Headteacher

Are you an enthusiastic, inspirational and ambitious leader who wants to make a positive difference?

Due to the retirement of our Head Teacher, an exciting opportunity is arising at Heathermount School, a ‘good’ special school for children with autism with a growing reputation for excellence. Heathermount is a non-maintained special school managed by a large, national charity (the Disabilities Trust), which provides a rich, personalised educational experience for up to 60 children and young people (4-19 years). Many of our pupils are high functioning in terms of their levels of cognition and we are determined that they should have every opportunity to achieve their individual potential.

Rated ‘good’ by OFSTED, our highly regarded day special school is located within 14 acres of beautiful grounds near Ascot, which creates a calming environment to help manage pupil anxieties. Our bespoke approach and expertise in autism helps students who may not have been able to engage in education to thrive and succeed.

The school is currently enjoying a period of sustained growth, including significant capital investment to provide an excellent learning environment for expanding pupil numbers. We need to appoint a leader with the passion, drive, vision and capacity to take our ambitious school forwards. The successful applicant will work collaboratively with staff, pupils, parents, governors and the Disabilities Trust to consolidate and improve the provision even further, to ensure that each and every pupil continues to benefit from the school’s expertise.

We are committed to the following principles:

• The pupils are at the centre of all that we do, and the flexible curriculum which we offer them is made up of a series of personalised pathways.

• We take a broad, holistic view about encouraging and ‘measuring’ our pupils’ progress (we are delighted with the Rochford Report!)

• The person-centred targets which we set with pupils (and their parents) are challenging, realistic and personal.

• Individuality and diversity are valued and celebrated within a culture where both pupils and staff are seen as learners.

• Our commitment to continuous improvement drives all plans and activities.

• We are constantly reviewing how Heathermount School can contribute to and benefit from being part of its larger, parent organisation (the Disabilities Trust).

If you are looking for a leadership challenge with its points of difference, contact us to see what we can offer. Visits to the school are encouraged. Please ring the current Head Teacher, Ruth Bovill on 01444 237261 to arrange a visit or to have an informal discussion about the post. More information about Heathermount School can be found on the school website www.heathermount.co.uk or by contacting cssrecruitment@thedtgroup.org.

For an application pack, please see the attachments. To apply, please send a letter of application with a supporting CV to tracey.paynton@thedtgroup.org

Heathermount is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students. All positions are subject to receipt of a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check, Barred List check, Prohibition checks and references.

The closing date for applications is Monday 23rd January 2017 , and interviews will be held on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd February 2017 at Heathermount School.

Notes for applicants:

Salary: the ‘spot’ salary may be negotiable for exceptional candidates, depending on their previous experience and expertise. As Heathermount continues to grow, the Head Teacher’s salary will, of course, be subject to annual review.

Re-location allowance: a re-location allowance may be available for a successful candidate.

Application: letters of application (including the names/contact details of two professional referees) with a supporting CV are required. Visits to Heathermount are encouraged for interested candidates.