School Improvement Lead

Our schools are located between Cumbria to the North East and as far south as Oxfordshire. 

Families all over the country trust us to give their child the best – the best care, the best education and the chance to build the best possible future. It’s a challenge that we’re proud to take on and determined to fulfil. To succeed, we need to ensure that our schools continue to meet the high standards they’re renowned for. That’s why we’re looking for an experienced and inspiring professional to be our School Improvement Lead. As part of a skilled and dedicated team, you’ll help make every Witherslack school the best that it can be. It’s a task that comes with some exciting development opportunities. 

The role
 Our schools offer state-of-the-art learning resources, specialist facilities and qualified, experienced staff. With your help, they’ll perform at their best in every single area. Using your expert knowledge and passion for boosting young people’s attainment, you’ll visit our schools and identify priorities for improvement. It’s a great opportunity to work closely with senior leadership teams, providing advice, monitoring standards and helping schools excel. Crucially, you’ll ensure that each one complies with Independent School Standards and is ready for inspection. Where change is required, you’ll endorse development plans and drive the process of improvement – but never losing sight of Witherslack Group’s vision or values. As our organisation continues to grow and expand, we’re determined to ensure that every young person’s future is in the very best hands.

Your profile

Like us, there’s nothing you want more than to see young people thrive and you make this passion count through your professional expertise. A qualified teacher with a degree (or equivalent) and experience at senior leadership level, you blend an approachable and consultative nature with an academic viewpoint. Your expert perspective helps you spot exactly where improvements need to be made – and with your drive and energy, you inspire others to follow processes that lead to development. You’ll bring an in-depth understanding of Independent School Standards, Teaching Standards and Quality Assurance, as well as a methodical way of working. Organised and good with people, you’ll become an integral part of leadership teams and a champion of best practice. As you’ll be visiting schools nationwide, you’ll need a full driving UK driving licence and the willingness to travel.

About us

Witherslack Group is a leading provider of specialist education and care for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, communication difficulties (autistic spectrum conditions, Asperger’s Syndrome, speech, language and communication needs), complex learning needs and challenging behaviours. With 100% of our young people going on to further education, training or employment and market leading Ofsted ratings. Each school has its own specialist therapeutic team.  Which includes Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Psychotherapists, Mental Health Practitioners and Occupational Therapists. What’s more, our growth plans mean we’ll be offering even more incredible opportunities to great people.

For children with complex, challenging needs, the level of care and education must go above and beyond. That’s what drives us, here at Witherslack Group. With our high staff-to-child ratio and in-house clinical teams, we’re proud to have won a reputation for excellence. Our aspirational homes, schools and ethos help us achieve the best possible outcomes. In short, we’re enhancing life opportunities.

Reward
 Our salary and benefits package is among the best in our sector. It includes a competitive salary, contributory pension up to 5%, comprehensive induction and ongoing training, 35 days’ holiday (including bank holidays). We also offer extensive Group staff benefits, such as a Medicash Health Plan/Employee Assistance, Cycle to Work and tax free childcare vouchers.  Witherslack conducts DBS Enhanced checks and covers the costs for all new employees.

If you would like to discuss the role further please contact Mike Barrow, Quality Assurance Director on 01539 566081.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

Closing Date:   Thursday 24th May 2018

Interviews: Friday 8th June 2018