Principal

About the school:

The Vanguard School based in Lambeth is an exciting new school which will support the National Autistic Society vision, to create a society that works for autistic people. The aim of the school is to help prepare young students to make a successful transition into adulthood with the confidence and the necessary skills to live independently, gain paid employment and participate in their local community. We aim to deliver the highest level of education to ensure the best life chances become a sustainable reality for every young person. Together, we will create a safe, positive and structured environment in which every young person is respected and encouraged to achieve independence (through academic, employment and personal skills development).

Who we are looking for:

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, skilled and suitably qualified Principal; a passionate and inspirational leader within specialist education to lead the way in transforming the lives of young people on the autism spectrum and develop a true community school which is linked with community groups, parents, local authorities, and other schools in the region.

You will:

• Embrace the changing landscape in specialist education and oversee the development and operational management of the school with the support of the UK’s leading charity for people with autism.
• Create a distinctive culture and philosophy so that from the moment a person enters the building they will know this is a school where pupils are respected, achieve beyond what is expected, are empowered to make positive choices about their own lives and have rich and varied experiences. 
   

To be considered for this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate strong leadership qualities (including those of innovation and vision), as well as demonstrating specialist ASD knowledge (through experience and practice).
 
The Principal will have a one full term lead to prepare the school for opening in January 2020 with support by the NAS project team.

About us:

The National Autistic Society is here to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people. We transform lives by providing support, information and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Since 1962, autistic people have turned to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work. We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.
 
We have come a long way, but there is still so much to do to, together we can help create a society that works for autistic people.

Hours of work:

You are contracted to work 195 days per annum including 190 pupil days in accordance with your school terms and work programmes, and a maximum of 1265 hours as reasonably directed by the Director of Education. Normal hours may be varied to meet the changing needs of the school. There may be occasions when additional hours are necessary to meet specific or special requirements. 35 hours per week.

What we can offer you:

• Excellent induction, training and development programme including Autism specific interventions and National Autistic Society conference opportunities
• Reflective supervision, mentoring and coaching
• 24 hour access to online training
• Online staff discount scheme for a range of benefits (e.g. cycle to work schemes)
• Season ticket loans
• Access to a 24 hour Employee Assistance counselling programme
• Teachers’ Pension scheme
• Annual leave entitlement of 12 weeks inclusive of bank holidays
• Career progression opportunities
   

How to apply:

•  To apply for this role please click the “Apply” button in the following link
• When completing the supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and highlight any information that shows your suitability for the role.
• For more information about this job please email Director of Education Development, Dr Jacqui Ashton Smith, Jacqui.AshtonSmith@nas.org.uk 

Closing date: 03/02/2019
Interview date (w/c): 11/03/2019

Applications for this role are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism or Asperger syndrome. We are an equal opportunities employer.
 
The NAS and NAS ACADEMIES TRUST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.
 
NAS Charity number 269425 (England and Wales); SC039427 (Scotland)
NAS ACADEMIES TRUST Company number 7954396 (A charity by statute)