Job Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Frank Wise School caters for 120 students aged between 2 and 19 years with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties. We serve a growing community within a mixed catchment area extending over 15 miles across much of North Oxfordshire.
SCHOOL STRUCTURE
Currently, the school has 12 broadly chronologically-based classes, including a Foundation class and a Post-16 class. Students are grouped by age to enable every child to develop within a socially diverse Family Group in which each child is valued as a unique individual. Each class of around 9 children is led by a teacher supported by three full-time Classroom Support Officers.
THE CURRICULUM
The school enjoys an excellent reputation for curriculum innovation and was graded outstanding by Ofsted in November 2024 for the fifth consecutive time. All children are given full access to a broad and balanced curriculum, meticulously tailored to meet specific learning needs and interests. We feel this approach provides consistency throughout the school, but also offers scope for teachers to design and implement creative but highly structured teaching programmes to meet the very individualised educational needs of each child in their class.
PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS
The Friends of Frank Wise School actively support our work by financing the costs of our minibuses and by underwriting the costs of staff involvement for day and residential trips. Through major fund-raising initiatives they have also provided the school with a superb hydrotherapy pool, a classroom block and music room, improved playground facilities, the complete refurbishment of our Drama Room and the recent resourcing of our post-16 block with specialist equipment, furniture and integrated technology.
INCLUSION WITH MAINSTREAM SCHOOLS
The school’s policy of strong associations and links with mainstream schools manifests itself at present by all our pupils up to the age of 16 spending at least half a day per week in nine different local primary and secondary schools for joint curricular activities. We see inclusion as a two-way process, therefore, we augment our mainstream links by offering cross-institutional curricular work based at our school wherever possible. We are actively working to develop similar links with the local business community with the aim of building relationships for work-related learning, as well as raising the profile of all that our students have to offer in their future adult lives.
RECENT AND CONTINUING DEVELOPMENTS
We consider ourselves a resource for other schools and pupils with special needs in the area and contribute to national projects and discussions. These links highlights exciting challenges and the need for applicants committed to an integrated approach to the education of children with learning disabilities. The school is proud of its high profile within the local community and beyond.
We strive to ensure that our students leave us with the skills and confidence to go on to lead fulfilling lives as an active member of their communities. It is our aim for an extraordinary education to lead to extraordinary lives. Significant elements of our current development work are focussed on continuing to improve our systems and approaches to support this aim.
JOB OUTLINE
Conditions of service will be in accordance with the Oxfordshire County Council’s ‘General Terms and Conditions of Employment for all Employees’ and the ‘Terms and Conditions for ‘Green Book’ staff ’.
The Site Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the school’s environment is safe, welcoming, and supports learning. This is both a strategic and hands-on position, requiring the post holder to lead on the development and maintenance of the school site, manage external contractors, and contribute to long-term planning, while also undertaking day-to-day practical tasks. The role requires flexibility, initiative, and decision-making skills to meet the unique needs of a special school setting.
JOB DETAILS:
Grade: 9 (Point 23–26)
Starting Salary: £33,366 (before the recent 3.2% national pay award)
Hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
Working Pattern:
Monday–Thursday: 7:30–11:00 am, 1:00–5:00 pm
Friday: 7:30–11:00 am, 1:00–4:30 pm
Holiday Entitlement: 30 days a year (excluding 8 bank holidays) to be taken during school holidays
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic :
- Lead on the strategic management of the school site, buildings, grounds and vehicles to support the school’s vision and priorities.
- Develop and implement site-related policies (e.g., health and safety, security, sustainability, lettings).
- Contribute to capital projects, liaising with contractors, architects, and local authority representatives.
- Advise senior leaders and governors on compliance, risk assessments, and long-term site planning.
- Monitor budgets for site maintenance and development, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
- Promote environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly initiatives.
- Operational / Hands-on :
- Ensure the site is safe, clean, and well-maintained at all times.
- Manage and supervise cleaners, and external contractors.
- Carry out routine repairs and maintenance tasks.
- Oversee site security, including opening/closing of the premises and managing access control.
- Respond to emergencies (e.g., breakages, leaks, fire alarms).
- Organise all routine compliance checks and maintain accurate records (e.g., water safety, fire safety, asbestos),
- Support the logistical setup of classrooms, events, and activities.
THE APPLICANT
Essential:
- Proven experience in facilities or site management or other comparable professional experience.
- Strong understanding of health and safety legislation.
- Effective planning skills and with the willingness to engage in practical, hands-on tasks.
- Effective personal skills, with empathy and patience.
- Excellent organisation, record-keeping, and problem-solving abilities.
- Flexible and responsive to the evolving needs of the site.
- Aligned with the school’s vision and priorities.
- A valid driving licence is required to carry out collections and drop-offs of minibuses, including transporting vehicles for inspections, servicing, MOTs, and related activities. A Category D1 driving licence would be desirable.
- Effective computer skills
- Desirable:
- Experience working in a school or other complex multi-user organisation.
- Recognised qualification in site/facilities management or health and safety (e.g., IOSH/NEBOSH).
- Knowledge of safeguarding principles as they apply to site management.
The qualities we are looking for are:
- Energy, enthusiasm, warmth and a sense of humour
- A commitment and positive attitude towards the education of pupils with disabilities
- Common sense, flexibility, resilience and a willingness to learn, with an eye for detail and ability to use initiative
- Highly motivated, fit, healthy and willing to work as a member of a lively, committed and hardworking team
- A passion for excellence and the capability to enjoy the challenges associated with a motivated school, committed to high professional standards in all aspects of its work
We are looking for people who will fully support the stated purpose, values and aims of the school and will be able to play a major part in all aspects of its future development. We believe that the relevant skills for this post can be taught, but the positive attitudes required cannot.
In addition:
Applicants must respect the need for confidentiality and professionalism which this post demands. The person appointed should enjoy the challenges that are associated with a school motivated and committed to high professional standards.
APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES
We would warmly welcome applicants who wish to visit the school before they apply. Visits can be arranged by phoning (01295) 263520 or by emailing office@frankwise.oxon.sch.uk.
Completed application forms should highlight any previous experience, professional interests and skills and please ensure we have an email address and contact telephone number for confirmation. In line with the Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, we will be conducting an online search for all shortlisted candidates.
Please note that, if you are successful in your application, you will be required to provide information at the point of interview which will be checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
All shortlisted candidates will be asked to visit the school (if they have not done so already) to meet with children and staff prior to or as part of the interview process.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Frank Wise School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the best interests of our students. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts within the school are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and appointments are made subject to enhanced DBS and barred list checks. A minimum of two references will be sought and there will be a 6 month probationary period.
Frank Wise School is a committed equal opportunities employer.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
