CLAYESMORE
Job Title: School Librarian
Responsible to: Deputy Head Academic
Role Overview
To oversee the day to day running of both the Prep and Senior libraries, ensuring that the spaces are welcoming and well used. The collections are carefully maintained and developed.
A knowledgeable and enthusiastic librarian who will foster a genuine love of reading across the school community from Years 1–13.
At the heart of this role is the encouragement of reading for pleasure. The successful candidate will be someone who enjoys talking to children and young people about books, who knows contemporary children’s and young adult literature well, and who can help pupils discover books that excite and engage them.
To help create a culture in which reading is valued and visible throughout the school.
General Responsibilities
Reading Promotion and Pupil Engagement
Working with the Heads of English and other departments, encourage a culture of reading for pleasure throughout the school.
Build positive relationships with pupils aged 5–18 and develop a detailed understanding of their reading interests and habits.
Recommend books carefully and confidently to individual pupils across a wide range of ages and abilities.
Maintain a strong knowledge of contemporary children’s and young adult fiction, particularly through to the end of KS4.
Support reluctant readers as well as highly able and ambitious readers.
Organise displays, themed events, competitions and activities that promote reading.
Bring to life reading groups and book clubs
● Take the lead organising a worthwhile programme of author visits and other literary activities
● Work with teaching staff to support reading initiatives and curriculum-related reading where useful.
Library Management
Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the Prep and Senior libraries.
Maintain an orderly, welcoming and purposeful library environment.
Manage borrowing, returns and reservations.
Catalogue, classify and process new stock.
Maintain accurate library records and oversee stock management.
● Assist with the selection, acquisition and withdrawal of books and other resources.
● Ensure books and resources are properly cared for and presented attractively.
Support for Pupils and Staff
Help pupils develop confidence in selecting books independently.
● Assist pupils in locating appropriate resources for projects and wider reading.
Support staff in identifying suitable texts and reading materials.
Contribute positively to the wider life of the school community.
Person Specification
Essential
● Embody the values of Clayesmore, demonstrating loyalty to the school and its ethos
Have a genuine enthusiasm for children’s literature and reading
● Strong knowledge of books suitable for children and teenagers, particularly from Key Stages 2–4.
● The ability to engage warmly and confidently with pupils across a wide age range.
Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
● A calm, approachable and encouraging manner.
The ability to create attractive and stimulating library spaces.
● Good administrative and IT skills.
● The ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
Previous experience in a school, library, bookshop or educational setting would be advantageous.
Additional Information
This is a term time only role, working 25 hours per week.
Some flexibility in working pattern may be required.
● When days of more than 6 hours are worked, the post holder will be entitled to a 30 minutes unpaid break.
● Benefits include a free lunchtime meal (when applicable), free membership of the Clayesmore Sports Centre, Death in Service benefits and a pension scheme
Membership of the Clayesmore Society and associated member benefits
Prepared by: Senior Deputy and Deputy Head Academic
Clayesmore School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants for this post must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening, including reference checks with previous employers and a criminal record check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.