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Head of School (SEN)
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Head of School (SEN) : Meldreth and Surrounding Areas
Are you an visionary, empathetic, and highly accomplished SEN senior leader seeking to guide an exceptional specialist learning environment? We are seeking a dedicated Head of School to take overall operational responsibility for driving educational excellence, holistic care, and continuous development across a well-regarded specialist provision located near Meldreth.
This is a full-time, permanent executive leadership position (Leadership Scale L16-L20 / GBP77,676 - GBP85,547 depending on experience). Working directly alongside the Principal, you will champion a multi-disciplinary approach to unlock every young person's unique potential. The setting supports young learners aged 6-19 with complex learning needs, profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), medical requirements, physical disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).
Key Leadership Responsibilities
- Strategic Direction: Lead, refine, and execute an inspiring long-term strategy for the school, maintaining the School Development Plan (SDP) and Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) as continuous live tools for ongoing growth.
- Interdisciplinary Integration: Work in close harmony across education, residential care, therapeutic services, and support teams to cultivate innovative, holistic approaches to pupil progression.
- Quality and Compliance: Oversee regulatory standards to maintain high-quality delivery across Independent Special School standards, Ofsted framework mandates, and safeguarding legislation.
- Team Empowerment: Nurture a positive, united, and highly trained staff team, conducting performance reviews, offering constructive mentorship, and driving continuous professional development.
- Resource and Environment Management: Oversee school operations, site safety, risk assessments, and health and safety requirements, ensuring modern sensory and learning facilities remain safe, engaging, and enriching for all.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain open, effective communication with parents, regulators, local authorities, and quality compliance partners.
- Pupil Wellbeing and Dignity: Lead with a hands-on approach to ensure pupils are kept safe, treated with dignity, and supported with personal care and communication needs where required.
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What We Are Looking For
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) alongside additional professional qualifications in SEN or leadership (e.g., NPQH or a commitment to working towards one).
- Leadership Experience: Proven track record as a Senior Leader, Deputy Head, or Headteacher within a specialist SEN setting (specifically supporting ASD, PMLD, complex health, or physical needs).
- Regulatory Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of the Ofsted framework for independent special schools, safeguarding best practice (KCSIE), and health and safety risk oversight.
- Therapeutic Insight: Solid grounding in positive behaviour support, de-escalation strategies, alternative communication tools (e.g., PECS/Makaton), and managing complex medical needs.
- Leadership Style: A warm, reflective, and decisive leadership approach with exceptional communication skills and a passion for creating a happy, harmonious educational community.
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What We Offer
- Competitive Senior Executive Salary: L16-L20 (GBP77,676 - GBP85,547 per annum, reflective of experience).
- Permanent Security: Full-time, permanent status providing career longevity within a premier specialist provider network.
- Exceptional Environment: Access to expansive grounds and state-of-the-art facilities, including hydrotherapy suites, sensory rooms, and specialized adaptive equipment.
- Professional Network: Collaborative partnership with regional executive directors, Quality and Compliance advisors, and interdisciplinary clinical partners.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Generous pension scheme, continuous...
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