Principal

Job reference: 003520

Location: Meopham

Closing date: 25/03/2019

Interview date (w/c): 01/04/2019

Salary: Competitive salary, negotiable based on experience

Employment type: Full Time

Hours per week: 195 days pa

About the school:

Helen Allison School is an independent National Autistic Society day and residential school opened in 1968. Currently the school has 83 pupils aged between 5 -19.

Helen Allison is a warm and welcoming school for children with autism that has a long and impressive history of providing specialist education to autistic children.  At its heart is a never-ending desire to continue the legacy of the first few autism schools and to continually innovative and be led by knowledge of best practice.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for an experienced Principal to support the staff, pupils and families so we make sure all our children and young people continue to thrive and reach their potential. Helen Allison School has many strengths but has areas that require development. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and inspirational leader within specialist education to shape the future direction of the school and 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 autisitc people.
• 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).

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.

What we can offer you

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

How to apply

• Please click apply and complete the online application form.
• 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 Kirstie Fulthorpe, Director of Education on kirstie.fulthorpe@nas.org.uk or Dr Khursh Khan – Head of Education Improvement and Operations on khursh.khan@nas.org.uk.  Visits to the school are welcomed, please contact Amelia Branch, HR Adviser on amelia.branch@nas.org.uk to book.

Closing date: Monday, 25th March 2019, 12 noon

Interview date: Monday, 1st April 2019

Applications for this job 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.

The National Autistic Society 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.

Charity number 269425 (England and Wales); SC039427 (Scotland)

We are an equal opportunities employer.