Job Description

Are you an experienced educator with a passion for innovative, person-centred learning? Do you believe that young people with SEND deserve an environment where they can flourish, feel seen, and achieve meaningful futures?

Different Steps CIC (part of the Animal Antiks family) is looking for a Head of Education who shares our belief that learning is most powerful when it feels purposeful, calm and connected to the real world.

Based on our therapeutic working farm, we provide post-16 learners with EHCPs the chance to grow through hands-on, nature-based education, accredited qualifications and pathways into employment and independence. This role is central to shaping that journey.

About the Role

As our Head of Education, you will lead the vision, direction and delivery of all our educational programmes - including City & Guilds Animal Care, ASDAN courses and our Supported Internships programme.

You'll blend strategic leadership with on-the-ground teamwork, ensuring high-quality teaching, outstanding learner experiences and a curriculum that truly reflects our values: practical, nurturing, inclusive and rooted in real-life skills.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to build something meaningful, innovate with outdoor learning, and shape the future of a growing educational provision.

What You'll be Doing

Educational Leadership:

Leading, developing and continuously improving all education programmes Ensuring our curriculum meets awarding-body requirements and aligns with learner EHCP outcomes Championing high standards in teaching, assessment and progress Using data and quality processes to drive learner achievement and positive destinations
Team Leadership:

Line managing and supporting a team of 4 (including 2 Assessors) Leading recruitment, appraisals, CPD and professional growth Creating a collaborative, supportive team culture
Qualification Delivery:

Overseeing City & Guilds L1-L2 Animal Care and ASDAN CoPE Ensuring robust assessment, internal quality assurance and external moderation Working closely with centre reps, external verifiers and awarding bodies
Digital Learning (OneFile):

Providing leadership on OneFile use across programmes Supporting staff with training, consistency and digital practice Ensuring accurate progress tracking and accessible learning
Supported Internships:

Developing and delivering our Supported Internships offer Building relationships with employers and placement providers Overseeing job coaching, progress and transition planning
Compliance & Partnerships:

Maintaining readiness for Ofsted and external inspections Upholding safeguarding, equality and SEND best practice Working with families, local authorities, commissioners and employers

About You

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

Essential:

A teaching qualification (PGCE, CertEd or equivalent) Strong experience in SEND education and EHCP-led provision Leadership experience in a school, college or specialist setting Curriculum development and quality assurance experience Knowledge of City & Guilds/ASDAN (or similar awarding bodies) A passion for inclusive, nature-based or alternative education Excellent communication, data literacy and emotional intelligence
Desirable (but not essential):

Experience in specialist, therapeutic or outdoor learning IQA qualification (or willingness to work toward it) Knowledge of Supported Internships Experience using OneFile
Most importantly, you'll be someone who genuinely cares about creating opportunities for young people who may have struggled in mainstream settings.

Benefits

25 days' holiday + bank holidays (increasing with service) Ongoing CPD and funded qualifications Free parking and beautiful rural setting Mix of indoor and outdoor learning environments Genuine career development within the growing Animal Antiks Group The chance to make an extraordinary difference in young people's lives

How to Apply

Please upload your CV with covering letter (no more than 2 pages) or email to hello@six-hr.com.

Different Steps CIC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 38,000.00-42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking Life insurance On-site parking
Education:

Bachelor's (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person