At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support children facing SEMH challenges and improve their educational outcomes.
- Company: Willow Tree Academy Schools, dedicated to inclusion and transforming lives.
- Benefits: Professional development, supportive leadership, and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a values-driven organisation committed to safeguarding and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and help them thrive in education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in education and experience with SEMH needs.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you a passionate and inspiring leader with a commitment to transforming the lives of children facing Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges? We are seeking an exceptional, enthusiastic, and dedicated LEAF Centre Manager to lead our specialist provision, supporting pupils who require intensive intervention to overcome barriers to learning and successfully re‑engage with education. This is a unique and rewarding opportunity for an experienced leader who is committed to inclusion and believes every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
The LEAF Centre provides targeted support for academy pupils and commissioned placements through structured intervention programmes designed to improve wellbeing, behaviour, attendance, engagement, and academic progress. Our aim is to help pupils develop the confidence, resilience, and skills they need to successfully return to mainstream education and achieve their full potential.
As LEAF Centre Manager, you will provide both strategic leadership and operational management of the centre while maintaining a significant teaching and pastoral role. You will lead a dedicated team of SEMH practitioners, oversee the delivery of a high‑quality curriculum tailored to individual needs, and work collaboratively with schools, families, and external agencies to secure the best outcomes for every pupil.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a proven track record of successful leadership and management within an educational setting.
- Has experience of working with children with SEMH needs and a strong understanding of trauma‑informed and inclusive practice.
- Can deliver high‑quality teaching and learning that engages and motivates vulnerable learners.
- Demonstrates exceptional pastoral skills and can build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and families.
- Has experience of working effectively with multi‑agency partners to support children with complex needs.
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Has the vision, resilience, and determination to lead continuous improvement and make a lasting difference to young people's lives.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the day‑to‑day operation and strategic development of the LEAF Centre.
- Manage and support a team of SEMH practitioners and support staff.
- Deliver an innovative curriculum designed to meet the academic, social, emotional, and behavioural needs of pupils.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of interventions to ensure successful outcomes.
- Provide intensive pastoral support, mentoring, and behaviour intervention for pupils experiencing significant challenges.
- Work closely with home schools, families, inclusion panels, and external agencies to coordinate support and re‑integration plans.
- Champion safeguarding, attendance, wellbeing, and positive mental health.
- Foster a culture of success through celebration, recognition, and meaningful community engagement.
We can offer:
- The opportunity to lead a highly valued specialist provision and make a genuine difference to children's lives.
- A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- High‑quality professional development and leadership opportunities.
- A strong commitment to staff wellbeing.
- The chance to work within a values‑driven organisation where inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
If you are an ambitious and compassionate leader who shares our commitment to ensuring every child succeeds, regardless of their starting point, we would be delighted to hear from you. Join us and help shape brighter futures for the children and families we serve.
Willow Tree Academy Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
LEAF Centre Manager in Rotherham employer: Willow Tree Academy
Willow Tree Academy Schools is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of children facing Social, Emotional and Mental Health challenges. With a strong commitment to inclusion, we offer a supportive and collaborative work environment, high-quality professional development, and a focus on staff wellbeing, making it a rewarding place for passionate leaders to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land LEAF Centre Manager in Rotherham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Willow Tree Academy.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Willow Tree Academy!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Willow Tree Academy, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Willow Tree Academy or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace LEAF Centre Manager in Rotherham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Willow Tree Academy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Willow Tree Academy! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willow Tree Academy
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
