1. education
2. school

TC/15/028
CONTROLLED PRIMARY SCHOOL
TONAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL
TONAGH AVENUE
LISBURN
BT28 1DQ
Telephone: 028 9266 4491
E-Mail: astevenson795@c2kni.net
Website: www.tonaghps.co.uk
Principal: Mrs A Stevenson BA (Hons), PGCE, DASE, MEd, PQH (NI)
Chairperson of Board of Governors: Dr R Fisher
Admissions No. 30
Enrolment No. 222 and 30
within the Nursery Unit
Our Vision
Tonagh Primary School …
the future begins here
Mission Statement
Tonagh Primary School is a special place, full of learning, laughter and friendship, where
children are happy, feel safe and are valued.
In Tonagh Primary School we promote a love of learning inspired by quality teaching and
developing individual strengths and talents.
We are committed to Christian principles and promote a tolerance and respect for other faiths.
Differences are acknowledged and celebrated. Everyone in our school community deserves
to be cared for unconditionally and valued equally and uniquely.
In Tonagh Primary School we believe that learning should be purposeful and challenging. We
aim to equip pupils for lifelong learning. We want our children to have ownership of their
learning and to be proud of their achievements.
We believe that all members of our school community should work together and this will result
in high standards, a respectful environment and successful learning.
In summary, Tonagh Primary School is all about education, enjoyment, exploration and
excellence. It is the place where your child’s future begins.
The school, which opened in 1960, is situated on the edge of Tonagh Estate in Lisburn and
draws its pupils from both Private Development and Housing Executive. Present enrolment is
252. There are two entrances to school – one through Ridgeway Street/Thiepval Road and
the other through Tonagh Avenue.
Teaching staff for the 2012/2013 academic year is Acting Principal plus 9 full-time teachers,
4 part-time teachers and 9 part-time classroom assistants. This staffing provision includes a
Nursery teacher, three part-time Additional Support teachers and a Special Educational
Needs’ Co-ordinator.
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The accommodation in the main building comprises of 6 classrooms, Additional Support
Room and Library off the ground-floor corridor, a Multi-Purpose Hall which is used for
assemblies, physical education, concerts, musicals, school dinners (a servery leads to the
meals’ kitchen), a Principal's Office, Secretary's Office and Staff Room. In addition there are
4 mobile classrooms.
All of our classrooms are equipped with Inter-Active Whiteboards and these are used to
enhance the children’s learning opportunities. They are also used in the After School
Computer Clubs.
Our Nursery Unit opened officially in September 2012 and is located in a brand new purpose
built mobile with integral toilets and kitchen facilities. This learning environment ensures an
excellent start to school life for our pupils.
The grounds around the school are extensive and are continuously being improved to help
cater for the school’s environmental education programmes, including Maths’ Trails. The
new play sectors and grounds provide excellent, safe, play areas and are also of
tremendous value when investigating aspects of Maths and the World Around Us. The
pupils have the opportunity to grow their own organic vegetables and flowers. This activity is
extremely popular as you can eat what you produce. In 2009 Tonagh was ‘Best Kept
Primary School’ in the SEELB area and was again highly commended in subsequent years.
Recently we have purchased a wide range of outdoor play equipment for use primarily in
the Foundation Stage and Key Stage One but also throughout the school. The children
have had great fun with this, whilst developing a wide range of skills. Work is now complete
in the construction of a large outdoor play area. This is a very exciting project which
provides an outdoor play area unrivalled in the locality.
Staff share responsibility as Playground Co-ordinators and playground equipment continues
to be purchased as part of the school’s ongoing Positive Behaviour Programme. We have
been pleased to pass on best practice to other schools interested in developing playground
activities. We have also incorporated a Buddy System where older children help with
younger pupils.
The staff have also been trained in Assertive Discipline and Team Teach ensuring a firm
and consistent approach throughout the school.
The school pride itself on high attainment for all pupils and there have been tremendous
amounts of excellent results achieved, especially in Numeracy, Literacy, English and our
PDMU Programme. All staff undertake regular training to keep abreast of Curriculum
developments. As an example of this, Foundation Stage children are monitored during
activity based learning and appropriate strategies implemented as necessary. At present,
we are involved in ongoing Staff Training with regard to Literacy and Numeracy. ICT is high
on our list of priorities.
We have recently introduced a new Reading Scheme, a new spelling and Phonics Scheme
and a new Numeracy scheme all of which have been of direct benefit to the children. We
have also implemented the use of iPads throughout the school which has greatly enhanced
the children’s learning.
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As Tonagh Primary School is a Health Promoting School, we are involved in the many
programmes which raise pupil awareness about lifestyle choices and develop their decisionmaking skills. These are whole school ventures involving teaching health matters, based on
a cross-curricular approach. This work will incorporate activities already carried out by
various charities and the ‘Save Our Smiles’ Project.
In 2011, 2012 and 2013, we were presented with the gold Save Our Smiles award. Only
two schools in Northern Ireland have achieved this prestigious award so we are delighted to
have been awarded it three times. Other Programmes implemented include Incredible
Years, Programmes delivered by Ascet, Helping Hands and Barnardos Counselling Service.
We have continued to integrate our existing programmes into the Revised Curriculum
syllabuses throughout the school. The Personal Development and Mutual Understanding
(PDMU) strands are well embedded within the pastoral ethos of the school.
Areas that will be given a high priority include Literacy, Numeracy, ICT, Personal
Development, The Arts and Play/Activity Based Learning. We also implement Reading
Partnership throughout the school.
The school continues to raise awareness in relation to the Special Educational Needs
Disability Order which came into effect from September 2005. We have a wide range of
pupils, including children who come under the Order, already being very well catered for in
our present organisational set-up. This applies to both our gifted and talented children and
those pupils who benefit from some extra adult support. We also avail of support through
the Inclusion and Diversity Services.
The teaching of Religious Education and its application to the day to day life of the school
will continue to be given a high priority. The school embraces a Christian ethos whilst
respecting other faiths.
This year we are continuing the Roots of Empathy programme with our Primary 4 pupils.
This innovative programme originates in Canada and teaches tolerance and empathy.
Furthermore, our Primary 6 pupils will be continuing our established Bombardier Project
which helps forge useful links with industry. The highlight of this project is a flight around
Northern Ireland. Useful links have also been forged with Eason’s and Lisburn City Library.
Extra curricular activities continue to be popular with a new format and new clubs. These
include Cookery, Choir, Hockey, German, I.C.T., Good News Club, Zumba Club, Cricket,
Netball, Football, Cycling, First Aid, Touch Rugby, Film Making and Art. Music and Drama
play a very prominent part with Annual Concerts, Pantomimes and Carol Services. Staffs
are very committed to providing the children with opportunities to participate in a number of
areas both in and outside school.
In addition, through our Extended Schools Programme, we have been able to introduce a
range of Clubs to our Foundation Stage and Key Stage One classes. These include
Homework Club, Computer Club and Reading Club. This year a new Music Club is being
introduced for Primary 3 and Primary 4 pupils. These provide a range of fun and
educational activities for the children and are extremely popular. We also operate a
Breakfast Club which is open to all pupils.
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We have a well established School Council which enables the children’s views and opinions
to be heard and taken on board. Work in this area is now well established in school and the
children have organised charity events and dealt with environmental issues around the
school.
Last year, we were delighted when our Nativity Play attained second place in the Lisburn
Arts’ Advisory Drama Competition. We have also won a number of poetry awards through
this scheme including the overall prize. Furthermore our Football team have been Northern
Ireland Champions four years out of the last six. Our school choir won the best newcomer
section in the Lisburn School Choir’s Competition and were awarded second overall.
Educational visits also play an integral part in extending various aspects of the curriculum.
Class trips travel to various locations take place during the year. Additional trips to outdoor
pursuits’ centres are also organised on an annual basis for Key Stage 2 pupils.
The Fund Raising Committee is a very important aspect of school life. The Fund Raising
Committee organise various events in order to raise money and support the children in the
school. Social events such as our Sponsored Walk, Open Evening, Fun Night, Quiz Nights
and Children's Discos etc are also an integral part of the programme to encourage parents
to visit school and support their children.
Parents are kept fully informed of their child's progress throughout school through informal
discussion and formal interviews during the year. Parents are encouraged to play an active
part in supporting their child's learning.
In September/October 2008, the school had an extremely positive Focussed Inspection in
Literacy and Numeracy and the standards of Pastoral Care were also highlighted as a
strength of the school. Indeed, the children’s behaviour was described as “exemplary.” The
quality education provided by Tonagh Primary School was endorsed by H.M.I.
Furthermore, we invited our district inspector to endorse the work being carried out in school
and after extremely positive feedback in the spring of last year, parents can be assured that
Tonagh Primary School continues to provide high quality and innovative education for all its
pupils.
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JOB DESCRIPTION – TEACHING POSTS
Main duties and Responsibilities
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Planning
1.1
1.2
Planning and preparing courses and lessons;
Teaching, according to their educational needs, the pupils assigned to him/her,
including the setting and marking of work to be carried out by the pupils in school
and elsewhere;
Assessing, recording and reporting on the development, progress and attainment
of pupils.
1.3
2
General
2.1
2.6
Promoting the general progress and well-being of individual pupils and of any
class or group of pupils assigned to him/her;
Providing advice and guidance to pupils on educational and social matters and
on their further education and future careers including information about sources
of more expert advice on specific questions, making relevant records and reports;
Making records of and reports on the personal and social needs of pupils except
in instances where to do so might be regarded as compromising a teacher’s own
position;
Communicating and consulting with the parents of pupils;
Communicating and co-operating with such persons or bodies outside the school
as may be approved by the employing authority and the Board of Governors;
Participating in meetings arranged for any of the purposes described above.
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Assessment/Reporting
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
Providing or contributing to oral and written assessments, reports and
references relating to individual pupils and groups of pupils except in instances
where to do so might be regarded as compromising a teacher’s own position.
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4
Staff Development/Professional Development
4.1
Participating, if required, in any scheme of staff development and performance
review;
4.2
a)
Reviewing from time to time his/her methods of teaching and
programmes of work;
b)
Participating in arrangements for his/her further training and
professional development as a teacher.
4.3
Advising and co-operating with the Principal and other teachers (or any one or
more of them) on the preparation and development of courses of study, teaching
materials, teaching programmes, methods of teaching and assessment and
pastoral arrangements.
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Discipline/Health and Safety
5.1
Maintaining good order and discipline among pupils in accordance with the
policies of the employing authority and safeguarding their health and safety both
when they are authorised to be on the school premises and when they are
engaged in authorised school activities elsewhere.
Participating in meetings at the school which relate to the curriculum for the
school or the administration or organisation of the school, including pastoral
arrangements.
5.2
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Public Examinations
Participating in arrangements for preparing pupils for public
examinations and in assessing pupils for the purposes of such
examinations; recording and reporting such assessments; and
participating in arrangements for pupils’ presentation for and supervision
during such examination.
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Review and Development of Management Activities/Administration
7.1
a)
Contributing to the selection for appointment and professional
development of other teachers, including the induction and
assessment of probationary teachers;
b)
Co-ordinating or managing the work of other teachers;
c)
Taking such part as may be required of him/her in the review,
development and management of activities relating to the curriculum,
organisation and pastoral functions of the school.
a)
Participating in administrative and organisational tasks related to such
duties as described above, including the management or supervision of
persons providing support for the teachers in the school and the ordering
and allocation of equipment and materials.
7.2
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b)
Subject to the provisions of Article 22 of the Order, attending
assemblies;
c)
Registering the attendance of pupils and supervising pupils, whether these
duties are to be performed before, during or after school sessions.
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Number of days/Hours of work
8.1
a)
A full-time teacher, other than a teacher employed in a residential
establishment, shall be available for work on 195 days in any year of
which not more than 190 days should involve teaching children in a
classroom situation;
b)
A teacher, other than a teacher employed in a residential establishment,
shall be available to perform such duties at such times and such places as
may reasonably be specified by the Principal, or where he/she is employed
by a Board on terms under which he/she is not assigned to any one school
by the Board or the Principal of any school in which he/she may for the time
being be required to work as a teacher, for 1,265 hours in any year
exclusive of time spent off school premises in preparing and marking
lessons and time spent travelling to and from the place of work;
c)
A teacher may not be required to teach as distinct from supervise children
in a classroom situation for more than 25 hours in any week in a primary or
special school and 23.5 hours in any week in a secondary school;
d)
Unless employed under a separate contract as a mid-day supervisor, a
teacher shall not be required to undertake mid-day supervision.
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Staff cover
9.1
Supervising and teaching any pupils whose teacher is not available provided
that:
a)
In schools with an average daily enrolment greater than 222 pupils a
teacher other than a supply teacher shall not be required to provide such
cover after the second day on which a teacher is absent or otherwise not
available or from the first day if the fact that the teacher would be absent or
otherwise not available for a period exceeding 2 days was known to and
agreed by the employing authority in advance;
b)
In schools with an average daily enrolment of 222 pupils or less a teacher
other than a supply teacher shall not be required to provide such cover
after the first day on which a teacher is absent or otherwise not available
for more than 1 day was known to and agreed by the employing authority
in advance;
c)
In schools with a complement of 1, 2 or 3 teachers and in nursery units in
primary schools, a teacher other than a supply teacher shall,
notwithstanding heads (a) and (b), not be required to provide such cover.
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Conditions of Service
The conditions of service for this post will be in accordance with the Regulations
of the Department of Education for Northern Ireland.
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SOUTH EASTERN EDUCATION AND LIBRARY BOARD
PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
POST:
Permanent part-time Nursery Teacher (20 hpw – Mon - Fri morning
sessions) (Post available from 27 August 2015)
ESSENTIAL
QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE
KNOWLEDGE /
SKILLS
1)
Hold a teaching qualification
which meets the requirements
for recognition to teach in
grant-aided schools in
Northern Ireland and be
registered with GTCNI by the
agreed date of taking up duty;
and
2)
Hold a teaching qualification
which has prepared the applicant
to teach Early Years/Nursery as
his/her main subject; and
3)
Have a minimum of 1 full term’s
experience in a paid capacity of
teaching in a nursery school or
nursery unit attached to a primary
school within the last 4 years as
at the closing date for receipt of
completed applications.
 Ability to relate easily to
nursery aged children;
 Knowledge of Northern Ireland
Curriculum for
Nursery/Foundation Stage;
 Communication skills;
 Interpersonal skills;
 Organisational and planning
skills;
 ICT skills;
 Ability to promote positive
relationships with children,
colleagues and parents;
 Display an understanding of
primary school pupils;
 Knowledge of Child Protection
issues;
 Ability to develop pupils’
language skills.
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PREFERRED
 Have experience of teaching
using an interactive
whiteboard in a classroom
setting (a demonstration may
form part of the selection
process).
PERSONAL
QUALITIES









OTHER
REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work as a member of
a team;
Ability to deal appropriately
with pupils and parents;
Enthusiastic;
Flexible;
Committed to raising pupil
achievement;
Ability to motivate self and
others.
Caring empathetic attitude;
Innovative;
Demonstrate a consistent
child control approach.
Committed to policy making
and development of the
Nursery Unit;

Willingness to assist with
fund raising or other
school activities.
The criteria may be enhanced
Application forms and associated documents may be downloaded from the
Board’s website www.seelb.org.uk .
TEMPORARY TEACHER POSTS
Please note that the post availability indicates how long a post will be vacant at
the time of going to press and does not necessarily indicate the commencement
date of any contract. Temporary contracts may subject to extension or may be
reduced for any valid reason unless otherwise indicated. Certain circumstances
may arise where the successful candidate will not be employed for the full period
of availability eg. Due to incomplete pre-employment checks at the commencing
availability date.
Where a post is available for a full 12 month period and due to unforeseen
circumstances it is not possible for the successful candidate to commence their
contract at the availability date stated, the period of employment will be reduced
and the teacher will be paid on the hourly rate for teachers.
Temporary teachers employed for less than a 12 month period will be paid on the
hourly rate for teachers.
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DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
If you have been appointed for a post that involves ‘regulated activity’ under the
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007, the Board will be required to
undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that
you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure
Certificate, which is currently £33. Details of how to make payment will be
sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further details in relation to legislative requirements can be accessed on
www.nidirect.gov.uk/vetting or www.dojni.gov.uk/accessni
EDUCATION AUTHORITY (EA)
This post is currently being advertised by the South Eastern Education and
Library Board.
From 01 April 2015 the Education Authority (EA) will take over the functions of
the South Eastern Education and Library Board.
All appointment processes completed before 01 April 2015 will be unaffected by
the transfer of functions to EA. All staff employed by the South Eastern
Education and Library Board on 31 March 2015 will transfer to EA on 01 April
2015 and be protected on their existing terms and conditions of employment,
including pension, in accordance with the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of
Employment) (TUPE) Regulations 2006.
All ongoing appointment processes completed after 01 April 2015 will be offered
by EA as the employing authority.
All posts will continue to be offered on the basis of current terms and conditions
of employment, as advertised.
REFERENCES
This appointment will be subject to satisfactory references being received. One
reference should be from a person who is able to comment on your suitability to
work with children/young people in an educational setting. The Board will seek
references from present/previous employers for posts involving ‘*regulated
activity’.
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It is essential that you fully describe in the application form how you meet
the criteria sought. Please provide detailed information against each
requirement, providing dates and ensuring that where requirements are
time bounded (e.g. 1 year within the last 5 years) you provide detail and
dates that fully satisfy the requirement. It is not appropriate to simply list
the various posts that you have held. Assumptions will not be made from
the title of your post.
Canvassing will disqualify
Posts involving work in educational institutions are subject to the
provisions of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007
Please complete and return your Application Form and Equal Opportunities
Questionnaire by post/hand delivering to the Equal Opportunities Unit, South
Eastern Education and Library Board, Grahamsbridge Road, Dundonald, BT16
2HS no later than 12.00 noon on the closing date for completed applications.
Faxed, e-mailed or late application forms will not be accepted.
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