At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the school in improving educational quality and student outcomes for autistic young people.
- Company: Inscape School, a leading specialist setting for autistic children and young people.
- Benefits: Gain leadership experience, insights into special education, and contribute to meaningful change.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to inclusion, equity, and ambition for young people.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic students while shaping educational strategies.
- Qualifications: Strong educational background, particularly in SEND and curriculum quality.
Inscape School is a leading specialist setting supporting autistic children and young people aged 5 to 19 who have communication and social‑interaction needs. Based on the Together Trust Campus in Cheadle, our purpose‑built SEND environment removes barriers to learning, maximises independence, and celebrates every student’s achievements. We provide holistic, personalised programmes tailored to each learner’s strengths and unique way of experiencing the world. Our multidisciplinary teams, comprising therapists, specialist teachers and behaviour support professionals, work collaboratively to help students build confidence, develop essential life skills, and work towards long‑term independence.
We are seeking to appoint a knowledgeable and committed Volunteer Governor with a strong educational background, particularly someone with expertise in SEND, curriculum quality, student outcomes and Ofsted frameworks. As part of the governing body, you will contribute to ensuring that Inscape School provides sufficient, high‑quality teaching time to deliver a rich and effective curriculum. Governors play a vital role in holding senior leaders, including the Headteacher, to account for the school’s educational performance and for securing the best possible outcomes for learners. Achievement, curriculum and teaching are key areas evaluated by Ofsted, making this role central to the school’s ongoing improvement and success.
This appointment will serve as the governing body’s Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching Link Governor. The postholder will support the governing body in maintaining robust strategic oversight of the school’s educational performance, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and helping ensure that the highest standards are consistently met.
If you are passionate about improving the life chances of autistic young people and have the expertise to influence educational quality at a strategic level, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Why we want you
Collectively, individual governors contribute their professional, specialist and general management skills to Inscape School (and its sub-groups) in a non-executive role. Governors advise, challenge and support the leadership of the school/college and hold them to account for its management, the quality of the teaching and learning and the achievement, wellbeing and safety of pupils. Governors uphold the values and ethos of the College and ensure it works within its allocated budget, approving targets, policies, and monitoring the progress the school/college is making.
What you will be doing
- Approving policies and the school/college quality improvement plan
- Promoting the well-being of students including independence, participation, diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities, and community cohesion
- Using your experience in Education to help shape what we do
- Reading the documents for and attending all full Governing Body meetings and subgroups of which they are members
- Attending induction and relevant training events organised by the School or Together Trust
- Getting to know the College and its staff by visiting the College and attending inset and other meetings to which Governors are invited by the principal
- Supporting decisions on safeguarding, equality, curriculum, resources, and student wellbeing
The skills you need
- A strategic mindset – the ability to consider long-term goals, think beyond the day-to-day, and shape the College’s future direction
- Constructive evaluation skills – the confidence to review data and performance reports critically, offer thoughtful challenge, and contribute to continuous improvement
- Leadership and influencing skills – an ability to support and guide strategic decision-making, influence thinking, and work collaboratively with others
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills – you’ll be part of a collective, supporting respectful debate, inclusive discussions, and shared accountability
- Good planning and organisational skills – to prepare for meetings, follow up on actions, and balance responsibilities effectively alongside other commitments
- Ability to demonstrate a full understanding and appreciation of the principles of governance
- Experience in education – with insight into curriculum, teaching, learning, or assessment. Those with specialist SEND knowledge or experience of further education settings will be particularly valuable
Most importantly, we’re looking for individuals who share our values of inclusion, equity, and ambition for young people. If you are passionate about education and have the capacity to support and shape our work, we’d love to hear from you.
What’s in it for you
Demonstrable leadership and strategic experience for CV. Insights into special education.
Volunteer Governor - Achievement, Curriculum & Teaching in Cheadle employer: Together Trust
Contact Detail:
Together Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Governor - Achievement, Curriculum & Teaching in Cheadle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its mission. Visit Inscape School, chat with staff, and understand their approach to supporting autistic children. This will not only help you tailor your contributions but also show your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current governors and educational professionals. Building relationships can provide insights into the role and help you understand the challenges and successes they face. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your passion for improving educational quality.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for meetings by reviewing relevant documents and data beforehand. This will allow you to contribute meaningfully to discussions about curriculum and student outcomes, demonstrating your commitment to the school's success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with the school’s digital presence.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Governor - Achievement, Curriculum & Teaching in Cheadle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for improving the lives of autistic young people shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission at Inscape School.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any experience you have in education, particularly in SEND or curriculum development. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of educational quality and governance.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the skills and experiences outlined in the job description. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
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 Inscape School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Together Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND, curriculum quality, and Ofsted frameworks. Familiarise yourself with Inscape School's mission and values, as well as recent reports or updates about the school. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for improving the life chances of autistic young people shine through. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to inclusion and equity in education. This will resonate with the panel and demonstrate your alignment with their values.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the school's strategies for achieving high-quality teaching and learning. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic mindset. Questions about how they measure success or support staff development can spark meaningful discussions.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively and supportively within a team. Share examples of how you've contributed to collective decision-making in previous roles. Highlighting your interpersonal skills will reassure the panel that you can engage in respectful debate and shared accountability.