Head of School

Job description

About

Head of School – Green Street site

Location: Newport- Green Street Site

Salary: Leadership Scale L10–L16 (dependent on experience)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Start Date: Spring term

About Us

Medina House School is a thriving and inclusive special school dedicated to providing exceptional education and care for pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) on the Isle of Wight. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and ambitious learning environment where every pupil is empowered to achieve their full potential.

Due to the next stage in our development, we are seeking an inspirational and highly effective Head of School to further develop our leadership team and help shape the future of our provision. This role is based at our Green Street site as this is being expanded to allow for greater resources and facilities as part of the Council’s £1.5m project to increase SEND capacity on the Island. This site will cater for circa 75 pupils who are predominantly EYFS and Key Stage 1 and serves as the first experience that children and parents will have of Medina House before transitioning to the School Lane site, also in Newport.

The Role

Working closely with the Headteacher and other senior leaders, the Head of School will provide strategic and operational leadership across the school. The successful candidate will champion high standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion, ensuring that every pupil receives the highest quality education and support.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader who is passionate about SEND and committed to improving outcomes for children and young people with complex needs.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strong, visible and inspirational leadership across the school.

Lead and develop a culture of high expectations, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Drive excellence in teaching, learning and assessment.

Promote outstanding safeguarding practices and pupil welfare.

Support the recruitment, development and performance management of staff.

Work collaboratively with families, external agencies and multi-disciplinary professionals.

Contribute to strategic school improvement planning and self-evaluation.

Ensure effective implementation of statutory requirements relating to SEND.

About You

We are looking for a leader who:

Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Has leadership experience within a special school, SEND setting or inclusive mainstream environment.

Demonstrates a strong understanding of SEND legislation, safeguarding and inclusive practice.

Has a proven track record of raising standards and improving outcomes for pupils.

Possesses excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.

Can motivate, inspire and develop staff at all levels.

Is committed to fostering a positive and supportive culture for pupils, staff and families.

What We Offer

The opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives of children and young people with SEND.

A supportive and collaborative leadership team.

High-quality professional development and leadership training.

Access to employee wellbeing initiatives.

A welcoming school community with dedicated and passionate staff.

A school filled with wonderful children who make coming to school every day a joy.

Safeguarding Statement

Medina House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all relevant pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.