Job Description

An incredible, unique opportunity has arisen to join an Outstanding Special School in Witham Essex as Head Teacher. You will join an established but still rapidly developing provision with a well-respected reputation with local stakeholders and national organizations.

Chatten is unique - the school is a multidisciplinary setting encompassing SALT, OT, ABA and multiple other approaches, set up to meet the needs of pupil's whose needs cannot be met in any other setting in local area. With a totally individualized approach to pupil learning and every pupil assigned an individual tutor and individualized program of learning we are different and we are looking for someone special to join us headteacher.

Could you be the next school leader to help our pupils' gain:

Happiness, Independence, Respect

And to access the world in a meaningful way

Chatten is a special place that gives second chances to some incredible children. Could it be the next step on your education leadership journey? If so, keep reading.

Perhaps you are already a headteacher looking for your next challenge or maybe you are a deputy or assistant head ready to take on the leadership of something unique and special.

Most of all we are looking for someone who has a passion for supporting young people with Autism and complex learning difficulties to get the most out of life. You should be patient, kind and passionate, you must be flexible and open to leading a unique setting. Expect a challenge. Expect to learn new things. Expect a role that is outside usual expectations of headship.

Benefits:

· Opportunity to lead a truly unique and Outstanding special school

· Work with a passionate, skilled, and supportive staff team including an experienced and highly specialist leadership team

· Shape the future of provision for some of the most exceptional children and young people

· Strong professional development and support

· Generous salary

· Access to a wellbeing service that includes GP, Physio and counselling.

· Be part of Hope Learning Community - a relatively small trust with access to a wealth of expertise, experience and support.

· Extended handover from current head

If you are interested in being our new Headteacher please download the attached Job description and person spec and follow the instructions to apply.

Find out more:

· Head welcome

· Aims and Values

· Some informational videos

· Curriculum

· News Article: Chatten Free School transforms futures for autistic children with complex needs

Safeguarding Statement:
Hope Learning Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to a satisfactory completion of safeguarding checks.

Diversity Statement:
Hope Learning Community is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

For more information or to arrange a tour or visit please email Anna Royce - hr@hopelearningcommunity.org.uk

Information about the School

We are a specialist day free school in Witham, Essex working with children and young people who are severely affected by their autism and associated learning difficulties. Our pupils are ages 4-19. Most of our pupils are pre-vocal or in the early stages of developing communicative skills.

We believe that through a consistent and individualised curriculum, using effective and evidence based learning techniques we can ensure that our pupils leave us as independent as possible and with life-long socially significant skills which will enable them to access the world around them in a rich and meaningful way.

Our primary vision for Chatten pupils is: Happiness, Independence and Respect.

We have high expectations of our pupils and believe that they can achieve great things. Our primary focus is to provide all our pupils with an effective form of communication which they can use throughout their lives. We also aim to teach them important tolerance, life and academic skills which will be functional in their real lives beyond school.

Chatten provision includes access to individualised curriculums based on input in the areas of; applied behaviour analysis (ABA), speech and language therapy (SALT), occupational therapy (OT) and qualified teacher (QTS) level educational interventions. We use evidence based interventions and monitor progress meticulously to ensure that methods are effective for the pupil.

We are very excited to be able to offer some amazing facilities at our school which are outlined in the pages on specialist areas.

Most importantly of all we will have a staff team who all share the same vision for our school and your children. Our strongest shared desire: to enrich our pupils lives with the shared aim of Happiness, Independence and Respect.

To learn more about our school visit our website.