SEMH Education Consultant — Independent School Development
📍 Suffolk / East Anglia | Fixed-Term Contract or Consulting Agreement | Immediate Start
Able Health Care is an established and trusted private provider of children's residential care operating Ofsted-registered homes across Suffolk. We are in the early stages of developing an independent SEMH specialist day school in Ipswich - and we're looking for an experienced education consultant to help us get there.
The opportunity
This is a hands-on project role. We need someone who can hit the ground running and help us build a credible, deliverable plan for opening a DfE-registered independent school for young people with social, emotional and mental health needs.
The school will initially serve young people from within our own homes, with the intention to grow into a broader offer for external referrals from local authorities across the region.
What we need from you
* A strong track record in SEMH education - ideally as a school leader, senior leader, or advisor
* Familiarity with the DfE independent school registration process and Ofsted's Education Inspection Framework
* The ability to translate ambition into a structured, realistic project plan - quickly
* Understanding of the SEND and children's residential care landscape
* Based in Suffolk or the wider East Anglia area, with availability to be present in Ipswich as the project develops
Why this role?
This is a rare chance to shape a school from the ground up - one genuinely built around the needs of some of the most complex and underserved young people in the care system. You'll work directly with our leadership team with real influence over the vision, structure, and timeline.
Start date: Immediate
Duration: Fixed-term or consulting agreement - to be agreed
Rate/Remuneration: Discussed on application - we're open and will reflect the right candidate's experience