We know that, to achieve our vision, it is our people who will make the big difference. In order to attract the strongest, we offer a competitive reward and benefits package.
Competitive Salaries
We offer competitive salaries for both teaching and non-teaching staff based on the type and level of role you do. We are an accredited Living Wage employer. This ensures we are treating people fairly across the Trust as well as remaining competitive. Pay ranges are reviewed annually with our recognised unions. Your starting salary will be determined by the pay range for your role, your experience as well as external market conditions.
National Terms & Conditions
VALT Academy is committed to offering national terms and conditions, in line with the School Teacher’s Pay and conditions document (STPCD), the Burgundy Book (for Teachers) or the NJC Green Book (for Support Staff). This commitment is protected via Recognition and Collective Agreement between VALT and the national Trade Unions and Professional Associations.
Pension Scheme
All contracted members of staff will be automatically enrolled into a career-average pension scheme with either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme (whichever is appropriate). You will not pay tax or National Insurance on your contributions and VALT adds a generous employer contribution, which varies depending on your salary. All staff are entitled to opt-out of the pension scheme should they wish to do so.
Holiday
We recognise the importance of a good work-life balance and provide generous holiday entitlements. This entitlement is in addition to any Bank or Public holidays. If you work part-time your holiday entitlement will be pro-rated. Teaching staff receive the standard school holiday allowance.
Flexible and Family Policies
We understand that our employment policies need to be flexible and responsive in order to promote diversity and equality, and to attract and retain the highest quality workforce. We offer flexible working opportunities; job share arrangements and part-time roles; generous family leave packages; and leave to support you with emergencies or for compassionate reasons.
Health Protection
All staff are offered a Healthcare Cash Plan from Simplyhealth. The Cash Plan allows you to claim money back on the cost of everyday healthcare, such as dental treatment, eye tests, physiotherapy, acupuncture, osteopath, chiropractic treatment, homeopathy, and chiropody/podiatry, all up to an agreed annual limit.
Advice and Counselling Services
Our Employee Assistance Programme offers free and confidential advice available 24hrs, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You will also have access to structured counselling of up to six sessions available wither face-to-face or over the phone.
Lifestyle Benefits and Discount
We also offer discounts on a range of health-related activities and experiences, including gym memberships, sports equipment, and family days out.
Cycle to Work Scheme
Our cycle to work scheme enables employees to purchase brand-new bicycles and cycling equipment via salary sacrifice, making tax and National Insurance savings.
Induction
Our commitment to your development starts on your first day. As a new VALT employee, you will receive a comprehensive induction programme designed to welcome you the VALT Academy and familiarise you with our culture. You will explore how we operate, our VALT values, how they support our vision and look at why VALT Academy is a great place to work.
Whatever your role, your development will continue after this initial VALT induction, whether it be formal training packages, or on the job training.
Newly appointed senior leaders also join a trust-wide 3-day induction programme designed to quickly immerse you in leading in The Vision Academy Learning Trust way; our essential guide to the policies and procedures that underpin our VALT Quality Standards.
CPD
We provide a range of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities across the Trust to help you expand and fulfil your personal professional potential.
As an education establishment and public body operating in a highly regulated environment where pupils’ safety and well-being is at the fore, we provide a suite of mandatory training modules relevant to your role. These include Date Protection, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, E-Safety and Fire Safety. This training supports employees in undertaking their roles, meeting health and safety requirements and ensuring external statutory requirements and standards are fulfilled.
But it doesn’t stop with the basics. From online learning, to one-to-one coaching, to nationally accredited programmes such as our National Professional Leadership Qualifications, we have development opportunities that give you the chance to learn new skills, grow your knowledge and realise your ambitions.
Staff Wellbeing Charter