Director of Inclusion & Safeguarding

Ref: SCH-PAT-0046

Required for April or September 2022

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase Multi Academy Trust comprising eight schools, six primary schools and two 11-16 secondary schools, all located within a tight geographic hub within Pontefract. It is a thriving trust that has been on a sustained journey of improvement in recent years and is ambitious to improve further, positively impacting more lives. 

The Director of Inclusion and Safeguarding is an exciting new role that sits as part of our Trust School Improvement Team. The successful candidate will positively impact raising standards and the quality of experience for our children and, in particular, those pupils who may be vulnerable or with SEND.

Our most vulnerable pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, those with SEND, and the ablest, all have an entitlement to powerful knowledge and a great education. The new opportunity is a senior leadership position that will significantly interface with school leaders and leadership teams.

We are seeking a leader who is:

•        experienced and with a proven track record in strong leadership for all safeguarding and child protection matters;

•        an innovative, creative, and strategic thinker;

•        able to lead, motivate, challenge, and inspire whole school communities;

•        deliver a high-quality educational experience, so that all pupils, particularly those with SEND, achieve exceptionally well;

•        dynamic and enthusiastic with the vision and energy to help lead schools to excellence;

•        friendly and approachable with excellent communication skills and a passion for inclusion.

We wish to appoint positive people who want to make a difference. Achievement focused, with a strong belief in inclusive schools, you will be passionate, highly driven and will play a significant role in the next phase of the Trusts development. We want to hear from flexible people, who with 100% backing and support, will get their hands dirty with some of our biggest school improvement challenges. Succeeding with some of our most significant projects will bring more considerable advancement and rewards for the right person. 

For a conversation about the role, prospective candidates are advised to contact Julian Appleyard OBE, the CEO of the Trust. Please email Philippa Dykes, PA to the CEO at pdykes@patrust.org.uk or 01977 232146 to arrange this.

Completed application forms, including a covering letter that fully addresses the competencies outlined in the role description and person specification, should be submitted online via Face-Ed before the closing date of Friday 21^st January 2022 at 10:00am. Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 7th February 2022 however this is subject to change.

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone. Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks. Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.