At Kedleston Group, our vision is simple, every provision we operate will be recognised as ‘outstanding’ in every way.
We will never be the biggest, but we will lead, and others will follow.
We currently have 11 day schools, 2 residential schools and 4 children’s homes across England.
This role will initially support a portfolio of 4 day schools across London and the south-east; in Sutton, Surrey, Hackney and Enfield. The role will likely see growth in this portfolio as we seek other opportunities in the London and south-east areas in the coming months; projects which will see your experience, vision and innovative approach come to the fore. We can be flexible around your base location, however, regular travel will be required to visit your schools and so you will ideally be located within (or within easy reach of) the M25.
This is a senior, strategic and influential role, reporting into the Chief Operating Officer and working alongside two other Regional Directors (Education). You will provide inspirational leadership and support to the Head Teachers and teams for which you are responsible; ensuring they maintain outstanding day schools across the region and remain commercially successful. Through your close monitoring of quality against internal and regulatory standards, you will drive a culture rooted in safeguarding, where staff and young people alike can thrive and achieve the best possible outcomes. Your clarity of communication and ability to motivate your team to hold the highest standards, will engender an open, trusting, values-based ethos, with an unwavering focus on continued improvement, development and educational excellence.
Building strong relationships across the Group with the executive and non-executive directorship, wider corporate team and colleagues in other settings, you will ensure an integrated approach to our young people’s education and therapeutic care, making sure everyone is working toward the same goals and communicating effectively. Your credibility with Ofsted, Local Authorities and other external partners will ensure maximum trust and confidence in our quality of education and services.
Your profile
We are looking for an education professional with vast experience and real gravitas. You will have demonstrable experience of having worked as a Head Teacher, preferably in special education with children with autism spectrum conditions and associated social, emotional and mental health needs. You will be accustomed to the practicalities of working within a commercial setting and able to demonstrate innovative practice to drive quality and success. Experience of the independent sector within a Group setting would be advantageous.
You will highly versed and familiar with the Ofsted inspection framework and process, preferably with experience as an Ofsted inspector. You will be able to provide demonstrable evidence of having built and led outstanding staff teams. You’ll understand the subtleties of our sector and the challenges associated with supporting and motivating children with autism and special needs to achieve the best possible outcomes.
You will have in-depth and up to date knowledge of the Independent School Standards, SEN Code of Practice, Ofsted framework and other statutory guidance. You will be able to evidence a commitment to and understanding of child protection and safeguarding as well as the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Reward
The role attracts a competitive package, including enhanced pension contributions, generous annual leave and a discretionary bonus. We also offer a comprehensive induction programme and superb ongoing training. We also offer extensive staff benefits including employee assistance, perks and discounts platform, cycle to work scheme.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Lee Reed, Chief Operating Officer, on 07494 366 282 or email: [email protected]
For full job description, please see the attached.
The successful candidate is required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check. We will ask you to complete a criminal self-declaration form, and we will conduct online searches for information that is publicly available. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES:
We prefer to hire people directly, but we do have a preferred supplier list for when we need a helping hand. We'll be in touch directly if we need you! Any unsolicited CV’s will be sent at the recruitment agency’s own risk and will be interpreted as ‘gifts’ and we have no liability to you for any fee or otherwise. We reserve the right to engage with candidates directly having not, in any way, entered into your terms and conditions for this vacancy. By submitting an unsolicited CV to us, or to any member of our staff, you accept these terms as the default position. If we require your assistance with any vacancy we will contact you.