Head of School (SEN)

Randstad NV; Meldreth; On-site; GBP 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Hydrotherapy suites & sensory rooms

Leadership development funding

Job summary

Randstad NV is seeking an exceptional Head of School to lead a specialist SEN provision near Meldreth. This full-time, permanent role offers strategic direction with oversight of education, care, and therapeutic integration for students aged 6-19 with complex needs.

The post commands a senior executive salary (£77,676 - £85,547) and extensive benefits. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to drive excellence, safeguarding, and wellbeing across the setting.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is required.
• Senior leadership experience in specialist SEN settings.
• Knowledge of Ofsted inspection framework and safeguarding.
• Experience in managing complex medical and ASC needs.
• Strong communication with parents and authorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction and SDP/SEF for ongoing growth.
• Coordinate education, residential care, therapy, and support teams.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with Ofsted and safeguarding.
• Develop staff through performance reviews and professional development.
• Oversee site safety and learning facilities, ensuring a modern environment.
• Engage with parents, regulators, and local authorities.
• Prioritise pupil wellbeing, dignity, and personal care as needed.

Skills

QTS

Leadership

SEN expertise

Ofsted knowledge

Behaviour support

PECS

Makaton

Education

NPQH

Tools

Ofsted framework

Job description

Head of School (SEN) - Meldreth & 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 / £77,676 - £85,547 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 & 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 & 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 & 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.

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.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Senior Executive Salary: L16-L20 (£77,676 - £85,547 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 specialised adaptive equipment.

• Professional Network: Collaborative partnership with regional executive directors, Quality and Compliance advisors, and interdisciplinary clinical partners.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous pension scheme, continuous leadership development funding, and wellbeing support packages.

Ready to lead a transformational SEN community near Meldreth?

Embark on a deeply rewarding leadership journey and inspire excellence every day.

We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will undergo stringent background checks, thorough referencing, and an Enhanced DBS disclosure.

experience

Teaching

skills

ability to track progression in attainment,background in youth work,behaviour management,building relationships,classroom management,communication,de-escalation techniques,empathy,experience in administering medication,experience in managing challenging behaviour,experience with autism spectrum disorders,experience with learning difficulties,experience with social emotional mental health,inclusiveness,manual handling,marking,mentor experience,personal care experience,planning,resilience,restraint training,speech and language therapy experience

qualifications

QTS