Headteacher - Full-time - Special Needs Position

Greenfields School, Biddenden

• Ref:KCC886-6084-116L
• Posted:19/05/2026
• Pay:£61,000 per annum
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:16/06/2026 at 23:00
• Interviews:To be arranged

Advert

Purpose

We are currently looking for an exceptional candidate for the position of Headteacher.

The ideal candidate will have experience of working successfully within a school leadership team, with a minimum experience of three years or more as either an Assistant Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher. Working within an SEMH/SEN specialist provision would be beneficial.

As an open and reflective practitioner, you will be able to draw upon your understanding of individual needs as well as sensitivity to emotional factors inherent in the learning experience to enable teachers to best support children and young people with complex barriers to learning.   Representing education within the integrated system the post holder will be able to demonstrate an awareness of collective, integrated thinking between care, education and therapy.

What you'll bring to the role

• Experience of leading education within a therapeutic setting.
• Clinical expertise and focus on the planning and delivery of a bespoke therapeutic education provision for the Kent Communities.
• A high level of communication skills and a methodical approach to work.
• Experience and knowledge of statutory education assessment frameworks.
• Experience of capturing and analysing progress data in order to set targets that meet the individual needs of pupils.
• Experience of communicating pupil progress and development, both academic and social and emotional progress to Local Authorities, Communities and other professionals via attendance data, school reports and statutory meetings.
• Knowledge and experience of contributing to and leading statutory meetings i.e. PEPS, Annual Reviews, and the EHCP assessment process.
• A sense of personal resilience and psychological awareness, and the ability to form open and constructive relationships including a willingness to consider self in relationship with others and in terms of impact on the work.

 Task

• To lead Greenfields School, ensuring that the quality and delivery of therapeutic education remains at a high standard along with the school environment by being responsive to the needs of the children and staff.
• Ensure there is an effective, high quality education team in place to deliver the essential therapeutic education to all of our Kent residents.
• You will be expected to fulfil the professional responsibilities of the Headteacher role.

What we'll do for you

• Statutory and school leadership development training
• 13 weeks holidays align with school closures
• Monthly clinical supervision and weekly staff reflective support groups.
• Healthcare benefits and life assurance.
• Relocation package and recruitment referral scheme.

For an informal discussion please contact Kelly Cartwright, Headteacher on 01580 292523 ext. 701.

Interview dates: Will be arranged

Please note: We follow safer recruitment guidelines and all appointments will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS and references.

Information about the school

Childhood First enables children and young people to recover from early life abuse and relational trauma, to enjoy life and to achieve their potential. We do this through the provision of specialist therapeutic residential care, education and treatment, together with family and network support. We are also a UKCP Training Organisational Member accredited with Middlesex University, providing in-house clinical training to its clinical staff.

Greenfields School, provides therapeutic education placements for up to 23 children and young people aged between 5 to 16 years on admission. Childhood First believes that relationships, inclusion, and respect for difference are central to therapeutic care.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, cultures, and lived experiences.

We believe diversity strengthens our organisation and enhances the care and support we provide to children and young people. We are committed to fair and safer recruitment practices, equality of opportunity, and making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required.

All roles will be subject to background vetting, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (which may include overseas checks) which will be maintained by Childhood First for the duration of their term.

Job Contact Information

• Name:HR
• Address:91-95 Southwark Bridge Road, London, Greater London, SE1 0AX
• Telephone: 0203 326 4756
• Email: hr@childhoodfirst.org.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Headteacher Job description and Perso Specification