Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is seeking to appoint a Head of Food, Health and Social Care to lead and develop a successful department. This is a key leadership role focused on securing high quality teaching, an ambitious curriculum and strong outcomes for all students. The postholder will be accountable for standards of teaching, learning, achievement and behaviour within the department, while also contributing to whole school improvement and curriculum development.

The role includes teaching across the subject area and delivering highly effective and engaging lessons that inspire students and promote excellent progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Food, Health and Social Care department to secure strong progress and attainment for all students, including those with SEND, disadvantaged students and the more able
• Ensure consistently high-quality teaching and learning across the department
• Develop and implement an ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum that meets the needs of all learners
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, learning and outcomes, providing coaching and support to colleagues
• Lead robust assessment practices, using data to inform teaching, intervention and improvement planning
• Establish and maintain high standards of behaviour for learning and student engagement
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing are prioritised, particularly within practical learning environments
• Line manage and develop departmental colleagues, including appraisal and professional development
• Manage departmental resources effectively, including equipment and specialist facilities
• Promote enrichment opportunities such as trips, visits and extra-curricular activities

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Teacher Status and a degree in a relevant subject area
• Strong subject knowledge across Food, Health and Social Care
• Proven ability to deliver highly effective teaching that secures strong student progress
• Experience of curriculum development and improving teaching and learning
• Ability to lead, coach and develop colleagues within a department
• Strong assessment and data analysis skills to inform interventions and drive improvement
• Highly effective classroom management with high expectations of behaviour for learning
• Commitment to inclusive practice and supporting all learners to achieve their potential
• High levels of professionalism, integrity and accountability

Maiden Erlegh School in Reading (MER)

Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an ambitious, over-subscribed 11–16 secondary school in an urban context. The school is as committed to staff and student wellbeing as it is to delivering high-quality education.

Staff voice is central to shaping change and wellbeing priorities. The school benefits from excellent modern facilities and is proud of its vibrant, diverse student body who work hard and have high aspirations. A link to the school can be found here

 About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.

 Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including :

Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references