At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Lower School team while teaching a class of 12 pupils.
- Company: Cedar Hall School, a supportive and innovative special school in Essex.
- Benefits: Permanent full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to safeguarding and enhancing student outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with special needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching and pastoral management, especially with special needs.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 € per year.
Cedar Hall School is a Special School in Thundersley, Benfleet, Essex, with just over 180 pupils from 5-16 years old. We aim to balance specialised academic achievement with the provision of supportive pastoral care across all our subjects.
The Head of Lower School (Years 1-7) is a key post within the school, and we are looking for an exceptional person to fill it. The right candidate will have excellent pastoral and academic understanding, outstanding teaching practice, combined with the leadership qualities and presence needed to fulfil this key senior management team post.
This exciting, varied and rewarding role may well suit someone with pastoral management experience or a successful head of department - critically they must have the proven ability to inspire and engage young people and enjoy working closely with colleagues and parents. Experience and knowledge of working with pupils with special needs is essential.
We are looking for someone who will improve holistic outcomes for pupils in KS1-KS3 by having high aspirations, as well as supporting and leading them with good humour, clarity and empathy. As with other senior posts, the Head of Lower School will be part of the Senior Leadership Team and be able to impact on moving the school forward.
Your teaching commitment will involve being the class teacher for one of the lower school classes, each of which has approximately 12 pupils. Teaching experience in a range of National Curriculum subjects is essential.
Cedar Hall School is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people in our care and expect all staff to share this commitment. We follow safer recruitment practice and appointments are subject to successful DBS checks. We reserve the right to close applications early.
Information about the School: Cedar Hall School is an innovative and forward-looking all age (5-16) Special Foundation School, which provides education for pupils who primarily experience global, moderate learning difficulties, but may also experience a range of other needs such as autistic spectrum disorders and speech and language difficulties. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Head of Lower School employer: Shorefields
Cedar Hall School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the holistic development of its staff and students alike. Located in the supportive community of Thundersley, Essex, we offer a collaborative work culture where innovative teaching practices are encouraged, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to safeguarding and nurturing our pupils ensures that every team member plays a vital role in making a meaningful impact on young lives, all while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Lower School
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before your interview! Visit Cedar Hall School, chat with staff and get a feel for the environment. This will not only help you understand their ethos but also show them you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've inspired and engaged young people or led a team effectively. We want to see how you can bring that energy to the Head of Lower School role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your experience with special needs education! Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to support pupils with diverse learning needs. This is crucial for the role, so let your passion shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Lower School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and working with special needs shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of young people!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our vision at Cedar Hall School.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Cedar Hall School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role. Understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being the Head of Lower School, especially in a special needs environment. Brush up on your knowledge of the National Curriculum and be ready to discuss how you can adapt it to meet the needs of your pupils.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leadership, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Think about times when you’ve inspired colleagues or improved outcomes for students, particularly those with special needs. Highlight your ability to engage with parents and the community as well.
✨Emphasise Pastoral Care Experience
Since pastoral care is a key aspect of this position, come equipped with stories that demonstrate your understanding and experience in this area. Discuss how you’ve supported students emotionally and academically, and how you plan to foster a nurturing environment at Cedar Hall School.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of insightful questions to ask about the school’s vision, culture, and support systems for both staff and students. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if Cedar Hall School is the right fit for you.
