Head of Special School - Learning Disabilities / Autism

Compass Community Schools are friendly and successful education provisions supporting vulnerable children aged 11 - 17yrs with SEMH and complex trauma. We are a small and specialist provision, educating a maximum of 12 students.

All of our established schools are graded as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and form part of a strong, multiagency and therapeutic approach which provides education for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties, challenging behaviours and other associated learning and attachment-based needs.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate as they will have a key strategic role within the development of our new school. You will be part of a team which is committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to reach their full potential, and aspirations for both students and staff are very high. The work we do is both varied and challenging, and we form a cornerstone of a triangulated approach which places the child at the centre of education, care and therapeutic intervention.

This would be the ideal opportunity for a candidate looking to further develop within a leadership role and would also suit a middle leader.

We offer:

· Generous salary

· Continual professional development and further career opportunities

· An opportunity to be directly involved in the curricular and wider development of the school

· Excellent Induction Package

· On-going mentoring and coaching

· Laptop and mobile phone

A very supportive and widely experienced team.

Opportunity for continuous development within a leadership role

Specialist therapeutic training opportunities

An interesting work environment where you can have a positive influence on the lives of children and young people

The right candidate will have:

· Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

· A proven record of good or outstanding teaching practice.

· The ability/willing to teach Maths and/or English to GCSE level.

· A strong desire to work inclusively within an emotionally literate environment, supporting children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

· Experience managing challenging behaviours and working with children with SEMH difficulties.

· A non-judgemental approach to behaviour management.

· Experience or willingness to deliver vocational subjects such as BTEC, Functional Skills or ELC.

· The ambition to progress professionally within an expanding, child-centred school.

· Proven experience of planning and delivering a creative and academically engaging curriculum which meets the needs of individual pupils, whilst maintaining high standards of education throughout the school

· The desire to be engaged in all aspects of school life from academic to pastoral.

· The ability to teach and work with pupils presenting with a wide range of emotional and attachment-based needs.

· A passion for making a difference to the education and lives of young people within the school and in building positive and supportive relationships.

· Emotional resilience and be motivated by challenge.

· The ability to be reflective, dynamic and creative in their practice and be willing to work within the Compass Community values and ethos.

The successful candidate will hold QTS and will have a proven record of good or outstanding teaching practice and leadership experience. They will have a broad experience in planning, delivery and classroom management with a dedication to ensuring the best outcomes for individuals. You will need to share our commitment to ensuring that all students are fully prepared and supported for life beyond school.

We have a strong safeguarding culture and expect applicants to be committed to the safeguarding of children and eager to continually develop their practice in this area. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate is required prior to commencement of this post.

The Compass Community values equality and diversity across our workforce and aims to ensure our staff community is reflective of the diversity of the children and young people within our care. In support of this commitment we welcome applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds.