Director of new SEN Centre

OVERVIEW

A unique and incredibly exciting opportunity to become a Founding Director will create a curriculum for and manage a fully equipped new rural SEN centre ten minutes from Cambridge (Barton). Catering to those underserved by current SEN provision, the centre will provide an essential new space for those with Special Needs to learn, develop, and express themselves. This exciting role is perfect for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, excellent administrative and inter-personal skills, SEN experience, and knowledge of running a small charitable organisation. We need somebody to hit the ground running at the start of September 2020.

The centre is already fully equipped for up to fourteen centre attendees and offers plentiful opportunities for creative learning, workshops, lessons, and various activities. It includes: two classrooms, a small Pilates room, piano room, dance room, tennis court, greenhouse, breakout area, toilets, reception and an office. There is also outside space; chickens and horses are maintained by the groundskeeper, but this could be integrated into any timetable. Adaptations will have to be made to ensure COVID-secure delivery.

The opening hours of the centre will be Tuesday to Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm. The actual timetable of work will be adaptable depending on the provision. The Manager will be expected to be on site throughout, though is not expected to deliver sessions to the attendees. The school will generally mirror State school holidays, but some provision will be required in that time to ensure a balanced budget. However, holidays will be more than the statutory minimum, to be discussed. 

The Charity aims to open the centre by September, though the first-year intake and provision can understandably reflect the short lead-time to commencement.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Curriculum and activities 

• Design a curriculum of activities and lessons based on the attendees’ requirements. These can range from academic and art lessons to Pilates, ballet and tennis, from piano lessons and singing to gardening and growing food, animal management and horse-riding. These can be delivered individually, in small or large groups depending on the attendees and their specific needs and the resources of the centre. 

• The Manager will be responsible for creating, organising and expanding upon the above draft provision. 

• Recruit and manage freelance teachers and specialists to deliver the service. 

• Ensure quality of service provision and monitor effective delivery by freelancers. 

• Create a strong community within the centre, including organising extra activities outside of normal opening hours on an ad-hoc basis. 

• Engage the students with the local community, with a focus on seasonal holidays. 

• Build relationships with Cambridge’s academic and extra-curricular offering. 

• Represent the Centre to relevant stakeholders and be a role model for both attendees and freelance teachers and specialists. 

Managing attendees 

• Advertise the service provision to local young people aged between 3-18 with Special Educational Needs as defined by the Charity’s aims. 

• Run the admissions process to ensure the attendees are those the Charity aims to help. The centre is designed for those with mild to moderate Special Needs but unfortunately does not have the capability or resources to accommodate those with challenging behaviours. 

• Liaise with the attendees’ responsible adult to update them on progress. 

Financial responsibilities 

• Design and manage the centre’s budget, engaging an accountant to help and implement this and the below. 

• Use financial and resource management innovatively and wisely. 

• Administer payroll in accordance with all regulations. 

• Undertake fundraising activities to allow the centre to become self-sustainable. 

• Set fees and invoice attendees based on the provision and their circumstances. 

• Ensure adherence to all tax and other financial regulations, including but not limited to PAYE, working directives, pensions, and holiday pay. 

• Report the centre’s finances to HMRC. 

• Write reports periodically to ensure the Charity is achieving its aims. 

• Liaise with the Local Council and Charity Commission to ensure regulatory requirements are met. 

Administrative responsibilities

• Open and close the centre each day. 

• Welcome the attendees on arrival, safeguard their health and safety while on site, and ensure they leave on time and securely. This can be delegated in time and as appropriate. 

• Contribute to the centre being a pleasant, safe environment, leading by example. 

• Organise freelance cleaners and monitor the cleanliness of the school, taking appropriate action to ensure standards are met. 

• Ensure access by medical staff in case of emergency. 

• Administer First Aid if necessary. 

• Develop and deliver safeguarding policies and Child Protection procedures. 

• Assume the appropriate level of responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and to report any concerns, 

• Ensure stock and inventory is replenished as appropriate, including academic provisions, the vending machines and all other sundry needs. 

For the avoidance of doubt, the duties and responsibilities contained within this job description may change from time to time according to the requirements of the role and it is not intended to have contractual effect. 

APPLICATIONS & DEADLINES 

Closing Date: Applications to be received by midnight on Sunday 12th July 2020

Anticipated interview dates: Week commencing Monday 13th April 2020.

Interview location: Online or Uncommon, 126 New King's Rd, Fulham, London SW6 4LZ. Arrangements can be made if this location is unfeasible (and online given the current situation).