School Principal / Head of Service

School Principal / Head of Service

Location: The Forum School, Blandford Forum, Dorset

Salary: up to £90,000 DOE + Performance related bonuses and Management Incentive Plan eligibility

We are looking for an outstanding school leader who has a proven successful track record, with a comprehensive understanding of both the Education and Care setting for SEN, and the drive to develop positive and engaging relationships with all the key stakeholders working closely with our teams. We want you to take our school from ‘good’ to ‘great’.

As the School Principal / Head of service This role will require you to lead both the Education and the Residential aspect of the school as the Responsible Individual (RI) for the two children’s homes registrations.

You will have the experience and knowledge of the Children’s homes regulations and independent school standards to effectively lead the school. The children’s homes are managed by an experienced Registered Manager and the school with an experienced head teacher. Our very unique school and residential children’s homes sit on the same grounds

Bringing our plans for The Forum School to life will be challenging and intense but, with enthusiasm, creativity and a hands-on approach, the reward and satisfaction will be second to none. You will have a unique opportunity to shape and deliver the long-term strategy for the school and our drive to transform the lives of our young people.

Desirable Qualifications

• NPQH or Principals Qualifying Programme. (Other relevant qualifications and/or experience may be acceptable)
• Recognised Degree level teaching qualification or equivalent/ Social Work Qualification or Equivalent
• NVQ or Diploma Level 5 in Leadership & Management in Residential Children\’s Services or equivalent
• Previous experience as a Registered Manager/RI role in a Residential Children\’s Care Setting
• NVQ Level 4 in Leadership and Management for Care Services
• Clean, current driving licence

About the school

The Forum School is a day and residential school supporting children up to 52-weeks for children and young people diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and associated complex needs. The onsite homes are rated as Good in all areas with OFSTED (September 2024), the school is rated as RI, with Behaviour and Attitudes rated as being Good.

Located in the glorious Dorset countryside with 28 acres of land for play and relaxation, the school boasts of many facilities such as a theatre, sports hall, indoor and outdoor riding areas, climbing wall, multiple safe play areas and a swimming pool and stables.

Our children and young people have full access to the National Curriculum with teaching appropriately differentiated to meet their needs. In addition, The Forum School draws upon a proven programme of specialist education and 24-hour care with a wide range of clinical and therapeutic inputs. Multi-disciplinary teams and high staffing ratios ensure intensive individual support. In each class, six students benefit from the attentions of a teacher and at least two teaching assistants.

Our teams are fully committed to Cambian’s goals. They understand the challenges and rewards of working with our young people to make their everyday an extraordinary day.

Safeguarding Statement

Any successful application to this role will be subject to Enhanced DBS, reference and online checks in line with Government regulations and Safer Recruitment best practice.

Cambian will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination a person who will not on the appointment panel will conduct the search and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

The Cambian Group is an Equal Opportunities employer.

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