Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Locations:

St. John's Wood Church Hall, Lord's Roundabout, London, NW8 7NE Southall Manor House, The Green, Southall, UB2 4BJ

School Type:

Independent Special School for pupils aged

5-18 years

Role:

Headteacher

Reports to:

Proprietor / Governing Body

Salary:

60k per annum, plus bonus and incentives

Start Date:

5th of January 2025

Purpose of the Role

Woodside School is a specialist independent provision for children and young people aged

5-18 years

with a range of

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

. The school supports pupils with

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

, including those who are

non-verbal

, as well as learners with

mild to moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)

. Many pupils require highly individualised programmes, specialist communication approaches, therapeutic input and a structured, nurturing environment to access learning successfully. The Headteacher will ensure that provision across both sites meets these diverse needs through high-quality teaching, tailored interventions and a strong commitment to inclusion.

The Headteacher will provide strategic leadership, operational management, and educational direction across both Woodside School campuses. They will ensure that the school delivers an excellent, safe, inclusive and high-quality education that meets the diverse needs of children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The postholder will be responsible for

all Ofsted-related duties

,

compliance

,

school improvement

,

safeguarding

,

teaching and learning

, and

leadership of staff

, while maintaining some direct teaching responsibilities.

They must be a

qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS)

in the United Kingdom and hold

SENCO accreditation

(or be committed to securing the qualification within an agreed timeframe).

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement the school's vision, values and long-term strategic plan. Lead school improvement across both sites, ensuring high standards of provision, behaviour, and pupil outcomes. Provide effective leadership to teaching and support staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Ensure the school meets all statutory requirements and Ofsted standards.

B. Ofsted Compliance & School Evaluation

Lead all

Ofsted preparation

, documentation, and inspections. Develop and maintain rigorous

Self-Evaluation Frameworks (SEF)

and

School Improvement Plans (SIP)

. Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting of progress and attainment. Embed a robust quality assurance framework across both school sites.

C. Teaching, Learning & Curriculum

Oversee curriculum development that meets the needs of complex SEN learners aged 5-18. Ensure high-quality, evidence-based teaching and learning practices. Deliver direct teaching for an agreed timetable, modelling outstanding SEN practice. Lead assessment processes and ensure effective differentiation and personalised learning.

D. SENCO Responsibilities

Act as the school's

Designated SENCO

, ensuring high-quality SEN provision. Oversee Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes, including reviews, target-setting, and compliance. Liaise with local authorities, external agencies, therapists, social workers, and families. Ensure effective intervention strategies and specialist support for pupils.

E. Safeguarding & Welfare

Serve as

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

. Ensure the safety, care and wellbeing of students across both settings. Promote a safeguarding culture where concerns are identified and acted upon promptly.

F. Staff Leadership & Management

Recruit, develop, motivate and performance-manage staff. Provide high-quality CPD, coaching, mentoring and professional development pathways. Build a positive, collaborative staff culture grounded in safeguarding, professionalism, and high expectations.

G. Operations, Finance & Resources

Oversee day-to-day operational management across both campuses. Manage school budgets, resources and finances effectively (in partnership with the proprietor/business team). Ensure the learning environment is safe, compliant and conducive to positive learning experiences.

H. Stakeholder Engagement

Build positive relationships with pupils, families, community partners, local authorities and external professionals. Communicate effectively with governors/proprietors, providing accurate reports and updates. Represent the school professionally in all forums.

Safeguarding Statement

Woodside School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people across both our St. John's Wood and Southall sites. We expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.

The Headteacher will play a central role in maintaining and strengthening a culture of safeguarding excellence throughout the school. This includes ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are rigorously followed, regularly reviewed, and understood by all members of the school community.

All appointments are subject to:

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred list information

Verification of qualifications and professional status

At least two satisfactory references

A check of employment history and any gaps

Right to work in the UK verification

Occupational health clearance

Woodside School adheres to the statutory guidance contained within

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

and expects the Headteacher to lead by example in promoting the safeguarding and wellbeing of all pupils.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Qualifications

Qualified Teacher Status (

QTS

) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (

QTLS

). National Award for SEN Coordination (

SENCO qualification

) or willingness to obtain within an agreed time. Degree-level education. Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership, SEN, and/or safeguarding.

Essential Experience

Proven success as a

Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher

in a UK school. Experience working within a

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

environment. Experience leading whole-school improvement and preparing for

Ofsted inspections

. Demonstrable success in raising outcomes for pupils with complex needs. Experience line managing staff, leading CPD and managing performance. Experience working with local authorities, external agencies, and multidisciplinary teams.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

Deep understanding of SEN legislation, EHCP processes, and inclusive practice. Strong knowledge of

Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF)

. Ability to design and lead a curriculum suitable for pupils aged 5-18 with varied learning profiles. Excellent safeguarding knowledge (Level 3 DSL). Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills. Ability to analyse data for school improvement. Ability to build positive relationships with parents, governors, staff and the wider community.

Personal Qualities

Inspirational and child-centred leadership style. Commitment to inclusion, diversity and equal opportunities. High professional standards and integrity. Resilience, emotional intelligence and the ability to manage complex situations. Ability to work across two school sites confidently and effectively. Creative problem-solver with a drive for excellence.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension
Work Location: In person