / Transgender

MARITAL STATUS: Single / Married / Other (please specify)

AGE:

Ethnic origin:I would describe myself as:

Black Asian White Other          African Pakistani (please specify) Caribbean Indian Other Bangladeshi

Chinese

Disability

Are you disabled or do you have any conditions (i.e. a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial long-term effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities) that may require adjustments to your work or working environment?

Yes      No   

If you have answered "Yes" to this question, please indicate here any special arrangements which you might require if you are selected for interview.

Updated: April 2011