SLA11555 - Head of Education (Primary and Early Years)

Job Description

South Lanarkshire Council is an ambitious, top performing organisation with a clear vision, shared by both members and officers, to work together to improve the quality of life for everyone in South Lanarkshire.

We are looking for a high-performing, ambitious and people-centered individual to lead our work within the sectors of Primary and Early Years education. This is demanding but rewarding role with plenty of scope to make an impact and advance your achievements. In return we can promise you excellent terms and conditions as well as a positive culture built on teamwork and ambition.

You will be a key member of the Resource Management Team providing operational and strategic direction.

As a Head of Education (Primary and Early Years) within Education Resources, you will have responsibility for leading, directing and manage the strategic and operational development of all aspects of Early Years and Primary education strategy within South Lanarkshire Council through:

• Undertaking a strategic lead in raising educational attainment for all and closing the equity gap by ensuring that the aspirations of the National Improvement Framework are fully realised.
• Developing, implementing and evaluating policies and procedures that contribute to securing improvement across all establishments.
• Working in partnership with Head of Education (Secondary and Senior Phase) to lead the work of the individuals and tasks which fall under the remit of the Curriculum and Quality Improvement Service (CQIS). This service delivers high-quality support and challenge to schools and provides a lead for Curriculum Development.
• Leading the work of the Early Years service including working in partnership with our private providers.
• Leading and continue to improve the SLC Leadership Development Programme.
• Leading and developing our approach to excellence and equity including the strategy around SEF and PEF monies and the National drive to “close the poverty-related attainment gap”

In addition, the role will involve:

• Providing high-quality line management, pastoral and operational support to a number of Head Teachers and schools across several Learning Communities.
• Recruitment of senior staff including Head Teachers
• Contributing to the wider management of the service through close working with the Executive Director, Heads of Service and a wide range of partner organisations in order to ensure a coordinated approach to the delivery of a range of policies, initiatives and resource requirements.
• Working with a range of partners to ensure that appropriate support packages are developed and implemented for vulnerable children and families.
• Responding effectively to enquiries and complaints by coordinating responses from a range of officers to issues that may arise.
• Providing accountability by providing regular and detailed updates on developments including preparing and presenting reports to Committee.
• Contributing to the wider management of the service through close working with the Executive Director, Heads of Service and a wide range of partner organisations in order to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of a range of policies, initiatives and resource requirements.

In addition, you will be required to drive through substantial efficiencies, demonstrating value for money and continually reviewing business activities. You must be able to analyse and understand performance information and translate this into the effective deployment of resources in order to achieve the highest levels of service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Suitable candidates for this challenging role will demonstrate experience and understanding of the key challenges facing education as well as being an expert in their field.  You will have a track record of success in leading within an educational setting, a strategic approach and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. The successful candidate will have proven experience in inspiring staff to deliver services of the highest quality, excellent communication skills and the ability to build and develop effective relationships with various stakeholders including elected members.

Given the challenges ahead we will require a high performing individual who will be flexible and adaptable and will be able to create and maintain strategic partnerships and engage fully with employees and service users.

For an informal enquiry about the role please contact Carole McKenzie, Executive Director on 01698 454379.

Assessment Centre Date: Indicative date - week commencing 14th August 2023

Interview Date: Indicative date - week commencing 28th August 2023

Responsibilities

Please Apply online

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Political Restriction

This post has been politically restricted in terms of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. 

Legislative Information

This post is excepted in terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 2003.

Preferred candidates will be required to carry out a basic disclosure, prior to a formal offer of employment being made by South Lanarkshire Council.

Please refer to http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk for further information about the disclosure process and best practice.

Foreign Police Check

Candidates should be able to detail any gaps in employment and provide a foreign police check where applicable for any periods living or working abroad.

Equal Opportunities and Armed Forces Community Covenant

South Lanarkshire Council is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourages applications from all members of the community. As a user of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum competency/behaviour requirements for the position.

South Lanarkshire Council is committed to providing support to members of the armed forces, veterans and their families which is set out in the Armed Forces Community Covenant.  Veterans are guaranteed an interview who meet the minimum requirements for the position.