Deputy Head Teacher of d'Auvergne school (FOI)

Request

Who is the Deputy Head of the largest primary school? Every other primary on island no matter the size has one! What happens if the head is poorly? The website of d’Auvergne is far from ideal it lacks major clarity! Who runs the school if the head is suddenly ill? Is he so self assured he will never be ill? It’s disconcerting.

I just want to know why there isn’t a Deputy Head on the island biggest primary school! It’s unsafe! Their website is totally outdated! I have friends and family concerned to send their children there because there is no deputy head teacher listed anywhere .

Response

Jersey schools regularly review their staffing structures. d’Auvergne School is not the only school without a specific post of Deputy Headteacher. d’Auvergne School has not employed a Deputy Headteacher since the previous Deputy was successfully promoted to Headship in 2018. At that time the Headteacher made a strategic decision to re-structure the leadership team, a decision supported by the Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES). 

From this point, the school employs a full-time Designated Safeguarding Lead as well as a School Business Manager. These two senior postholders take the operational responsibilities for the school’s good running, including safeguarding and site management, under the head’s leadership. The school has a systemic response to safeguarding and operational issues, should the Headteacher be absent from school. The Designated Safeguarding Lead responds to such issues. The School Business Manager ensures the campus is safe. Two Senior Teachers (Head of Foundation Stage / Key Stage One and the Head of Key Stage Two) act-up to support pupils and parents.

All Government of Jersey schools are responsible for keeping children safe and promoting their welfare. All staff in the school are appropriately trained in respect to matters of safeguarding and health & safety.