Vice Principal (VN576) in Sunderland

North East Autism Society is looking to recruit a Vice Principal to join one of our independent specialist schools. This role will be a "floating" VP role so you will work between all 4 schools where needed. As Vice Principal, you will contribute to the delivery of all operational activities within the school, including direct teaching, while assisting the Principal with the overall management and strategic development of our education services. The whole team will work together to inspire, support, celebrate and equip autistic and neurodiverse people to fulfil their potential in life.

North East Autism Society is committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced DBS and a child and adult barred list check, two satisfactory references and for teachers, a prohibition check. The Society is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all appropriately qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and learners and are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning and working environment for everyone.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, as part of our recruitment process, we will carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates to identify any content that could cause reputational damage or is a safeguarding concern. If you want to be part of a fantastic team who work hard together and support each other; if you want to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference, then this is the ideal opportunity for you.

While you must be qualified and have teaching experience, it is not essential to have previously worked with autistic individuals. Our comprehensive induction, training and mentoring will give you all the skills and tools you need to thrive in your career.

• Proven experience as a leader within a specialist school environment
• Up to date knowledge of current DfE guidance including Independent School Standards (ISS)
• Knowledge and understanding of autism and neurodiversity
• Up to date knowledge of local and national government initiatives and legislation
• Quality assurance framework
• Strong and effective leadership qualities

For more than 40 years, we’ve led the way in providing care and education for autistic and/or neurodivergent children, young people and adults across the North‑east of England. We have more than 1,200 staff working in our schools, college, short breaks, day services, residential care, supported living, employment services and family support. We are passionate about retaining talent and many of our current managers have worked their way up through the ranks.

North East Autism Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children, young people and adults, and operates a safer recruitment process. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, and it is an offence to apply if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and/or vulnerable adults. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this job vacancy.

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. As such it will be necessary for an enhanced Disclosure submission to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions. The North East Autism Society's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children, young people and adults across all of our services is reflected in our safer recruitment process.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer (EOE) here at NEAS. We believe everyone has the right to be themselves. We not only celebrate diversity but recognise the value and opportunity it brings. We are committed to creating a workplace where all differences are valued, and we make sure that all colleagues are given the same opportunities. If you’re passionate about learning and are seeking a rewarding job that makes a positive difference, this is the role for you.

• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• Extensive training to develop your career
• Employee discounts on over 130,000 shops and entertainment venues
• Access to Blue Light Card, the discount service for emergency and social care staff
• Free staff lunch
• Free eye tests and Employee Assistance Programme to support health and wellbeing
• Refer‑a‑friend scheme - receive £500
• 36 days annual leave