Principal

Number on roll: 70

Age range: 3-19

Owing to the impending retirement of our highly respected Principal, the Governors of Fountaindale School are seeking to appoint an inspirational and visionary leader with the energy and enthusiasm to further develop this busy, vibrant and popular Special School situated in North Nottinghamshire.

Additionally, there are 4 temporary points for the Leadership and Management of the Physical Disability Specialist Service and to co-ordinate the Health Related Education Team. These services are currently pending a Local Authority Review - for details see Job Description. Please note these temporary points can be removed at any time should the school no longer manage these services.

We are a Specialist SEN school offering a 21st century curriculum to learners with complex and profound physical, medical and sensory needs. It is set in attractive wooded parkland a few miles south of Mansfield on the main A60 Nottingham Road and has recently moved into newly built premises. This includes residential accommodation which is specially adapted to meet the physical needs of the children and young people to promote independence, communication and social skills.

We offer an inclusive education for up to 75 pupils aged 3 to 19 and we ensure that each and every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. The school has a purpose built, 4 bed, residential facility, rated outstanding by Ofsted. We are a flagship school for our local authority and a recognised centre of excellence. We have achieved much and are ambitious for the future. At our last full inspection we were rated good overall by Ofsted.

The school currently manages a Physical Disability Specialist Service for the Local Authority and is also commissioned to co-ordinate the Health Related Education Team which provides short term education for pupils aged 5-16 who live in Nottinghamshire and who are temporarily unable to attend school due to medical reasons or severe anxiety. These services are presently subject to review by the Local Authority. These additional services attract 2 temporary points each on the IPR. The additional responsibilities on the Principal for managing these services can only be offered as 'temporary' within the new post.

The role

We are a forward looking, modern thinking school. You will work closely with the governors and other members of the leadership team to develop a dynamic agenda for the future, which will inspire and encourage our talented staff team towards delivering the very best outcomes for our pupils. You will need to be able to make the most of the latest cutting edge research and the opportunities presented by the present political climate within education.

What we are looking for

This is a challenging and rewarding post and we are looking for a highly capable and experienced leader who can also manage additional services effectively. You should have a minimum of 3 years working at senior leadership level within a Special School, with experience of working with children with complex physical and medical needs being desirable. You will be an excellent communicator, used to building strong effective teams and partnerships to innovate and lead change.

What we can offer

In return, we offer an exciting opportunity to shape and influence the outcomes for a group of exceptional children and young people in a happy and welcoming school that is committed to high expectations and success for all.

Fountaindale School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. Successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks including Disqualification by Association. We are an Equal Opportunities employer.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to both visit the school and the school website.

Applicants who wish to visit the school should contact Mr. M. Dengel on 01623 792 671 to arrange an appointment.

Please download the application form and further details from below or visit our website and return to kerry.wood@nottscc.gov.uk (Telephone number 0115 804 0725) or: Kerry Wood, Governor Services, Meadow House, Littleworth, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 2TB

Closing date: Monday 13th March 2017 at 12 noon 

Shortlisting will take place on 17th March 2017

Interviews will take place on 27th and 28th March 2017