Serenity School Coulsdon is seeking to appoint an experienced, compassionate and strategic Head of School – Nurture to join our supportive and collaborative leadership team.

Serenity School Coulsdon  is a specialist educational setting that provides a safe, nurturing and structured environment for pupils with a wide range of SEND. We are committed to ensuring that every pupil is supported to achieve their full potential through trauma-informed, relational practice, high expectations and inclusive approaches.

This is a senior leadership role, providing strategic and operational leadership for the school’s nurture provision. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping high-quality provision, driving positive behaviour and attendance, strengthening safeguarding and pastoral systems, and securing strong outcomes for pupils and families. Serenity School also offers a professional, reflective and supportive workplace where staff are valued, developed and empowered to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Providing strategic and operational leadership for the school’s nurture provision, aligned with the school’s ethos and improvement priorities

• Leading a trauma-informed, inclusive and aspirational curriculum that meets the emotional, developmental and academic needs of pupils with SEND

• Driving high standards of behaviour, attendance, personal development and wellbeing through restorative and nurture-based approaches

• Ensuring robust safeguarding practice, strong pastoral systems and effective multi-agency working

• Line managing and developing staff within the nurture provision, promoting consistency, reflective practice and professional growth

• Building strong partnerships with parents/carers and external professionals to support positive outcomes for pupils

• Contributing to whole-school self-evaluation, development planning and inspection readiness

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an experienced and values-driven leader with a strong commitment to nurture, inclusion and SEND provision

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and has relevant leadership experience within a nurture, SEND or specialist educational setting

• Has a secure understanding of safeguarding, SEND legislation and statutory guidance

• Demonstrates excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills

• Is resilient, reflective and able to lead with empathy, consistency and high expectations

• Is committed to equality, inclusion and the wellbeing of both pupils and staff

Why Join Serenity Schools?

At Serenity Schools, we are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for both our pupils and staff. We place a strong emphasis on professional development, collaboration and staff wellbeing, and we foster a culture where leaders and practitioners feel respected, empowered and able to make a meaningful difference.

Joining Serenity means becoming part of a dedicated and values-led team, united in the belief that every child deserves safety, stability, aspiration and opportunity.

Safeguarding and Pre-Employment Checks

Serenity Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

For international candidates, a current Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from their home country will be required. Successful candidates must also provide satisfactory references covering the last five years of employment or education, including any gaps.