Head of School

Randstad Education; Royston; On-site; GBP 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Education in Royston, Hertfordshire, invites applications for a Head of School who will be accountable for educational and operational performance for a specialist ASD/PMLD setting, with students aged 6–19. The role requires inspirational leadership and a commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes in a complex environment.

You will set the ethos with the Principal and governing board, oversee policies and safeguarding, manage staff and resources, monitor progress, and promote

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status with further professional qualification; NPQH preferred.
• Experience of senior leadership within ASD & PMLD environment.
• Understanding of Ofsted frameworks and safeguarding in independent schools.
• Quality assurance experience, including lesson observations and performance management.
• Team management experience.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Establish and sustain the school's ethos and strategic direction with the Principal and governing board.
• Establish and oversee systems, processes and policies for effective operation.
• Identify problems and develop strategies for school improvement.
• Ensure improvement strategies are implemented.
• Monitor progress towards aims and objectives.
• Allocate financial resources effectively.
• Undertake safeguarding duties with the Principal and liaise with stakeholders.
• Promote enrichment, entitlement and achievement through policies and practices.

Skills

QT Status

NPQH preferred

Senior leadership ASD/PMLD

Ofsted knowledge

Quality assurance

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

NPQH or willingness to gain

Job description

Head of School

£77,676 - £85,547 (L16-L20) per annum

Royston, Hertfordshire

Similar in nature to a Headteacher position; you will ultimately be accountable for all areas of operational and educational performance within the School, as well as the financial performance and management of education and support staff.

To achieve in this role you will be someone who inspires creativity and collaboration, a strong leader and a passionate advocate for your students, finding ways to deliver educational outcomes that make a real difference to them.

Many of the students at this school have complex learning difficulties, often associated with profound physical disabilities and/or medical needs. Their ages range between 6 - 19. Whatever a student's abilities or challenges, we aim to provide them with memorable experiences and stimulating activities that promote self-esteem and personal independence. This approach is enhanced by the imaginative use of a variety of suitable and interesting resources and environments - from the rich experiences of sound, colour and touch in the sensory room, through to energising rebound therapy and physical exercises in the hydrotherapy pool.

Key duties

• Establish and sustain the school's ethos and strategic direction together with the Principal and governing board and through consultation with the school community.
• Establish and oversee systems, processes and policies so the school can operate effectively.
• Identify problems and barriers to school effectiveness, and develop strategies for school improvement that are realistic, timely and suited to the school's context.
• Make sure these school improvement strategies are effectively implemented.
• Monitor progress towards achieving the school's aims and objectives.
• Allocate financial resources appropriately, efficiently and effectively.
• Undertake safeguarding duties supported by the Principal which will entail reporting and following up incidents in a timely manner and where appropriate liaising with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Work in close partnership with the Principal in actively and demonstrably promoting enrichment, entitlement and achievement through building and implementing agreed school policies and practices.

Skills and Qualifications

Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate:

• Qualified Teacher Status with further professional qualification in a relevant area. Candidates with Head Teacher qualification (such as NPQH) or a willingness to gain such a qualification preferred.
• Experience of working as a senior leader within an ASD & PMLD environment
• A clear understanding of Ofsted frameworks and Safeguarding legislation in relation to independent schools.
• Quality assurance experience (such as lesson observations and performance management)
• Team management experience.
• Superb communication and stakeholder management skills.