Head of English

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy! How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*? Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent). 4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG! Job Title:         Head of English Location:         Dibden Park School, Southampton  Salary:            Up to £45,000 per annum Hours:             40 hours per week; Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm Contract:         Permanent, Term Time Only UK Applicants only.  This role does not offer sponsorship. As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Head of English to join our close-knit team at  Dibden Park School located in Southampton. About the role To secure high quality teaching, effective use of resources and improve standards of learning and achievement for all pupils in consultation with the Head Teacher; Improve the quality of pupils’ learning in English across all key stages; Contribute to the development and / or implementation of English policy and procedure; Have lead responsibility for English across the school (all key stages) and develop plans which identify clear targets and success criteria for its development and / or maintenance; Have lead responsibility for reading across the school and reading interventions  Teach a range of subjects as necessary to ensure the effective delivery of the school’s curriculum. Work may sometimes be undertaken outside the main teaching area - this may include off site locations including college settings; In consultation with the Head Teacher undertake other identified areas of responsibility as necessary to ensure effective delivery of the school’s curriculum; To share the school’s responsibility to support and promote the learning, personal development and well-being of all students. General Responsibilities In fulfilling the requirements of the post, the post holder will demonstrate essential professional characteristics, and in particular will: Safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils and young people; Work in accordance with professional practice, statutory and legal requirements and the policies of Dibden Park School; Take on specific tasks related to the day to day administration and organisation of the school; Take responsibility for specific areas of work which will be reviewed annually then negotiated and agreed within the performance management cycle and school improvement process; Take on any additional responsibilities, which might from time to time be determined; Support all staff in achieving the priorities and targets of the school improvement plan and monitor the progress of those which relate to English; Ensure that parent/carers are well informed about the curriculum, targets, pupil’s progress and attainment in English across the whole school.  Deliver staff inset where appropriate Qualifications Required QTS About our school  Dibden Park School is a brand-new school based in Southampton that opened in September 2023 .  Dibden Park School will place 60 students and caters to students with social and emotional mental health and other complex needs. This is an exciting opportunity to grow and develop with a new staff team in a newly established independent special school.  We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career. We provide Education and Care across a number of schools and pupils who live in our accommodations nationally. Our specialist SEN provision, coupled with our expertise within accommodation care means we offer thousands of vulnerable young people across the UK a holistic, wraparound care, residential and education service, empowering them with everything they need to flourish. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running. Why join Acorn Education?  Benefits Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including: Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including: A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Schemes Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. *You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy.  #1