Head of Service: Birtenshaw School Merseyside

We are looking to appoint an exceptional and inspirational leader for the role of Head of School, Birtenshaw School Merseyside. The School is registered for 80 pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disability, particularly Autistic Spectrum Conditions and Severe Learning Disability. 

About Us 

Birtenshaw is a company limited by guarantee and a registered Charity Group. We were originally established in Bromley Cross, Bolton in 1956. Birtenshaw provides a dynamic range of education, care and therapy services for children and young adults with Special Educational Needs and Disability, including Autism Spectrum Conditions. 

Our vision is to ‘brighten lives and build futures’ by ensuring that all pupils receive the same learning and social opportunities as other children. We achieve this by providing outstanding purpose-built facilities and a creative curriculum tailored to meet pupils’ individual needs.

Birtenshaw School, Merseyside offers education for children aged 3-19 with a moderate to severe learning disability and/or complex health needs.

The school building has been specifically designed to be autism friendly, with wide corridors and low arousal décor to reduce distraction and create an environment conducive to learning. We also offer a range of therapeutic interventions which support children’s academic and social development. Birtenshaw’s established services based in Bolton have full Autism Accreditation from the National Autistic Society and the new School will adopt these standards and work towards accreditation.

The school’s approach is based on the principle of Total Communication, where every behaviour is viewed as communication and we see it as our responsibility to understand what the young person wants or needs. We ensure that our routines and structures support pupils to feel safe and happy. With a dedicated staff team and our unique approach we provide a supportive and safe environment where all young people make progress regard-less of their starting point.

About this Role 

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with leadership experience in their current/previous roles to take on a new challenge leading a new school in brand new state of the art facilities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disability, in particular Autistic Spectrum Condition and Severe Learning Disability. 

Working in partnership with the Deputy Chief Executive: Operations and the Assistant Director: Education, the newly appointed Head of School will be expected to provide outstanding leadership of the school, promoting and securing a foundation in order to achieve high standards in all areas of the school work.

As Head of School you will be responsible for setting high aspirations and maintaining the highest standards of provision by creating a comprehensive development strategy that will provide staff with direction and encourage students to aim high. 

Supported by the Deputy Chief Executive: Operations and School Governing Board you will provide strong leadership to the school to ensure delivery of outstanding education. 

What we are looking for 

The successful candidate will be a motivational leader with a proven track record of school development especially in the field of special educational needs and autism.  

You will need to show commitment to our mission, aims and values. 

We can offer:

• A motivated and supportive senior leadership team and School Governing Board 

• Dedicated, ambitious and caring staff who work hard to ensure pupils have the best learning opportunities. 

• Stimulating and innovative learning environments – indoors and outdoors 

For further information visit www.birtenshaw.org.uk or to discuss the role or arrange a visit please contact Julie Barnes (Deputy Chief Executive: Operations) on 01204 304 230 or email at julie.barnes@birtenshaw.org.uk. 

Birtenshaw is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed via the DBS website. 

This post is also subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre-employment checks where applicable.