Headteacher

Do you have a proven record of successful leadership in primary special schools, particularly in SEMH?

Are you a dynamic, innovative and inspirational leader?

Can you shape, articulate and realise a vision of excellence and ambition for all?

Are you highly motivated, resilient and creative?

Would you like to contribute to the further development of an already successful school and be a source of influence within the educational system?

Wolverdene Special School (NOR 55) is one of only two SEMH maintained primary schools in Hampshire, serving a wide geographic area of the north and west of Hampshire.

The current head – who leaves after nearly ten years to take up a senior management role in a Multi-Academy Trust – has established the school as an important influence within the special school community and as a provider of highly valued outreach for mainstream primary schools.  The successful candidate will wish to continue this journey, leading by example and seeking to influence outcomes for the county’s most vulnerable children.

Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted in 2016, Wolverdene’s education is based on the philosophy that every child can achieve given the right intervention.  Our approach is based on a systemic model, where multiple elements of intervention support a personalised approach to each child’s learning and development.  There are six classes on the main site with an additional class situated in a nearby mainstream school (see attached information); each class is managed by a teacher supported by two LSAs.  Our staff team is specialist, exceptionally dedicated, well trained and highly articulate about what they seek to achieve.  In addition to the class-based staff, we have a team of support staff, including a Head of Care, a Head of Pupil Support, a Behaviour Manager and a specialist Nurture team, which supports children who need a developmental curriculum. Our two Family Support Workers provide an essential and highly valued service to our families, ranging from individual support to group sessions.

Over the past few years, the needs of our children have become increasingly complex and, to this end, we employ an external team of therapists and  psychologists who work both with individual children and to support staff, so that there is an informed and cohesive approach to meeting children’s needs throughout the school day and within the residential provision.

As the next Headteacher of Wolverdene Special School, you will:

• be an established leader in at least one primary aged special school
• have substantial experience in an SEMH setting
• be able to articulate your understanding of up to date, evidence-based practice relating to SEMH interventions and how it might underpin a school such as ours
• know how to employ a range of evidence, including performance data, to support, monitor, evaluate and improve aspects of school life, including challenging poor performance
• show evidence of further education and study relevant to the post
• be able to explain the principles of strategic financial planning, budgetary management and principles of best value
• be able to demonstrate your ability to develop and support staff
• have a successful record of multi-agency working

For instructions on how to apply please download the Application Procedure Document and follow the instructions outlined.

Closing Date for Applications is 12 noon on 9th October 2020.

It is anticipated that prospective candidates will wish to visit the school prior to application.  Please contact the School Office on 01264 362350 to arrange this from week commencing 21.9.20 (visits will depend on Covid restrictions current at that point).

Shortlisting of Applicants will happen on 14th October 2020. All candidates will be notified of the outcome of this meeting the following day.

Interviews will take place on 3rd and 4th November 2020.  The interview will include a presentation, and other tasks pertaining to the role.

The decision and any potential offer will be made on 5th November following governing body ratification.