8 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    September 2025

  • Closing date

    2 June 2025 at 9am

  • Date listed

    19 May 2025

Job details

Job role

  • Head of year or phase

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Full time

Contract type

Permanent

Full-time equivalent salary

£61,057.00 - £65,734.00 Annually (Actual) UPS + TLR 2B (£5,642 per annum)

Middle Leader - Early Years / Primary job summary

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

At Ormiston Kensington Queensmill Academy, we are currently seeking a Middle Leader for the Early Years / Primary Department. The successful candidate will play a key role within the academy, overseeing the strategic development and day-to-day running of the department. You will:

  • Lead, coach and support a team of teachers and support staff to meet the complex needs of our pupils with autism and related conditions.

  • Drive excellence in curriculum delivery, assessment, and enrichment across the Early Years and Primary phases.

  • Champion safeguarding, emotional regulation, and wellbeing for both pupils and staff.

  • Work closely with families and multi-agency professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child.

This is a highly rewarding role for someone who is committed to inclusion and understands the profound impact of high-quality early education on lifelong outcomes.

What we're looking for:

We are seeking an emotionally intelligent, resilient, and reflective leader who brings:

  • Substantial experience in autism education and a deep understanding of how autism affects learning and development.

  • A track record of effective leadership, ideally in a special school or inclusive mainstream setting.

  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with parents, carers, and multi-agency teams.

  • The ability to inspire, coach and motivate colleagues while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

    OKQA is a well-established special school dedicated to teaching children and young people with autism and specific learning difficulties. We are extremely fortunate at OKQA to be based in purpose-built facilities designed to deliver a spacious, low-arousal learning environment with excellent autism-specific facilities and resources, allowing us to manage our young people’s needs effectively.

    OKQA is a fun place to work and wellbeing is an absolute priority for both our young people and staff team. We are looking to appoint people that are interested in learning more about Autism and passionate about supporting autistic pupils to access education both within the school and in the local community. We are looking for individuals who are flexible, empathetic, creative, resilient and eager to learn.

    Why work for Ormiston Academies Trust?

    Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.

    We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, you can be sure of a role with purpose and meaning.

    Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…

    • The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
    • Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
    • Being part of a team and community where you belong – receiving bespoke and holistic support from a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
    • A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

      Please see the job description attached for further information and if you would like to arrange an informal conversation about the role please contact Anita Bancerz, Head of School via email to anita.bancerz@okqma.co.uk

      To apply for the role please submit an application form via the link above by 9am on Monday 2nd June 2025. Please note that CVs will not be accepted.

      Ormiston Kensington Queensmill Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered.

      All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children's Barred List.

      This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related expectations, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/governement/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974

      Commitment to safeguarding

      Our organisation 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.

      Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
      childcare disqualification
      Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
      medical
      online and social media
      prohibition from teaching
      right to work
      satisfactory references
      suitability to work with children

      You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

      Applying for the job

      This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

      CVs are not accepted.

      Visas cannot be sponsored.
      View advert on school website (opens in new tab)
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      About Ormiston Kensington Queensmill Academy

      School type
      Free School, ages 3 to 19
      School size
      91 pupils enrolled
      Age range
      3 to 19
      Ofsted report
      View Ofsted report

      School location

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