Head of Aspire Centre in Walsall

What skills and experience we’re looking for:

Main purpose:

• Support our most vulnerable and at-risk students by assessing their barriers to learning and providing an alternative space and curriculum.
• Devise strategies that have a clear impact on students’ progress and ability to access their education.
• Show determination for continuous improvement and social justice.
• Contribute to strategy and leadership across the pastoral team, supporting the aims and values of our pastoral offer.
• Be passionate about supporting vulnerable young people, ensuring they reach their full potential and improve their life chances.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Manage the onsite ASPIRE centre – a small, detached classroom base for students who are struggling in the main school setting.
• The role is student-facing, delivering aspects of the curriculum and leading a team of mentors.
• Have oversight of the Shire Oak ASPIRE interventions programme.
• Assess the needs of students who receive ASPIRE referrals and plan an appropriate programme of intervention.
• Plan and oversee intervention timetables for the ASPIRE mentors and associate heads of year.

Leadership:

• Co-coach and manage the ASPIRE mentors, ensuring quality interventions are delivered.
• Utilise the school-based systems and agencies within the school – phase leaders, heads of year, associate heads of year and mentors.
• Communicate with the wider school about students and their needs, influencing practice of other staff and providing support and training on how to work with the students.
• Manage the ASPIRE Centre daily – both the RESET room and ASPIRE room.
• Deliver interventions as required within the ASPIRE centre timetable.
• Link with external agencies to review the quality of their provision, attendance and engagement.

Other responsibilities:

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, following Academy policies and the staff code of conduct.

Please note that this is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks that the ASPIRE Centre Leader will carry out. The postholder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the Headteacher.

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers share this commitment. Pre-employment checks include an enhanced disclosure and barring service check, as required for this post. Our Safeguarding Policy is available on our website. Applicants are encouraged to review it before applying.

For further details, please contact the Headteacher’s PA by e-mail at ons.read@soa.merciantrust.org.uk. For a detailed look at our Academy, visit https://www.shireoakacademy.co.uk.