Class Teacher (Maternity Cover) - Ferndown First School

Job Introduction

Ferndown First School is part of the Castleman Academy Trust - a Trust which prides itself on

putting children first, always and puts its values of Respect, Independence, Creativity and

Inclusion at the heart of everything we do.

It is the staff in our academies who make our schools vibrant places of learning - who do all they

can to make sure our children become confident individuals, successful learners and

responsible citizens. Our staff want to make a real difference to the lives of the children they

work with and are learners themselves who relish professional development opportunities.

Working in a Castleman Academy Trust school, you will be working with other forward thinkers

who see possibilities and are optimistic. You will have the support of like-minded colleagues

and together we will ensure everyone has a great work life balance. Being part of the Castleman

Academy Trust means there are a whole host of opportunities for you to develop and flourish.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, professional and dedicated Class Teacher (Maternity Cover)

required to join our committed and hardworking EYFS team from Monday 2nd September 2024. This is a 

permanent, full-time post.

The successful candidate will:

• be an excellent classroom practitioner with up-to-date curriculum knowledge and a thorough 
• understanding of how children learn. 
• have high expectations and be committed to securing the best outcomes for all.
• be reflective practitioners, constantly striving to improve. 
• inspire the children in their care.
• provide effective and engaging learning experiences for the children. 
• build positive relationships with the children, staff, parents and governors.
• create an environment in which children thrive.
• be organised, thorough and take pride in what our school achieves, by going the extra mile for 
• the children.
• be hardworking and resilient.

In return we can offer:

• high quality career development opportunities
• the support and guidance of an experienced leadership team 
• dedicated colleagues who collaborate and work as a team
• confident, happy children who are eager to learn
• impressive school facilities.

Applications should include details of any curriculum expertise and subject leadership specialisms. You 

should also demonstrate a willingness to contribute to the wider work of the school and suggest ways 

you would do this.

As a part of the CAT, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With 

regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career 

across our Trust.

Celebrating eight years as a growing Multi Academy Trust, we were founded upon the values of 

Respect, Independence, Creativity and Inclusion. 

We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity and are 

committed to helping each other ensure children and young people receive the best possible education.

We offer:

• A thriving, successful school
• Motivated and well-behaved pupils
• Highly professional training and support to ensure excellent career development
• Supportive colleagues
• A committed team of staff and Governors
• Eligibility to join the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• Free access to the Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme.

Arranging a visit to Ferndown First School

If you would like to visit the school, please contact the school office to arrange an appointment. To gain 

a greater understanding of our school values, curriculum offered and premises, please visit our school 

website and refer to the application pack.

Applying for the job

Applications should be made on the application form and include details of experience. Please ensure 

a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment and two 

referees are given. Please note Ferndown First School does not accept CVs in place of an application 

form. Incomplete application forms will not be shortlisted. 

Safeguarding

The Castleman Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and

young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate that they meet the essential elements of the

person specification and will be subject to pre-employment checks including satisfactory references, an

Enhanced DBS and Child Barred List check, a Health Check, Right to Work in the UK check and, where

applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed, in line with the Government’s safer

recruitment guidelines.

An online check will also be conducted on all shortlisted applicants. This check will form part of a

safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work

with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person

who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and

when findings are relevant and of concern.

Ferndown First School values the diversity of the workforce and welcomes applications from all sectors

of the community.

This role is UK based and your Right to Work will need to be established as part of the appointment

process.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA

1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (2013 and 2020)) provide that when applying for certain jobs and

activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed to

employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. The Ministry of Justice

guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides

information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions

and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide

via https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974

The closing date for applications is 9.00 am on Thursday 16th May 2024.

Interviews will be held on Monday 20th May 2024.

Completed application forms should be sent to Mrs Tranter, PA to the Head Teacher via email at

HR@fernfirst.dorset.sch.uk

Information about our school is available on the school website at www.fernfirst.dorset.sch.uk.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume

of suitable applications.