Head of Department – Communication and Autism Resource Provision (ARP) Location: East London (Outer London Pay Scale) Salary: MPS/UPS TLR 2C (depending on experience) Contract type: Full-time, Permanent Start date: April 2025 Suitable for: Experienced SEN/ASD practitioners with middle leadership experience Posted by: Smart Teachers Smart Teachers is seeking to appoint a passionate and visionary Head of Department to lead a well-established Communication and Autism Resource Provision (ARP) within a thriving East London secondary school. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a highly successful team from April 2025, supporting students with high-functioning autism and communication difficulties. The Role: Lead a specialist ARP supporting students in Years 7–11 with ASD, including high-functioning autism and language/communication needs Provide strategic leadership of curriculum, staff and student support within the provision Work closely with the wider school to ensure inclusive and ambitious outcomes Develop high-quality teaching and learning practices tailored to neurodiverse learners Liaise with external agencies, families and key stakeholders to support pupil progress The Provision: This successful and respected additionally resourced provision delivers tailored support to students who are primarily taught within mainstream lessons but benefit from targeted interventions, structured environments and a dedicated resource base. The team is collaborative, experienced and committed to ensuring every learner with ASD thrives both academically and socially. Requirements: We are looking for someone who: Is an experienced SEND practitioner with a strong understanding of autism and social communication needs Has a proven record of strong classroom practice and leadership within a specialist or mainstream setting Believes in the potential of all students and champions inclusive, aspirational education Can lead, motivate and inspire a team to deliver high-impact teaching and support Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills when working with students, staff and parents The School: Oversubscribed, inclusive secondary school with a well-established reputation for excellence Consistently within the top 10% of schools nationally for student outcomes Warm and supportive leadership with a culture of high expectations Strong commitment to SEND, with a track record of effective ARP provision Excellent facilities, including dedicated spaces for intervention, therapy and communication-based support Why Join?: Opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of neurodiverse young people Work within an established ARP with a clear vision and excellent support structures Access to tailored CPD and development opportunities How to Apply: To apply for this Head of Department role, please send your CV and a brief covering note to Smart Teachers. Early applications are encouraged as interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis. We are a market-leading education supply agency committed to the development of young people. With branches across the country, we are an employer of choice for high quality educators. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. To register your interest or for more details, contact our secondary team on or email your CV to Smart Teachers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. An enhanced DBS check and references will be required for the successful candidate.