Head of PSHE and Wellbeing – Independent Boarding School

Location: Hertfordshire

Contract: Full-time (Monday – Saturday morning) and permanent

Accomodation: Provided if required. Live-out allowance provided for staff that live off site.

Salary: Competitive

Our client, a leading independent boarding school in rural Hertfordshire, is seeking a talented Head of PSHE and Wellbeing to join them in September 2023.

The role of Head of Wellbeing is essential, as it not only manages the creation and implementation of the academic curriculum, but also ensures that the knowledge gained in the classroom is reinforced throughout the school. As head of department, the Head of Wellbeing will need to lead and inspire their team and provide an innovative and exciting programme to engage pupils across all age groups.

The school has recently made a significant investment in a Wellbeing Centre, which is dedicated to supporting the needs of both students and staff. This investment is a clear indication of the school’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment that nurtures the well-being of the entire school community. Furthermore, the school is proud to offer comprehensive professional development programs to its teaching staff, which cover all aspects of leadership, pastoral care, well-being, and career progression. The school recognizes the importance of investing in its staff to provide the highest quality education and care for its students. By prioritizing the well-being of its students and staff and investing in their professional development, the school is demonstrating its commitment to excellence in education and creating a positive and supportive learning environment.

The person in the position of Head of Wellbeing will have various responsibilities in both the academic and pastoral aspects of the school. In terms of academics, they will lead the Wellbeing department and create a comprehensive program of PSHE/RSE education that complies with national requirements. They will also arrange for external speakers to enhance classroom teaching and engage parents to support their children’s education.

The Head of Wellbeing will ensure that Wellbeing Teachers are well-equipped to provide current and research-based lessons, and they will also participate in wider teaching and learning conversations and strategies. They will promote good study skills and work habits to support the academic team and liaise with colleagues responsible for career work to ensure consistency and complementary delivery.

In terms of pastoral responsibilities, the Head of Wellbeing will collaborate with the Assistant Head (Academic) to ensure coherence between academic programming, tutoring, and assemblies. They will work with the Assistant Head (Pastoral) to support the wider Wellbeing program and liaise with the Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion to celebrate the diversity of the pupil body.

The Head of Wellbeing will also work with the Deputy Head (Pastoral) to develop an overall strategy that includes an annual Wellbeing development plan, track Wellbeing systems in place, and respond to concerns or patterns raised. They will develop a program of staff CPD that complements the Wellbeing Curriculum and Team and facilitate outstanding pastoral care.

Additionally, the Head of Wellbeing will manage the PSHE budget effectively, report to the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Committee of the Governing Body annually, attend meetings of the Pastoral Strategy Group, and Full HM meetings once a half-term. They will be a champion for positive mental health, actively promoting emotional wellbeing across the whole-school community, and will develop links with partner schools while sharing best practices with similar schools. The Head of Wellbeing will be Level 2 Safeguarding trained and ensure that sensitive topics are approached with care and awareness of pupils’ specific needs or concerns.

Benefits of the role:

• On-site accommodation available for staff with over 90% currently living on the school premises
• Live-out allowance provided for staff who choose to live off-site
• School has an excellent reputation in the education sector
• Outstanding academic record, with pupils sent to top universities
• Pension scheme provided as part of the Teacher Pension Scheme (TPS)
• Free school lunches for staff members
• Free access to gym and swimming pool facilities
• Free private healthcare for staff
• Generous salary scheme reflecting the school’s commitment to rewarding hard work and dedication

If this opportunity excites you and you feel you could make a difference to the wellbeing of young people, then we welcome an application from you. Please send through your CV or call Ella at Connaught Education for more information.

Connaught Education – The Independent Schools Specialist

Connaught Education is a trading brand of Connaught Resourcing and operates as an Employment Business and an Employment Agency. We are a committed equal opportunities employer who respect and value cultural diversity. We are committed to supporting the welfare of children and young people. In support of current Safeguarding legislation we will carry out background checks and an Enhanced DBS Disclosure as part of our recruitment and selection procedures.