Head Of Department

ROLE PURPOSE

The Head of Department leads the department to ensure high-quality teaching, effective resource utilisation, and elevated learning standards for all students. They are responsible for setting the vision and structure of the department in alignment with school objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Guide and manage the department to support teaching excellence and student achievement.

Collaborate with school leaders (Principal/Co-headteachers and governors) to drive school-wide improvements, contributing to policy development and best practices.

Ensure educational practices elevate the learning experience, support diverse student needs, and raise achievement levels school-wide.

Work within the additional resources framework to support students with ASD by providing a structured environment alongside mainstream learning opportunities.

Support ASD students, including those diagnosed with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, to integrate into mainstream classes, aiming for 90% mainstream lesson attendance.

Demonstrate effective teaching techniques for inclusive education, promoting social inclusion for children with autism.

Mentor and support colleagues in implementing inclusive practices across the school.

Conduct assessments, make school visits, and work closely with social care, health, and educational professionals to optimise support for ASD students and their families.

Prepare risk assessments, reports, and individualised educational targets with appropriate intervention strategies.

Collaborate with the commissioning panel to assess the suitability of placements and support mainstream co-location.

Facilitate transitions for students through close coordination with the school’s SENCo, families, and external professionals, and offer relevant training and guidance.

Undertake additional duties as required within the role's scope to support the department and school’s mission.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

In-depth knowledge of school aims, priorities, and departmental alignment with the school-wide curriculum.

Familiarity with statutory curriculum requirements, student assessment, and progress tracking.

Understanding of effective teaching strategies and high-impact learning approaches within the department.

Ability to leverage research, inspection evidence, and benchmarking data to set high standards for student achievement.

Skills in integrating literacy, numeracy, and IT development within the department.

Awareness of methods to foster students' holistic development—spiritual, moral, social, cultural, mental, and physical growth.

Proficiency in management, including employment law, equal opportunities, external relations, finance, and organisational change.

This position supports a high standard of teaching and learning, with a strong focus on the development and inclusion of ASD students, enabling them to participate fully in school life while achieving their potential.

Paul Feldman is the National Skills Agency Data Protection Officer. Your data will be stored until notice is given by you for it to be removed. Our Data Protection Policy will be forwarded to you on request. As we get a high number of applications, we may be unable to give feedback to unsuccessful candidates. We will retain your details to keep you informed of other opportunities. National Skills Agency Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy and is an Equal Opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.