Do you have the expertise, passion and vision to lead the teaching of pupils with complex communication and learning needs? Are you ready to take the next step into middle leadership within a specialist setting where creativity, compassion and impact truly matter?
We are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic and dynamic practitioner to lead our Emergent Pathway. This is an exciting opportunity for an aspiring or established middle leader to shape curriculum, practice and provision for learners with complex SEND, while being a valued member of our middle leadership team.
This post attracts SEN2 + TLR2a and carries responsibility for the leadership, development and implementation of the Emergent Pathway.
The successful candidate will be supported to obtain a relevant leadership qualification (e.g. NPQ), or if they already hold one on appointment, will instead be offered a formal coaching programme to ensure maximum impact and success in the role. Completion of the leadership qualification or the coaching programme is required within the first two years of appointment.
About Ravenscliffe High School
Ravenscliffe High School is a LA maintained secondary generic specialist school, organised into four distinct learning pathways:
- Sensory
- Emergent
- Semi‑formal
- Formal
Our pathway model allows us to deliver highly personalised, developmentally appropriate learning for every pupil.
About the Emergent Pathway
The Emergent Pathway supports students with complex SEND, including:
- Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)
- Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
- Significant communication needs
- In some cases, behaviours that challenge
Students are typically working at pre‑EYFS developmental levels, using a wide range of communication approaches including:
- Verbal communication
- Signing
- Visual symbols
- AAC systems
This is a challenging, creative and deeply rewarding pathway, requiring a leader who can think flexibly, inspire others, and champion progress in its widest sense.
The Role
The successful candidate will:
- Lead and influence staff practice within the pathway and contribute to the development of whole‑school SEND pedagogy
- Teach predominantly within the Emergent Pathway, with limited teaching across other areas of the school
- Lead and support a large, skilled team of staff, ensuring consistency, quality and high expectations
- Be responsible for a mixed‑ability pastoral group
- Work closely with senior and other middle leaders to develop whole‑school practice and provision
Every day in a specialist setting is different. We are looking for a leader with a positive, resilient and solution‑focused “can‑do” attitude, who is motivated by challenge and committed to making a genuine difference.
Who We’re Looking For
Our ideal candidate will:
- Be a motivational and inspirational leader, with high expectations of both staff and students
- Be an excellent classroom practitioner with experience in specialist or complex SEND settings
- Have a strong understanding of teaching and learning for pupils with significant communication needs
- Be able to nurture progress and independence for learners regardless of starting point
- Be approachable, collaborative and committed to working across pathways and teams
- Have professional confidence and curiosity to develop and implement novel ideas.
- Support and promote a culture of excellence, equality, wellbeing and safeguarding
- Build strong relationships with families, professionals and external agencies
- Have experience working with pupils who are pre‑verbal, non‑verbal and have ASC.
What We Offer
- A unique and rewarding leadership role working with incredible young people; no two days are the same
- A supportive and caring staff culture, where teamwork, wellbeing and professional respect matter
- A bespoke, student focussed curriculum model, flexible to meet the needs of every learner
- A modern and stimulating teaching environment
- Dedicated TLR time and leaders committed to succession planning and leadership development
- Meaningful professional development and career progression opportunities
- A team that works hard, supports one another, and values work–life balance
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed, and we encourage interested candidates to come and see our setting in action before applying should they wish to. If you would like to arrange a visit or have any questions about the role, please contact Victoria Wyer, HR Manager at HR@ravenscliffe.calderdale.sch.uk or by calling 01422 358621.
Ravenscliffe High School is committed to creating a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We'll consider all qualified applications regardless of the candidates sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious beliefs, age, pregnancy or marital status.