Army - Defence Children Services (DCS) - Class Teacher, Episkopi, Cyprus

Job summary

Are you passionate about teaching and learning and looking for an exciting opportunity in a dynamic international school environment? Are you committed to ensuring young people flourish both academically and personally?

Episkopi Primary School is looking to appoint a committed, enthusiastic and motivated classroom teacher (initally placed in KS1), who is a highly motivated and who is an excellent teacher, keen to learn, develop and grow within our professional learning community.

Episkopi Primary School is one of three MOD primary schools in Cyprus and is situated in the West Sovereign Base Area of Cyprus (WSBA), overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We serve children from pre-school to year 6 and have excellent links with our early years setting and secondary school in our location. Our team are committed to the belief that every person in our community has the potential to exceed and excel because we believe that flourishing adults enable flourishing children. We nurture and cherish each child by developing strong relationships built on respect and kindness. This is the foundation for our learning and growing together in a happy, warm and purposeful environment. Our aim is to support our children to develop curiosity and a thirst for learning that will grow and develop throughout their life. We encourage our children to embrace challenge, and to be courageous in their learning, as they develop resilience and a pride in their achievements, both in the classroom and beyond. We develop our curriculum and wider learning opportunities to capitalise on our unique setting and environment ensuring high quality learning opportunities to enable our children to be: Curious and kind - to have the courage to shine!

This is a full time position.

Defence Children Services (DCS) is a Defence delivery organisation, subordinated under Army Regional Command. Our Vision is that we Educate the Child – Support the Family – Defend the Nation. HQ DCS is UK based at Trenchard Lines, Upavon and has forward deployed staff all over the world. DCS is responsible for the education and care of children of accompanied Service and Defence entitled personnel in MOD schools and settings; provides advice and guidance in respect of education for service families in the United Kingdom and the wider world.

Job description

The teacher will fulfil the professional responsibilities of a teacher, as set out in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions document and meet the expectations set out in the Teachers’ Standards.

The key responsibilities of the role are:

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

• To have an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the professional duties of teachers, National Curriculum documents and the statutory frameworks within which you work.
• To take responsibility for implementing school policies and practice, including those relating to equality of opportunity.
• To demonstrate a clear understanding of mathematics, and English, appropriate developmental teaching strategies, and to know how to use technology effectively as an integral part of teaching and learning.
• To have knowledge of different forms of assessment and understand how these are used to inform good educational practice.
• To demonstrate a clear understanding of appropriate teaching strategies and know and understand the relevant statutory and non-statutory frameworks. For EYFS, to have knowledge of how to implement the statutory framework for the early years and foundation stage.
• To have a secure, and up to date knowledge of all relevant subject(s) and curriculum areas, foster and maintain pupils’ interest in the subject, and address misunderstandings.

PLANNING, TEACHING AND CLASS MANAGEMENT

• To promote, support and contribute to the ethos of the school, and contribute to the design and provision of an engaging curriculum which embraces British and school values.
• To plan challenging learning opportunities and sequences of learning, based on clear objectives with purposeful learning outcomes and clear impact.
• To accept teaching and pastoral responsibility for the whole class including those with SEND, and to liaise with outside agencies as necessary, whilst maintaining up to date records for individual pupils and where appropriate contribute to SEN/CLA documents/review.
• To mark and monitor pupils’ work (including home/remote learning) and provide feedback in accordance with school policies.
• To plan effectively to ensure pupils have the opportunity to meet their potential, notwithstanding differences of race and gender, and taking account of the needs of pupils who are under achieving, very able, or not yet fluent in English.
• To plan effectively to meet the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and, in collaboration with the SENDCO, prepare, implement, monitor and review Individual Educational Plans and to set targets for individual pupils as required.
• To participate in long term planning and review for the school, and to carry out medium term and short-term planning for teaching, and evaluating, as required by school policies.
• To assess, record and monitor each pupil’s progress in line with school procedures, policies and to report to parents and conduct parents’ evenings.
• To use teaching strategies that maintain engagement through effective questioning, effective presentation and explanation and good use of resources.
• To manage and take responsibility for effective classroom management to develop a safe and stimulating learning environment that supports learning and in which pupils feel secure and confident.
• To set high expectations for pupil behaviour, establishing and maintaining a good standard of discipline based on mutual respect and personal responsibility and promote good and courteous behaviour both in classrooms and around school in accordance with school policies. To deal with inappropriate behaviour in the context of the school vision and policies.
• To set a good example to pupils by being an excellent role model through one’s presentation, and one’s personal conduct, and promote high standards of literacy, articulacy and the correct use of Standard English.

WIDER PROFESSIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

• To take responsibility for one’s own professional development including Performance Management, MOD policies and Contract of Employment procedures, and to attend training in and out of school, as directed by the Leadership Team.
• To manage and take responsibility for the co-ordination of a curriculum area/s or non-curriculum area/s linked to the overall aims of the school, being pro-active within this role and completing being effective as a subject champion to ensure that pupils achieve in this/these areas by undertaken tasks/actions appropriate to this role.
• To work effectively as a member of the school team, establishing and maintaining good relationships with colleagues, parents and pupils and plan for and direct other staff working within the class and voluntary helpers and make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school.
• To develop effective professional relationships with colleagues, knowing how and when to draw on advice and specialist support.
• To act as a model of professional conduct and presentation, demonstrating high personal standards of expertise and commitment.
• To perform, in accordance with any directions which may reasonably be given by the Headteacher, such particular duties as may be assigned.

Accountable for:

• The education and welfare of the children in accordance with national conditions of service and the ethos of the school.
• The quality of learning and the achievements of all pupils in the class.

Authority to:

• Implement rewards and sanctions within the school policies and procedures.
• Liaise with parents or other responsible adults and with external professional staff in accordance with school policies and procedures.

Mandatory Duties

Health and Safety

To observe school and MOD policy with regard to Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities issues. All employees have a responsibility for their own health and safety and that of others when carrying out their duties and must help us to apply our general statement of health and safety policy.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to achieving equal opportunities in the way we deliver services to the community and in our employment arrangements. We expect all employees to understand and promote this policy in their work and be personally responsible for inclusion and equal opportunities awareness, carrying out the provisions contained in the MOD Equal Opportunities policy.

Other Duties

Staff are expected to carry out other duties as reasonably requested by the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher.

Child Protection and Safeguarding

The school’s legal responsibility for safeguarding the welfare of children goes beyond basic child protection procedures. The duty is now to ensure that safeguarding permeates all activity and functions and supports the Safeguarding Policy. Therefore, to be personally responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children s/he is responsible for or comes into contact with.

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by Resourcing Team 1. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at candidate@support.oleeo.com

Person specification

The successful candidate will be a strong classroom practitioner who is passionate about education and learning. They will set, and expect, very high standards holding themselves to account through reflective practice to ensure high quality teaching for all pupils. We are looking for a teacher who wants to be involved in the broader life of school, as an excellent team player, and who can manage positive relationships with all stakeholders. We are keen to meet teachers who are forward thinking, dynamic and committed to learning more about being the best teacher they can be in order to make a positive and lasting difference to our children, their families and our community.

Essential knowledge and skills;

• UK Qualified Teacher Status.
• Has successfully undertaken appropriate Safeguarding training.
• Experience in teaching primary children and the English national curriculum.
• Recent and relevant experience of teaching within the primary phase showing high expectations and excellent classroom teaching.
• An excellent, learning practitioner who is able to meet all the standards as required by the National Teaching Standards.
• To be able to effectively use data, assessment and target setting to raise standards/address weaknesses.
• Experience of planning sequences of work to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring progress is made by adapting and scaffolding learning.
• Experience of successful co-ordination of a subject. Please state curriculum expertise and relevant impact of your role within letter.
• To have a strong understanding of the National Curriculum and pedagogical issues relating to teaching and learning including National and statutory frameworks.
• To have a strong understanding and knowledge of assessment and tracking of pupil progress and to be able to use this to make a positive impact on pupil progress.
• To be able to effectively use technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• To be able to create and promote a stimulating learning environment for all learners.
• To demonstrate good understanding of and commitment to inclusion and evidence inclusive practice which enables all to succeed and be challenged.
• A good understanding of safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people and evidence of clear actions to contribute to this.
• An understanding of health and safety and how this is managed in the workplace relevant to the role.

Desirable knowledge and skills

• Experience of leading a subject
• Teaching experience in more than one key stage
• Degree
• Induction certificate

Qualifications

•UK Qualified Teacher Status
•Evidence of recent and relevant training or professional development applicable to the post
•Has successfully undertaken appropriate Safeguarding training

Evidence will be required at interview. All qualifications, licences or memberships declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date. Equivalents will not be accepted.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Teaching Standards
• Presentation
• Delivery of a lesson with a post lesson evaluation conversation.

Benefits

We are passionate about delivering extraordinary things for our people. We employ people who challenge and guide each other, working within a highly capable team who will support you to develop your skills and experience. Some of the many benefits you will receive include

Discover My Benefits:

Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD. https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/

• Learning & Development opportunities for professional & personal development of skills.
• A culture encouraging inclusion & diversity.
• Medical & dental support.
• Pensions: Superannuation is in accordance with the Teachers Pension Scheme.
• A paid annual return flight to the UK is also provided for each family member after completing 12 months in post.
• The post offers full relocation allowances subject to eligibility.
• Cost of Living Overseas Allowance (COLA) is payable based on personal circumstances and marital status

In line with the TACOs for this post, accommodation is free for the first five years of your MOD employment overseas with subsidised utilities. Thereafter, rent and utilities are payable. Please note if you have previously worked overseas for the MOD and have been in recipient of free rent and utilities then that period will be deducted from your five-year allowance.

This post offers full relocation allowances subject to availability. Cost of Living Overseas Allowances is payable based on personal circumstances and marital status.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

At sift you will be assessed on:

Knowledge, skills and experience of the essential criteria detailed in the Personal Statement, CV and qualifications.

Your Personal Statement (maximum 1250 words) should demonstrate the relevant skills and experience that detail how you meet the essential criteria as detailed in the job role and responsibilities and person specification, including examples of evidence.

There will be a two stage interview approach. Those successful at sift will be invited to a MS Teams first interview where you will assessed on the Teaching Standards and the below Civil Service Behaviours;

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working together
• Developing self and others

Only those who pass the minimum criteria in the first interview will be invited to attend a face to face second interview in the UK. It is to be noted that candidates will be expected to self- fund the travel to interview. MOD do not reimburse travel costs for interviews but further details on travel and accommodation will be discussed when invited for second interview.

For the second interview candidates will be assessed against;

• Delivery of a 10-minute presentation, themed 'Making every lesson count; creating engaging and inclusive learning for service children'.
• Delivery of a 45 minute lesson with a post lesson evaluation conversation.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.

This is an established MOD post within Cyprus and any Cypriot National will not be eligible to apply as a UKBC.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical.

The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigation's can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Natalie Johnson
• Email : natalie.Johnson@modschools.org

Recruitment team

• Email : DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam1@mod.gov.uk

Further information

Please see Further Information document attached.

Attachments

School_teachers__pay_and_conditions_document_2025_and_guidance_on_school_teachers__pay_and_conditions Opens in new window (pdf, 726kB)Teachers__Standards_Dec_2021 Opens in new window (pdf, 271kB)20241009 - Further Information - External (6) Opens in new window (docx, 34kB)Defence Civil Service Offer (6) Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)