Head of School - (Primary)
4 days ago
Manchester
Head of School - Primary SEMH & SEND Provision\n\nLocation: Greater Manchester\nSalary: £42,000 - £48,000 depending on experience\nContract: Full Time | Permanent | Term Time Only\n\nA specialist education provider is seeking an experienced and compassionate Head of School to lead one of its SEMH and SEND provisions in Greater Manchester.\n\nThis is an exciting opportunity for a strong educational leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable young people and creating inclusive environments where pupils can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.\n\nThe successful candidate will provide visible and proactive leadership across the school, driving high standards in teaching, behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, and wellbeing while supporting a culture of accountability, relational practice, and continuous improvement.\n\nThe Role\n\nThe Head of School will take responsibility for the day-to-day operational leadership of the provision, working closely with wider senior leadership teams to ensure high-quality education, therapeutic support, and inclusive practice across the setting.\nThis role combines strategic leadership, staff management, safeguarding oversight, and school improvement within a specialist SEMH and SEND environment.\nThe successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining an Ofsted-ready culture while embedding restorative, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approaches that positively impact pupil outcomes.Key Responsibilities\n\nLead the daily operational management of the school, ensuring high standards across education, behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, and wellbeing\nDrive school improvement priorities through effective use of data, monitoring, and evaluation\nLead and support staff performance, development, and accountability across the provision\nWork collaboratively with senior leaders to ensure high-quality SEND, SEMH, and pastoral support\nMonitor teaching, learning, interventions, and pupil outcomes to ensure consistent and effective practice\nAct as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), ensuring robust safeguarding systems and compliance\nPromote relational, restorative, and trauma-informed approaches throughout the school\nOversee behaviour systems, attendance strategies, and pupil engagement initiatives\nBuild strong relationships with parents, carers, Local Authorities, and external agencies\nContribute to Ofsted readiness, school improvement planning, and quality assurance processes\nSupport staff wellbeing, CPD, recruitment, and professional development\nPromote a positive, inclusive, and aspirational culture where pupils and staff can succeedThe Ideal Candidate\n\nQualified Teacher Status (QTS)\nMinimum of 5 years' leadership experience within a primary, secondary, specialist, or alternative provision setting\nStrong experience supporting pupils with SEMH and/or SEND needs\nExperience leading teams, managing staff performance, and driving school improvement\nStrong understanding of safeguarding legislation, behaviour support, and inclusive education practice\nExperience using data to monitor performance and improve outcomes\nExcellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills\nAbility to build strong relationships with families, professionals, and multidisciplinary teams\nA resilient, reflective, and solution-focused leadership style\nCommitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable learnersDesirable Experience\n\nNPQH or working towards a leadership qualification\nExperience within specialist education or alternative provision settings\nExperience supporting Ofsted inspections and maintaining an Ofsted-ready environment\nKnowledge of trauma-informed, restorative, and therapeutic approaches\nExperience working within multidisciplinary or therapeutic teamsWhat's on Offer\n\nPermanent full-time opportunity\nTerm-time only working pattern\nSupportive and collaborative senior leadership structure\nExcellent professional development and progression opportunities\nOpportunity to shape and influence a growing specialist provision\nThe chance to make a genuine and lasting difference to young people's livesThis role would suit an experienced Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Head of School, SEMH Lead, Inclusion Lead, or senior leader looking to progress within specialist education and alternative provision leadership.\n\nImportant Notice\n\nDovetail and Slate is a specialist education recruitment company. If this role isn't quite right, we welcome your CV and a call to explore other opportunities.\n\nWe are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.\n\nDovetail and Slate Ltd ((phone number removed)) acts as an Employment Agency and an Employment Business under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.\n\nWe are an equal opportunities employer. By applying, you consent to your data being processed for recruitment purposes in line with our Privacy Policy.\n\nBecause education matters.\n\n© Dovetail and Slate Limited.\n\nBecause education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited ((phone number removed)) acts as an Employment Agency