Head of Provision

Re:Link Education; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Term-time hours

Supportive environment

Job summary

Re:Link Education in Ipswich seeks a Head of Provision to lead the day-to-day running of our specialist therapeutic SEMH provision. You will oversee curriculum delivery, safeguarding, wellbeing and site operations, ensuring trauma-informed, child-centred education for pupils with SEND.

You will lead and support teaching and support staff, promote positive relationships, and act as Designated Safeguarding Lead to protect children and work with families and external professionals to achieve

Qualifications

• Experience leading or managing a team within education, SEND, specialist or alternative provision.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge with experience as a DSL or ability to undertake the role.
• Understanding of SEND, EHCPs and pupil progress monitoring.
• Experience supporting children with complex needs and challenging behaviours.
• Capability to apply trauma-informed, attachment-aware approaches and strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of the provision, manage staff, timetabling, resources and systems.
• Oversee curriculum delivery, pupil progress and EHCP outcomes; quality assurance.
• Act as DSL and maintain safeguarding records; support referrals.
• Build relationships with parents, schools and external agencies; coordinate transport.

Skills

Leadership

DSL experience

Team management

Trauma-informed

SEND knowledge

Communication

Job description

• Re:Link Education
• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk
• Salary: £48,163 per annum (pro rata), Actual £40,481 per annum
• Hours: Part time, 8am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (term time only)
• Contract: Permanent, required from January 2027
• Reference:0975

About the role

Re:Link Education is looking for an experienced and motivated Head of Provision to lead the day-to-day running of our specialist therapeutic SEMH provision, ensuring high standards across education, safeguarding, wellbeing and operational practice.

You will lead and support a team of teaching and support staff, ensuring that pupils with SEND receive high-quality, adaptive and trauma-informed education. You will oversee curriculum delivery, pupil progress, behaviour support, safeguarding and site operations, while promoting a positive, child-centred culture.

As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will play a key role in protecting children and young people, supporting staff and working closely with families, schools and external professionals to achieve positive outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Operations:

• lead the daily running of the provision, managing staff, timetabling, resources and operational systems.
• oversee curriculum delivery, adaptive teaching, pupil progress and EHCP outcomes
• complete learning walks, quality assurance snapshots and AQA evidence using the NurturED Hub platform
• maintain site safety, risk assessments, PEEPs, first aid provision and essential supplies
• act as keyholder and ensure the premises remain safe, secure and well-maintained.

Safeguarding, Behaviour and Pupil Support:

• act as DSL, responding to safeguarding concerns, maintaining accurate records and making referrals where necessary
• ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, attendance and data protection requirements
• lead staff inductions, half-termly supervisions and end-of-session debriefings.
• support pupils using trauma-informed, attachment-aware and restorative approaches to promote emotional regulation and positive relationships
• maintain accurate records of incidents, concerns and statutory documentation
• support staff wellbeing through return-to-work meetings and reflective practice.

Partnership Working and Development:

• build effective relationships with parents, carers, schools and external agencies
• work alongside the Therapeutic Teacher to contribute to termly child development meetings
• ensure communication is professional, timely and focused on pupils' needs
• coordinate with transport providers and other services to support the safe and effective running of the provision
• promote continuous improvement and consistency across education, therapeutic practice and safeguarding.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• has experience leading or managing a team within education, SEND, specialist or alternative provision
• has a strong understanding of safeguarding and experience as a DSL, or the knowledge and experience required to undertake the role
• understands SEND, adaptive teaching, EHCPs and pupil progress monitoring
• has experience supporting children and young people with complex needs and behaviour that challenges
• is confident using trauma-informed, attachment-aware and relational approaches
• has excellent leadership, communication, organisational and record-keeping skills
• can manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards of safety and care
• is confident working collaboratively with families, professionals and multidisciplinary teams
• is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

What we can offer:

• a rewarding leadership role with a genuine opportunity to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND
• the opportunity to lead a dedicated team within a specialist therapeutic education setting
• a supportive environment that values trauma-informed, attachment-aware and child-centred practice
• opportunities for professional development, reflection and continuous improvement
• the opportunity to shape the quality of education, safeguarding and therapeutic support across the provision.

If you are an experienced education or SEND professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for supporting children and young people with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: 12pm, 13 November 2026

Interview date: week commencing, 16 November 2026

Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

Due to our safer recruitment procedures, we are unable to accept CVs. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Includa Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and apprentices to share this commitment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.