Head of Provision
Suffolk County Council · Ipswich · £48,163 (stated in the posting)
Re:Link Education
Address: Ipswich, Suffolk
Salary: £48,163 per annum (pro rata), Actual £40,481 per annum
Hours: Part time, 8am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (term time only)
Contract: Permanent, required from January 2027
Reference: 0975
About the role
Re:Link Education is looking for an experienced and motivated Head of Provision to lead the day-to-day running of our specialist therapeutic SEMH provision, ensuring high standards across education, safeguarding, wellbeing and operational practice.
You will lead and support a team of teaching and support staff, ensuring that pupils with SEND receive high-quality, adaptive and trauma-informed education. You will oversee curriculum delivery, pupil progress, behaviour support, safeguarding and site operations, while promoting a positive, child-centred culture.
As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will play a key role in protecting children and young people, supporting staff and working closely with families, schools and external professionals to achieve positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Operations:
lead the daily running of the provision, managing staff, timetabling, resources and operational systems.
oversee curriculum delivery, adaptive teaching, pupil progress and EHCP outcomes
complete learning walks, quality assurance snapshots and AQA evidence using the NurturED Hub platform
maintain site safety, risk assessments, PEEPs, first aid provision and essential supplies
act as keyholder and ensure the premises remain safe, secure and well-maintained.
Safeguarding, Behaviour and Pupil Support:
act as DSL, responding to safeguarding concerns, maintaining accurate records and making referrals where necessary
ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, attendance and data protection requirements
lead staff inductions, half-termly supervisions and end-of-session debriefings.
support pupils using trauma-informed, attachment-aware and restorative approaches to promote emotional regulation and positive relationships
maintain accurate records of incidents, concerns and statutory documentation
support staff wellbeing through return-to-work meetings and reflective practice.
Partnership Working and Development:
build effective relationships with parents, carers, schools and external agencies
work alongside the Therapeutic Teacher to contribute to termly child development meetings
ensure communication is professional, timely and focused on pupils' needs
coordinate with transport providers and other services to support the safe and effective running of the provision
promote continuous improvement and consistency across education, therapeutic practice and safeguarding.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
has experience leading or managing a team within education, SEND, specialist or alternative provision
has a strong understanding of safeguarding and experience as a DSL, or the knowledge and experience required to undertake the role
understands SEND, adaptive teaching, EHCPs and pupil progress monitoring
has experience supporting children and young people with complex needs and behaviour that challenges
is confident using trauma-informed, attachment-aware and relational approaches
has excellent leadership, communication, organisational and record-keeping skills
can manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards of safety and care
is confident working collaboratively with families, professionals and multidisciplinary teams
is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
What we can offer:
a rewarding leadership role with a genuine opportunity to improve outcomes for children and young people with SEND
the opportunity to lead a dedicated team within a specialist therapeutic education setting
a supportive environment that values trauma-informed, attachment-aware and child-centred practice
opportunities for professional development, reflection and continuous improvement
the opportunity to shape the quality of education, safeguarding and therapeutic support across the provision.
If you are an experienced education or SEND professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for supporting children and young people with complex needs, we would love to hear from you.
How to apply
Please complete the application form via our website, including a supporting statement outlining your relevant experience and what you would bring to the role.
Closing date: 12pm, 13 November 2026
Interview date: week commencing, 16 November 2026
Promoted as FJ (Featured Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.
Due to our safer recruitment procedures, we are unable to accept CVs. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Includa Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and apprentices to share this commitment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Re:Link Education | Ipswich, Suffolk | £48,163 per annum (pro rata), Actual £40,481 per annum | Part Time | Permanent | Closing date: 12pm, 13 November 2026