Job Description

About The Role

Closing date:

9AM 10th July

Interviews:

WB 14th July

Start date:

September, although we are willing to be flexible for the right candidate

Salary

: 74,623 per annum

Bonus for KPIs and Key Deliverables

: Up to 18,000 per annum

Compass Schools are unique and distinctive environments that are highly effective in supporting children with a broad range of complex behaviours and needs. Many of our pupils have significant barriers to learning and have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences. We work tirelessly to break down barriers to learning, develop self-belief, independence and self-efficacy to prepare for the next stage in their journey, no matter what their starting point.


Compass Community Schools have a range of specialisms, and develop and deliver bespoke pathways and opportunities to pupils to achieve and become the best they can be. Our schools are multi-disciplinary, therapeutic communities that place the child at the centre of all of our decision making. We take pride in offering a highly personalised and innovative approach to education and are committed to delivering high quality, safe provision every day.



Every lesson counts.

An exceptional opportunity for an exceptional leader

Our vibrant and dedicated SEND service, catering for pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and complex needs, is at a pivotal point in its journey. We are making significant investment in the facilities, resources and people that will create a truly exceptional offer for pupils, parents and local authorities.


We are seeking an inspirational and experienced Senior Leader to support us through this next chapter. The successful candidate will be strategic and visionary, with a proven track record in SLD and complex needs, who can drive improvement, empower teams, and champion the education and aspirations of our pupils.



The Assistant Director for Learning Disabilities and Complex Needs will take strategic responsibility for the development, leadership, and quality assurance of Compass Community's provision for children and young people with Severe Learning Disabilities and Complex Needs. This role combines school-based leadership with national development and will be delivered in two key phases:

Phase 1: Service Development at Compass Community School Vicarage Park, Shropshire (Up to 12 months)

Act as the substantive leader and operational Headteacher of Vicarage Park, responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the school and its multidisciplinary team. Drive rapid development to ensure the delivery of high-quality education, meeting Independent School Standards, Compass KPIs, and organisational values. Establish and implement a strategic vision for the school, with the specific needs of the cohort at its centre, aligned with the ethos of Compass Community Schools and guided by the Governing and Proprietary Boards. Set and maintain high expectations for behaviour, personal development, and academic progress. Identify and resolve barriers to success, and implement sustainable actions plans with clear accountability. Collaborate with other Compass schools and regional leaders to share best practices and pursue national strategic priorities.

Phase 2: National Development of the Learning Disabilities and Complex Needs Provision (Ongoing substantive role)

Lead the strategic expansion of LD and Complex Needs provision nationally, through growth of existing schools and creation of new specialist settings. Co-develop national strategic plans in partnership with the Education Services Directorship Team and the Governing/Proprietary Boards. Translate strategic goals into implementation and communication plans that reflect the mission and values of Compass Community Schools. Act as a systems leader, guiding and influencing policy and practice across the organisation. Support, supervise, and appraise Headteachers and Executive Headteachers to ensure high standards of SEND provision and holistic outcomes. Embed Compass frameworks across all LD/Complex Needs settings, ensuring consistency in pedagogy, safeguarding, SEND practice, and curriculum design.

Not sure what 'standard' education copy is for this section but the version in the ad currently looks very residential leaning. This is taken from a different SLT Education advert:

Benefits and Rewards

Staff laptop and mobile phone Competitive salary Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities Small class sizes with specialist TA support The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort and potential and grows its own leadership teams Enhanced occupational sickness scheme Flexible pension Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision Employee benefit service with access to wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes, high street vouchers, money off eating-out and takeaways

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.

Safeguarding

Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services(previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use.



All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.



Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.





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