Head of Tennis - 1 Year Fixed Term Contract

OVERALL PURPOSE

The role of the Head of Tennis will be to lead on the Tennis programme. They should be able to coach pupils and offer support and advice regarding tennis and any related activities.  It will involve attending events both at Canford and at external venues, accompanying and supervising pupils at events, organising transport for away events and hospitality for home events.

Key Responsibilities

The Head of Tennis will be responsible for:

• Taking the lead on the Tennis programme, including a wet weather programme when necessary, and working with the Head of Squash / Real Tennis and Badminton coaches to drive the development of those racket sports programmes.
• In conjunction with the Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing drawing up and administering the tennis budget and purchasing appropriate equipment and resources for the delivery of the programme.
• Organising and running a programme of winter Tennis coaching for pupils and overseeing a tennis sports option in the Easter Term (Performance Squad).
• In conjunction with the Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing and Head of Squash / Real Tennis, implement and update the Health and Safety policy and risk assessment for Tennis each year.
• Arranging for the Summer term full school block Tennis fixtures, county/ national cup matches and friendly matches
• Liaising with the Groundsmen regarding court requirements for the school and when hosting any state school / prep school / Canford School events.
• Ensuring that Tennis coaching staff are fully aware of their tennis commitments and team responsibilities.
• Educating the coaches through continuous professional development by leading training sessions and disseminating key information and trends from the games
• Collating tennis reports and results each week, at half term and end of term and for key assembly announcements, web site updates and local / national media
• Organising and delivering House Tennis competitions and supporting the organisation of competitions in Squash, Real Tennis and Badminton.
• Liaising with the Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing with regards to possible tours and festivals.
• Liaising with the Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing to arrange visits from feeder Prep Schools to offer coaching sessions in racket sports
• Coordinating and facilitating the transport of pupils to matches in racket sports along with the Sports Administrator
• Attending and contributing to Sports Department meetings
• Striking a balance between the provision of sport for all and the achievement of excellence for some
• Proactively, along with the Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing, look to foster relationships with local clubs / schools / organisations to maximise the usage of Canford Tennis and racket sports facilities when not being used by Canford pupils
• Lead on Racket Sports Camps and Holiday Clubs run at Canford in Easter and Summer Holiday periods.
• Contribute to other parts of our Games/Sport programme as required and to participate in the full life of our busy Day/Boarding School as reasonably required by the Headmaster or his nominated Deputy.

No job description can fully cover all aspects of such an appointment and consequently the responsibilities are likely to expand and evolve.

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusio

Knowledge / Experience

• Level 3 Tennis coaching certificate (or working towards it), or equivalent, and/or a record of playing elite Tennis  (E)
• Educated to GCSE level (E)
• Excellent subject knowledge (E)
• An ability to inspire pupils through effective teaching and coaching (E)
• Enthusiasm for sport and physical activity (E)
• A commitment to improving pupil outcomes (E)
• Ability to deliver other sports or activities (D)
• Experience in a school setting (D)
• Experience of coaching a range of different abilities (E)
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing (E)
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team (E)
• Willingness to reflect and be adaptable (E)
• Good organisation and planning (E)
• Commitment to the values and ethos of the school (E)
• Enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to the life of a busy boarding school (E)
• Professional appearance and manner (E)

Canford School is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of our Community and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Canford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful job applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening.