Reference number BUC12928 Contract type Permanent Working hours Full Time Level of DBS check required Enhanced with Barred List Date posted 8 Jan 2025, 11 p.m. Application deadline 7 Feb 2025 Contact email abowlesprimarypru.bucks.sch.uk Overview The opportunity has arisen for a strategically minded, confident and organised candidate to lead our successful Buckinghamshire Primary Pupil Referral Unit across three sites. The role of Head is pivotal in shaping the future direction of our provision and ensuring the continued success of our pupils, accessing both the in-reach and outreach services. We are seeking a compassionate, dynamic and visionary leader who can inspire our pupils, support our amazing staff, engage and be part of our community. If you possess a passion for education of children with additional needs, are committed to the wellbeing and success of every pupil and have the qualities and attributes necessary to lead our PRU into the future, we would like to hear from you. Term time only Salary Type: Leadership Salary details: L13 - L18 Contract type: Permanent Hours: Full time Closing date: 7th February 2025 12:00 Interviews to be held: Will take place over one or two days during week commencing 24th February 2025 About us The Buckinghamshire Primary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) is an outstanding provision which provides support for children across Buckinghamshire experiencing social, emotional and mental health difficulties in their mainstream schools. Alongside the delivery of a highly effective education to all pupils who attend the PRU, pupils are also taught how to appropriately manage their feelings and behaviour, as this is why most pupils are referred. Support provided is inclusive and holistic in nature and staff work closely in partnership with families, mainstream schools and other professionals to help ensure the best possible outcomes for the pupils we work with. Children may be supported by outreach in their home schools, or by attendance at one of our sites based in Aylesbury (Pathways) Amersham (The Oaks) and High Wycombe (Woodlands). We serve all maintained primary schools in Buckinghamshire. The PRU achieved outstanding grades in all areas in their recent inspection, November 2024, and we are extremely proud of the whole community in maintaining this high level of provision for the children in our care. At the PRU, our Vision is: Developing a safe community of lifelong learners We aim to meet this through our values of: P erseverance R espect U nderstanding All PRU employees are expected to embody our vision and values so that we build consistency, confidence and credibility as a strong organisation. All staff should act with professional integrity, following the Code of Conduct. You will find more information about what we do and who we support on our website www.bucksprimarypru.co.uk About the role We are looking for a candidate currently working, or has experience of working in a strategic or leadership role, in a primary setting; this could be mainstream or special school that has experience working with pupils with SEN and EHCPs. The ideal candidate will continue to uphold the ethos of the PRU with passion and enthusiasm, leading by example in providing a creative, stimulating and inclusive learning environment, and setting high expectations within the PRU to give all pupils opportunities to be successful despite the challenges they face. You will be committed to securing the best outcomes for all of the pupils the PRU supports, in terms of academic success and also ensuring that they secure appropriate long term education in the provision that is right for them. We can offer: A dedicated and committed team of staff and Management Committee members who want to work collaboratively with their next school leader. Pupils who want a compassionate, warm and nurturing Headteacher to help them develop a positive attitude to learning and school life. The opportunity to play a key strategic role in developing our provision even further, across our three unique sites in Buckinghamshire. Opportunities to develop your leadership and management skills, and to have a real impact on outcomes for pupils through your leadership of others Children who will stretch your skills and test you emotionally Working at the PRU is not always easy, but then nothing worthwhile achieving ever is Each day brings different challenges and that is why this role is so rewarding. For more information about the position please refer to the application pack. Please also see our website www.bucksprimarypru.co.uk About you You will be an established and successful leader who understands the primary curriculum, with a secure knowledge of what it takes to support pupils with social, emotional and mental health issues. We are looking for someone who: Can evidence impact in their current leadership role Is reflective in their practice and relishes the opportunity to lead, inspire and coach others Can demonstrate successful management of others to achieve high standards Is able to lead initiatives and manage change Is sensitive and supportive to the needs of our unique community You will need to be a team player and collaborator, sharing ideas and strategies with your senior leadership team and colleagues whilst learning from them. Reflection and solution focused practice alongside consistent leadership is essential. You will have the skills to influence and drive forward change so that the PRU continues to evolve and be aligned with the local authority’s strategies for meeting pupils needs in Buckinghamshire. You will be a confident communicator, who can build strong relationships within the PRU and other professionals and stakeholders, as well as being able to show empathy and provide clear direction to pupils. Full details of the job description and person specification can be found in the documents attached. If you are innovative, motivated, flexible and resilient and have a proven track record as a successful leader with strong behaviour management practice, then we would like to hear from you. Other information Visits to any of the PRU sites are warmly welcomed and can be arranged by contacting Avril Bowles – Operations Manager on 01296 387300 or email abowlesprimarypru.bucks.sch.uk Completed applications should be emailed to Julie Lawrence, Chair of the Management Committee, at headbedgroveinfant.co.uk Bucks Primary PRU is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance and robust checks will be made to ensure the safety of all of our children. This will include online searches on applicants. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS disclosure checks as relevant to the role. All applications must be on Bucks Council application forms. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare: All unspent convictions and conditional cautions All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020 and 2023). For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance and the guidance published by the Ministry of Justice (see, in particular, the section titled ‘Exceptions Order’). It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete self-disclosure form and return prior to interview. We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.