Head of School - Primary SEMH & SEND Provision
Location: Greater Manchester
Salary: £42,000 - £48,000 depending on experience
Contract: Full Time | Permanent | Term Time Only
A specialist education provider is seeking an experienced and compassionate Head of School to lead one of its SEMH and SEND provisions in Greater Manchester.
This is an exciting opportunity for a strong educational leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable young people and creating inclusive environments where pupils can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The successful candidate will provide visible and proactive leadership across the school, driving high standards in teaching, behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, and wellbeing while supporting a culture of accountability, relational practice, and continuous improvement.
The Role
The Head of School will take responsibility for the day-to-day operational leadership of the provision, working closely with wider senior leadership teams to ensure high-quality education, therapeutic support, and inclusive practice across the setting.
This role combines strategic leadership, staff management, safeguarding oversight, and school improvement within a specialist SEMH and SEND environment.
The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining an Ofsted-ready culture while embedding restorative, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approaches that positively impact pupil outcomes.Key Responsibilities
Lead the daily operational management of the school, ensuring high standards across education, behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, and wellbeing
Drive school improvement priorities through effective use of data, monitoring, and evaluation
Lead and support staff performance, development, and accountability across the provision
Work collaboratively with senior leaders to ensure high-quality SEND, SEMH, and pastoral support
Monitor teaching, learning, interventions, and pupil outcomes to ensure consistent and effective practice
Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), ensuring robust safeguarding systems and compliance
Promote relational, restorative, and trauma-informed approaches throughout the school
Oversee behaviour systems, attendance strategies, and pupil engagement initiatives
Build strong relationships with parents, carers, Local Authorities, and external agencies
Contribute to Ofsted readiness, school improvement planning, and quality assurance processes
Support staff wellbeing, CPD, recruitment, and professional development
Promote a positive, inclusive, and aspirational culture where pupils and staff can succeedThe Ideal Candidate
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Minimum of 5 years' leadership experience within a primary, secondary, specialist, or alternative provision setting
Strong experience supporting pupils with SEMH and/or SEND needs
Experience leading teams, managing staff performance, and driving school improvement
Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, behaviour support, and inclusive education practice
Experience using data to monitor performance and improve outcomes
Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills
Ability to build strong relationships with families, professionals, and multidisciplinary teams
A resilient, reflective, and solution-focused leadership style
Commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable learnersDesirable Experience
NPQH or working towards a leadership qualification
Experience within specialist education or alternative provision settings
Experience supporting Ofsted inspections and maintaining an Ofsted-ready environment
Knowledge of trauma-informed, restorative, and therapeutic approaches
Experience working within multidisciplinary or therapeutic teamsWhat's on Offer
Permanent full-time opportunity
Term-time only working pattern
Supportive and collaborative senior leadership structure
Excellent professional development and progression opportunities
Opportunity to shape and influence a growing specialist provision
The chance to make a genuine and lasting difference to young people's livesThis role would suit an experienced Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Head of School, SEMH Lead, Inclusion Lead, or senior leader looking to progress within specialist education and alternative provision leadership.
Important Notice
Dovetail and Slate is a specialist education recruitment company. If this role isn't quite right, we welcome your CV and a call to explore other opportunities.
We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Dovetail and Slate Ltd ((phone number removed)) acts as an Employment Agency and an Employment Business under the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003.
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Because education matters.
© Dovetail and Slate Limited.
Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited ((phone number removed)) acts as an Employment Agency