Headteacher (The Southfield Trust)

Job introduction

Hours of work: 32.5

Working pattern: Full-time

Closing date: Friday 25 April 2025

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

The Southfield Trust

The Lindfield School

Lindfield Rd

Hampden Park

Eastbourne

East Sussex

BN22 0BQ

Phone:   01323 921630 (Ext 653) 

Email:     Recruitment@thesouthfieldtrust.com

Website: www.thesouthfieldtrust.com

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.  

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision.  Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.  

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

About the role

Job Advert: Head Teacher

Location: Hazel Court, Eastbourne

Salary: L21 – L26 starting at £81,441

Contract: This is a permanent position subject to a successful probationary year 

Closing Date: 25th April 2025

Are you an inspiring and dynamic leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of children with special educational needs? The Southfield Trust, a dedicated and supportive Special Needs Trust, is seeking an experienced and committed Head Teacher to lead our exceptional team and ensure the highest standards of education and care for our pupils.

About Us: At The Southfield Trust, we are proud to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs. We aim to empower every individual to reach their full potential, developing not only academic skills but also confidence, independence, and resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the day-to-day operation of the school, ensuring a high-quality education for all pupils.
• Develop and implement effective strategies for teaching and learning, supporting the needs of pupils with a variety of learning, emotional, and physical challenges.
• Provide strong leadership and support to a dedicated team of staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional development, and well-being.
• Ensure that safeguarding and welfare are at the heart of everything we do, promoting a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment.
• Work closely with parents, carers, and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for each child.
• Monitor and assess the performance of the school and its staff, implementing strategies for continuous improvement and excellence.
• Manage resources effectively, including staff, budget, and facilities, ensuring that the school operates efficiently and sustainably.

Key Requirements:

• A proven track record of leadership in a special educational needs setting, with experience in a senior management role.
• A deep understanding of the specific challenges and needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with staff, pupils, parents, and external agencies.
• A commitment to inclusive education and the ability to drive positive change.
• Qualified teacher status (QTS) or an equivalent qualification, with additional leadership training or qualifications preferred.
• A passion for the ethos of a Special Needs Trust and a dedication to supporting the development and well-being of every pupil.

Why Join Us?

• A supportive and collaborative working environment with a strong ethos of inclusion and respect.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression.
• The chance to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of children and young people with special educational needs. 
• A dedicated and passionate team of staff who share your commitment to high-quality education.

If you are an inspirational leader with the skills and experience to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply: 

For more information about the Trust please visit our website:  www.thesouthfieldtrust.com

Welcome - Hazel Court School - The Southfield Trust 

Visits to a Trust school are encouraged - please email your contact details to the HR team at recruitment@thesouthfieldtrust.com if you would like to arrange a visit or for more information. 

Candidates should be prepared to work at any one of our school sites.   

Please complete a support-staff application form for this post, which can be accessed via the Vacancies tab on our website along with the Job Description and Person Specification.  

• The closing date for this position is midday, on Friday 25th April 2025. 
• Interview date TBC.  
• If you do not receive a response to your application by Friday 9th May, you can assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.  
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer overseas sponsorship 

We look forward to receiving your application.  We do not accept CVs. Your application will be accepted if sent by email to: recruitment@thesouthfieldtrust.com 

The Southfield Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Employment will be subject to pre-employment checks including satisfactory DBS Enhanced clearance and references. This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

Additional information

Work Permits: we may be able to obtain a Work Permit for this post but this is subject to meeting the requirements of the UK Border Agency’s Points-based Immigration System.

Due to the restrictions we cannot guarantee that individuals that meet the requirements of the Points-based Immigration System will be issued with clearance to obtain work permits.

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau).

For further information about what is required in this process please go to www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children.  All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.