Headteacher

Who we are

LPW independent school is a forward-thinking, full-time, alternative education provider for young people in Years 10 and 11 which has recently been rated as “Good” in all areas by Ofsted. The school is based upon the model of the “Urban Village School” whose key features are learning on a human scale, seeing teaching as a relational activity and understanding that challenging behaviour is often a communication about a young person’s need for support.

Within this work, the voice of the learner is of vital importance to help design the approaches that will enable a young person to re-engage in learning and commit themselves to achieve the academic qualifications that will lead onto further education, training or employment.

What we do

Our approach is to use our understanding of neuroscience to better understand the psychological and developmental factors that make for a successful childhood. Our pupils get the individual care and attention they deserve, as well as therapies and emotional support to empower them in making positive contributions to their community. In brief we offer ‘relentless care’ matched by high demands for learning.

All adults who work at the schools have a common moral purpose, which is to help the most vulnerable meet their potential. The class sizes are very small, typically groups of six learners, so you will have the opportunity to really get to know the students and will be supported by a range of training opportunities.

Due to the current Head Teacher moving on to a new appointment, we are seeking a highly skilled, dynamic, empathetic and passionate leader, who can support the school to move forward in its next phase of development. We are looking for someone who shares our vision for inclusion, learning and achievement for all pupils and who will make a significant contribution to the school and the local community that it serves. The school has developed enormously in the last three years and the governors are keen for these developments to continue through an even greater reach of service of this Urban Village School.

In this role, your primary areas of responsibility will be:

• To realise the educational ambitions of the Governing Body and the Company Board; To quality assure the work of the school and all of its partners who engage with the pupils in the school;
• Compliance with the educational standards set out in the independent school standards documents and the Ofsted common inspection framework;
• Support the governing body and the board to function effectively as an education provider;
• To develop new educational business opportunities and partnerships for the school and the broader company;
• Recruitment, performance management and retention of staff within the school;
• Using your knowledge and expertise, to support and develop the staff within the school so they are able to deliver the best possible outcomes for the pupils in the school;
• To ensure that there is a keen balance between the educational and therapeutic interventions within the school and that these are monitored and effective;
• Line manage and support the Deputy Head Teacher and the management team.
  

The skills and experience that you will bring to this role are:

• Proven record of leadership and leading ongoing school improvement;
• Commitment to promoting academic learning that will ensure young people achieve the qualifications that will support their next step;
• Empathy and resilience to work with our pupils and to lead and support our dedicated staff team to do so;
• A deep understanding and belief that therapeutic interventions have an important part to play in the work that we do;
• Enthusiasm to work collaboratively with their senior team and all staff, students, governors and the community;
• Demonstrable track record in terms of leadership and management, innovation and communication;
• Understanding of the importance of data in informing policy and practice in the school settings;
• Confidence in promoting the importance of total compliance in Health and Safety and Safeguarding for the school and its community.
  

Having an understanding of the inclusion landscape will be essential, as well as the challenges that this brings to you as a school leader. You will work closely with the commissioning officers within the local authorities to ensure that the service meets requirements, and to add capacity and expand the reach of the school’s work.

You will work closely with the governing body to ensure that their vision for the school is realised and you will work closely with the wider LPW company to ensure that the service provided complements the youth and play work that they provide.

You will get an opportunity to work for a community interest company that has a social mission at its core and drives the way we undertake business. In addition we have an attractive range of benefits, such as 4% employer’s contribution to our pension scheme, travel loans, childcare vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

To apply please complete the recruitment application form that can be found on our website at www.lpw.org.uk explaining your motivation for applying for the post, and send this to recruitment@lpw.org.uk. Please note that any CVs received without an accompanying recruitment application form will not be considered for interview.

Closing date: 10th May 2019