Senior Lead for Learner Welfare

 Are you a dynamic practitioner with the determination and compassion to strategically lead a team committed to improving the life chances and outcomes for all the learners here at Woodlands? 

Would you class yourself as a compassionate, collaborative and ambitious practitioner with the relentless determination to make a difference? 

We want you to join our “Woodlands family” where Ofsted (March 2024) found “staff and pupils get along well and staff want the very best outcomes for pupils”. They described our school as “calm and friendly” where “personalised support is given to those who need it” Developing our offer of personalised support to ensure we meet all the differing needs of our learners is fundamental to the progress we want to make. This is why we have shaped this role to be the strategic lead this transformational development.  

 This is an exciting time for us as we progress our quality of education to “good” matching all other judgements of “good” in our recent inspection. We are proud of the distance travelled and we want you to join us for the next phase of our journey. 

You will be unflappable, have a sense of humour, and be utterly committed to the learners in your care. You will have a strong sense of fairness and know that you are a catalyst to change children’s lives  

Woodlands is an amazing place to work, and our learners need someone who is not afraid to have high expectations of what they can achieve academically and socially and will never let that standard drop.  

Every one of us plays a key role in supporting our learners to be the best they can be and live the best lives they can.. 

Does this sound like you? 

No SEMH experience is necessary, but a desire to learn and develop is essential. 

PO3 – PO7  (£32,951 - £36,521)

37 hours per week – term time only, with possible non term-time weeks) 

Permanent 

To be successful, you will demonstrate; 

·        Significant experience in a leadership role within an educational or welfare setting. 

·        Proven track record as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or in a similar capacity. 

·        Experience of managing pastoral care systems and implementing strategies to support learner well-being. 

·        The ability to work effectively with external agencies and stakeholders to support learners. 

·        Experience of leading and managing staff teams, with a focus on welfare and pastoral care. 

·        Comprehensive understanding of statutory requirements related to safeguarding and child protection. 

·        An understanding of SEND, specifically but not exclusively SEMH, and the annual review process as set out in the SEND Code of Practice. 

·        Strong knowledge of mental health issues affecting young people and strategies to support them. 

·        Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with learners, staff, parents, and external partners. 

·        Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure 

·        Ability to analyse data and use it to inform decision-making and drive improvements. 

·        Have the patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations. 

·        Be flexible and open to change. 

Why this role above others? 

Come and make a difference to the life chances of our young people. 

Woodlands is a special school for learners who have social, emotional and mental health needs. We are proud of the high expectations and aspirations we set for every learner and young person, providing an inspiring environment where everyone can learn and achieve.  

We provide ambitious and exciting opportunities through well-designed and individualised curriculum packages. 

You will be part of a highly effective, supportive team who readily share best practice amongst the team. 

You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with individual learners, young people and their parents. You will find each day rewarding, making the difference, and providing support and nurture for learners and parents alike. 

You will join us in celebrating success and encouraging all our young people to develop broader life skills, investing in them as a whole child. 

We are incredibly proud of the achievements of all our learners and trust that you will feel the same as we work together to ensure the successful future for them. 

We offer: 

·        Excellent professional learning and support at every stage in your career, with opportunity for continued personal development through our Talent Pathway 

·        Career development opportunities including funded NPQs 

·        Excellent resources and facilities 

·        Significant leadership time on your timetable. 

·        A core belief in staff wellbeing and work life balance for all, evidenced in policy and practice 

·        Benefits including funded counselling, physiotherapy and GP and other medical support 

·        As a school in the Marches Academy Trust teachers have opportunities to engage with staff across the Trust to support and collaborate with peers and colleagues in sharing the expertise across our family of 11 schools. 

If you are interested in this post and would like the opportunity to visit the school, or if you have any queries, please contact Lisa Dugmore (Business Manager) on 01939 232372  Lisa.Dugmore@wdl.mmat.co.uk . 

Lisa will be more than happy to help 

To apply for the post, please visit our online recruitment site via 

https://themarchesacademytrust.face-ed.co.uk/vacancies