Job Description

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Inspire their remarkable with us

Pioneer School is an outstanding, purpose built mixed, day special school designated for children and young people aged 3 - 19 with severe and complex learning difficulties. The remarkable school staff work with children with a variety of complex needs to ensure that they can develop the skills - and gain the life experiences - that will allow them to lead remarkable lives. It is a special place, that requires a special leader.

After taking the academy from strength to strength, our current Principal will be retiring at the end of December.

This is an amazing opportunity to build on the exceptional practice and standards already in place and lead our vibrant, popular school into the future.

Within this role, you must be ambitious and able to:

Be brave, discover what's possible, push the limits and be big-hearted.
Commit to each and every child being inspired to have a remarkable life.

Pioneer School is part of Academies Enterprise Trust (AET) national network of over 55 primary, secondary and special academies.

We passionately believe that every child can discover their own remarkable life. It is what motivates us. We know this vision requires something extra. Which is why at AET, you'll find more. More opportunities, so you can forge your own path. More care and support, so you can prioritise what matters most. More purpose, for you and for the children we are inspiring.

We offer

More like minded colleagues, so you can benefit from others' experience - You're connected to our network of over 55 academies and thousands of education professionals.
More opportunities, so you can forge your own path - As a large and expanding multi academy trust, there are ample opportunities for development and new experiences.
More hands on support, so you can get on with what matters most - Expert operations support removes headaches, allowing you to focus on the children.
More technology so you can make more impact - G Suite for Education embedded throughout. Collaborative cloud technology gives you access to the latest tools, when and where it suits you. More tech enabled classrooms mean less time spent on admin and more time teaching.
More time - We strive to minimise unnecessary distractions so you can have energy for your job, and your life.

Our new Principal will enjoy the autonomy of leadership rooted in the local community, whilst working in partnership with the regional cluster of academies, AET's Director of SEND, Maria Rodrigues and our National Director of Primary and SEND, Lauren Costello, with support from a committed local governing board.

Closing date: Monday 16 September 2019

Interview dates: Friday 20 September 2019 (Pioneer School) and Monday 23 September 2019 (London)

Come inspire their remarkable with us, apply today.

Visits to the academy are warmly welcomed and can be arranged by contacting Tanya Bentham, Head of Talent, on 07990 538911 or recruitment@academiesenterprisetrust.org.

For an informal discussion or for an application form, please contact Tanya Bentham on the contact details above.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate will be required for all posts. This post will be subject to enhance checks as part of our Prevent Duty.

Information about the School

We are a successful, purpose built, mixed special school providing for children and young people between the ages of 3 – 19 with severe and complex learning difficulties.

With the exception of those pupils occasionally admitted in the Foundation Stage on an assessment basis all pupils have a statement of special educational need, falling principally into the categories of severe and complex or profound and multiple. A smaller number of students have moderate learning difficulties and a significant number have an additional diagnosis of autism.

The school experiences a variable pattern of referrals and admissions and whilst it is usual for children to be admitted at the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 age there are a significant number of children that are admitted at other ages. Admissions also take place regularly throughout the school year.

Although the catchment area for the school extends beyond the geographical boundaries of Basildon the vast majority of pupils live in the local area.

In January 2009 the school moved to new purpose built premises, which were further extended in September 2011 to provide even more specialist spaces. The school now has facilities that are second to none within the UK and we are regularly visited or consulted on matters of special school design.

Our vision is to continue developing and improving the quality of provision available to our students and our Academy Council, parents and staff are enthusiastic and committed to the proposed plans. We believe that our proposals will enhance the education and quality of life for the children and young people currently in the school and lead to better outcomes for them in adult life.

Our most recent successful Ofsted inspection recognised that we are an Outstanding school, commenting 'The quality of education for pupils with profound and multiple special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is excellent. Pupils thrive in this high-quality learning environment. '