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 in-house 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
• Accountable for all of the teaching and learning within the school
• 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

EXPERIENCE (Essential)

• Experience of working in school setting for at least 7 years
• Proven leadership and management skills within a school setting
• 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) 

• Working in a Specialist Provision with SEMH pupils
• Coaching & Mentoring experience

SKILLS & ABILITIES (Essential)

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and computer literate
• Ability to be resilient, flexible and adaptable and to respond to the changing or varying requirements of the role
• 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

KNOWLEDGE (Essential)

• Knowledge of school self-evaluation and quality assurance
• Wide knowledge of teaching and learning strategies for SEMH pupils
• Operational experience of Safeguarding, health & safety and legal guidelines for attendance, behaviour and personal development
• Knowledge & experience in creativity of provision for SEMH pupils.
• Understanding of Child Protection & Safeguarding and knowledge of the mental health needs of children and adolescents
• Ability to analyse and interpret data in order to raise standards and pupil achievement

KNOWLEDGE (Desirable) 

• Understanding of a therapeutic approach

PERSONAL QUALITIES (Essential)

• 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