Headteacher: The Sallygate School

Salary – £80,000 – £100,000 per annum

The Sallygate School is an Independent Special School catering to the unique needs of pupils with SEMH.  Located in the heart of the Alkham Valley, near Dover, the Sallygate School is part of Channels & Choices Therapeutic Community which comprises of several therapeutic residential children’s homes, an independent therapeutic fostering agency and a multi-disciplinary therapy service, including SaLT & OT service.

We are seeking a dynamic, inspirational and assertive individual to lead the school through the next growth phase.  The successful candidate will have a proven track record and solid experience of working with children with special educational needs to help them achieve their educational potential.

The Headteacher will be responsible for the organisation, leadership & management and running of the school, including our inhouse Forest School. They will ensure the achievement of the best possible educational standards and outcomes for the pupils whilst promoting and safeguarding their welfare. They will raise and promote the profile, ethos and values of Sallygate School in the wider community.

In the Sallygate School’s most recent OFSTED Inspection in 2022, it was judged GOOD overall and OUTSTANDING in: Behaviour & Attitudes, Personal Development and Leadership & Management.

At the Sallygate School we believe in providing a comprehensive and sequenced curriculum pathway that caters to the diverse needs of all our learners.  We understand that each student has unique abilities, learning styles and developmental requirements.  Our sequenced curriculum ensures a structed and supportive learning journey for every individual, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Additional Perks, Rewards and Benefits

• Private Optical, Dental and Audiological cover
• Private Medical care
• Long service awards for 5-, 10- and 15-years’ service
• Regular team building days, parties, meals and more!
• Complimentary health and wellbeing support with our employee’s assistance programme
• Full Training Package 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Raise standards of achievement and be responsible for the day-to-day management of all staff member’s performance providing clear expectations and guidance
• Work alongside the Directors and other senior leaders to promote the expansion of the school
• Accountable for all the teaching and learning within the school
• Promoting best outcomes for children with SEMH and SEN ensuring bespoke programmes are implemented to encourage all learners to achieve their best.
• Ensure the school meets and exceeds the independent school standards
• Manage your own personal and professional development whilst ensuring the well being of a good work/life balance for all staff
• Lead in professional development and performance management
• Lead in the design, implementation, monitoring and development of an age-appropriate curriculum, which inspires and engages pupils and ensures they receive an effective and appropriate education according to their individual needs & abilities
• Ensure that the behaviour management policy of the school is implemented consistently and is effective
• Ensure that the school’s policies and procedures are relevant and kept up to date
• Promote a culture of encouragement, support and challenge to achieve each child’s full potential and the best possible educational standards
• Promote creativity, innovation and the use of appropriate technologies to achieve excellence
• Keep up to date with developments in subject areas, new resources, teaching methods and national objectives
• Keep up to date with the latest educational research relevant to the school
• Ensure the school premises are fit for purpose, maintain security, supervision and maintenance of the school ensuring high standards of health & safety are met
• Ensure a consistent and continuous focus
• Such other duties that may be deemed appropriate.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• Qualified Teacher Status
• Educated to degree level

Qualifications (Desirable) 

• NPQH or relevant qualification
• Post graduate qualification in SEMH, SEN or related areas

Experience (Essential) 

• Experience of working in school setting for at least 7 years ideally SEMH or similar setting
• Proven leadership and management skills within a school setting
• Experience of strategic planning, resource management, and budget oversight
• Experience of being a Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Experience of curriculum development
• Be able to demonstrate excellent behaviour management strategies
• Experience of a lead role in an Ofsted Inspection
• Leading in Professional Development & Performance Management

Experience (Desirable)

• Coaching & Mentoring experience
• Working with external agencies, parents and community stakeholders

Skills & Abilities (Essential)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and computer literate
• Strong leadership and management skills who is able to motivate and inspire staff
• Ability to be resilient, flexible and adaptable and to respond to the changing or varying requirements of the role
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities, particularly under pressure
• Ability to collaborate with others, build relationships and promote change
• Promote the ethos and values of the school by raising the school’s profile with the wider community
• Promote high standards for staff and high expectations for pupils
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

Skills & Abilities (Desirable)

•  Ability to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement

Knowledge (Essential)

• Knowledge of school self-evaluation and quality assurance
• Wide knowledge of teaching and learning strategies for SEMH pupils and related educational frameworks and approaches
• Operational experience of Safeguarding, health & safety and legal guidelines for attendance, behaviour and personal development
• Knowledge of national educational policies, legislation and best practices relevant to the leadership in SEMH schools
• Familiarity with Ofsted Inspection Framework and educational standards
• Understanding of Child Protection & Safeguarding and knowledge of the mental health needs of children and adolescents
• Ability to analyse and interpret data to raise standards and pupil achievement

Knowledge (Desirable)

• Understanding of a therapeutic model of support for SEMH students

Personal Qualities (Essential)

• Passionate and committed to the welfare and success of SEMH students
• High levels of emotional intelligence, empathy and resilience
• Confident and calm approach when under pressure
• Approachable and engaging by creating an open and fair culture
• Maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders
• Commitment to continued professional and personal development
• Commitment to equal opportunities and valuing diversity

Additional

• Driver with use of own car

Channels and Choices are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the young people in our care. Staff are all required to adhere to the organisation’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures. This post will be subject to a clear Enhanced DBS Disclosure, an employment background check, satisfactory references & verification of a right to work in the UK. As part of our commitment to Safer Recruitment, CVs cannot be considered without a completed application form.

Channels & Choices are committed to ensuring that we are always recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse mix of colleagues who are representative of the diversity in our local community. We actively celebrate our staff’s different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Everyone is welcome to apply for a job with Channels & Choices and our staff are supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.

Channels and Choices reserve the right to carry out background social media checks on all new applicants.