Head Teacher

Purpose

Lead education support and any appropriately authorised education provision, helping children access suitable learning and recognised progression.

Reporting line

Directors with education governance arrangements

Working arrangements

Education timetable and school terms or year-round support arrangements confirmed in the offer. No registered Astha school is asserted by this vacancy.

England; specific location and weekly hours confirmed before appointment. Maximum eight-hour shifts include one hour of paid uninterrupted break with competent cover.

Key responsibilities

• Agree each child's learning priorities with their school, social worker and care team.
• Lead curriculum planning, assessment and staff development within the authorised education model.
• Track attendance, engagement, attainment and barriers to learning.
• Coordinate SEND support, education health and care plan actions and specialist referrals.
• Maintain safeguarding and behaviour systems consistent with children's rights.
• Supervise teachers and assistants and oversee safe learning environments.
• Support re-engagement after disrupted education and transition to further learning.
• Report education outcomes and ensure regulatory requirements are met before school provision operates.

Experience

Substantial successful teaching and education leadership experience with vulnerable children; no numerical minimum is specified.

Qualifications and registration

Relevant degree, recognised teacher training and QTS required by Astha as an employer standard. Safeguarding leadership training and checks appropriate to the actual setting.

Essential capabilities

• Strong leadership of inclusive teaching and education improvement.
• Understanding of looked-after children, SEND and trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to work with local authorities, virtual schools and families.
• Clear assessment, safeguarding and staff supervision practice.

Desirable experience

Experience leading alternative or specialist education and working with therapeutic care teams.

What good performance looks like

Children have suitable education plans, improved engagement and evidence of individual learning progress.

Benefits and safer recruitment

All employee benefits and recruitment standards apply, including 32 days holiday plus bank holidays, 8% employer pension, family medical and dental cover subject to insurer terms, and the clean driving licence criterion with reasonable adjustments where required. Required vetting is completed before a final contract.

Apply for AL19

Email hr@astha.org quoting this reference. HR will discuss the location, hours, secure application route and adjustments.