Head Teacher, Cedarbank School, 502.82

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35 hours per week, 47 weeks per year, Permanent

Cedarbank School is a non-denominational secondary school, situated in the campus of James Young High School (JYHS) in Livingston. Our new building makes provision for 110 young people in West Lothian who have significant additional support needs (ASN) and a high level of vulnerability.

The school offers a secondary education curriculum and we have our own well-equipped sports hall, art, science, CDT, life skills and Food Technology spaces. The school benefits from natural woodland and outdoor learning areas which further enrich the curriculum through outdoor learning and learning for sustainability.

Our curriculum has a focus on skills for learning, life and work to equip our learners to be successful once they leave school. Our partnership with JYHS further enhances our curriculum pathways and opportunities.

Our teaching staff includes primary and secondary subject specialists, a headteacher, a depute headteacher and two principal teachers. Class sizes are 10 and each class is supported by an Advanced Pupil Support Worker. Our school is supported by our admin assistant and Area Business Support Manager. The school has a supportive parent council and we work with a range of partners to ensure we get it right for all our learners.

Our Vision;

• A safe and nurturing environment where each child feels understood and included.
• High quality of learning and teaching which ensures individualised support and challenge.
• Flexible curriculum pathways which enable learners to develop the skills and attributes that they require for their lives, future learning and work.
• Supported by a thriving learning community who work collaboratively to ensure the highest quality of learning.
• Our Values are; Confidence, Resilience, Independence, Respect and Achievement
• School Improvement Priority, 2025/2026;
• Providing high-quality, responsive learning experiences that meet the changing needs of our young people, ensuring all are engaged through a relevant curriculum and are empowered to achieve, thrive, and prepare for life beyond school.

West Lothian Council are committed to far reaching changes to the way we deliver our Education Services. These changes include giving you the support and environment that you need to get on with your job and develop your abilities. Our dedication is demonstrated by the whole council achievement of the Investors in People Standard and always aiming a little higher in our service delivery and improvements.

We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007.  Successful candidates will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment and the cost will be met by the candidate.

The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59 or Existing Member is £18. The £59 cost (where appropriate) will be deducted from your salary over a 1 or 3-month period by repayment schedule.  If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.

After 1 August 2020, Education Authorities can only appoint the following categories of people as permanent Head Teachers: -

1. People who have achieved the Standard for Headship.
2. People appointed as permanent Head Teachers of a public school, a grant-aided school or an independent school on or before 1 August 2020.

A person who has not yet achieved the Standard for Headship may be appointed as a head teacher, provided the appointment does not exceed 30 months.

A relevant teaching qualification and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland is also essential.