Head of Provision

• Re:
  
  Link Education
• Address: Ipswich, Suffolk
• Salary: £48,163 per annum (pro rata), Actual £40,481 per annum
• Hours: Part time, 8am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (term time only)
• Contract: Permanent, required from January 2027
• Reference:0975

Re:

Link Education is looking for an experienced and motivated Head of Provision to lead the day-to-day running of our specialist therapeutic SEMH provision, ensuring high standards across education, safeguarding, wellbeing and operational practice.

You will lead and support a team of teaching and support staff, ensuring that pupils with SEND receive high-quality, adaptive and trauma-informed education. You will oversee curriculum delivery, pupil progress, behaviour support, safeguarding and site operations, while promoting a positive, child-centred culture.

As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will play a key role in protecting children and young people, supporting staff and working closely with families, schools and external professionals to achieve positive outcomes.

Leadership and Operations:

• lead the daily running of the provision, managing staff, timetabling, resources and operational systems.
• oversee curriculum delivery, adaptive teaching, pupil progress and EHCP outcomes
• complete learning walks, quality assurance snapshots and AQA evidence using the NurturED Hub platform
• maintain site safety, risk assessments, PEEPs, first aid provision and essential supplies
• act as keyholder and ensure the premises remain safe, secure and well-maintained.

Safeguarding, Behaviour and Pupil Support:

• act as DSL, responding to safeguarding concerns, maintaining accurate records and making referrals where necessary
• ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, attendance and data protection requirements
• lead staff inductions, half-termly supervisions and end-of-session debriefings.
• support pupils using trauma-informed, attachment-aware and restorative approaches to promote emotional regulation and positive relationships
• maintain accurate records of incidents, concerns and statutory documentation
• support staff wellbeing through return-to-work meetings and reflective practice.

Partnership Working and Development:

• build effective relationships with parents, carers, schools and external agencies
• work alongside the Therapeutic Teacher to contribute to termly child development meetings
• ensure communication is professional, timely and focused on pupils' needs
• coordinate with transport providers and other services to support the safe and effective running of the provision
• promote continuous improvement and consistency across education, therapeutic practice and safeguarding.

We are looking for someone who:

• has experience leading or managing a team within education, SEND, specialist or alternative provision
• has a strong understanding of safeguarding and experience as a DSL, or the knowledge and experience required to undertake the role
• understands SEND, adaptive teaching, EHCPs and pupil progress monitoring
• has experience supporting children and young people with complex needs and behaviour that challenges
• is confident using trauma-informed, attachment-aware and relational approaches
• has excellent leadership, communication, organisational and record-keeping skills
• can manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards of safety and care
• is confident working collaboratively with families, professionals and multidisciplinary teams
• is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

• a rewarding leadership role with a genuine opportunity to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND
• the opportunity to lead a dedicated team within a specialist therapeutic education setting
• a…