Job Introduction

Primary Department Lead – Leadership Team

RACHEL MADOCKS SCHOOL – Waterlooville, Hampshire PO8 9XP
Permanent Position
Salary: UPR depending on experience + SEN allowance + TLR

“Valued for Being Me” – Join a School Where Every Voice Matters

Are you an experienced SEND practitioner ready for the next step in your career?
 Do you thrive in a nurturing, trauma‑informed environment where individuality, wellbeing and relational practice sit at the heart of everything we do?

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled and motivated Primary Department Lead to join our vibrant and specialist all‑through setting, where pupils and staff are truly valued for being themselves. Our long‑standing governing body provides stability and vision, while our whole‑school trauma‑informed approach ensures emotional safety, co‑regulation and wellbeing are prioritised every day.

What We Offer:

• A deeply supportive, trauma‑informed environment for pupils and staff
• A well‑established leadership and governance team who champion professional growth
• Opportunities for high‑quality CPD, coaching and reflective practice
• A collaborative, neurodivergent‑friendly ethos
• A curriculum designed to engage, empower and respond to complex needs
• Dedicated leadership time to fulfil TLR responsibilities
• Pupils who bring joy, curiosity and purpose to every day

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in special education, ideally with ASC, SLD, PMLD or complex needs
• A practitioner committed to inclusive, relational and strengths‑based leadership
• Confidence in adapting curriculum design, assessment and communication systems
• An organised, reflective leader able to support, guide and develop colleagues
• Someone who values sensory‑based learning, emotional literacy and co‑regulation
• A collaborative team member willing to contribute to whole‑school wellbeing and improvement
• Strong understanding of tools such as the Engagement Model and Evidence for Learning
• A warm, resilient and optimistic leader who aligns with our ethos

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for a core curriculum area across the school
• Model high‑quality, trauma‑informed teaching and SEND pedagogy
• Support staff through coaching, mentoring and collaborative planning
• Co Lead subject scrutiny across the whole school
• Work closely with families, therapists and external agencies
• Maintain high standards of safeguarding, behaviour support and professional practice
• High level of knowledge and experience of EYFS in SEND and able to take a lead role in school and the wider community
• To take on the role of Designated Teacher within main school
• To be Team Teach trainer for the school

How to Apply:

We strongly encourage you to visit the school when applying.
To arrange a visit, please contact Clare Smy via email at c.smy@rachelmadocks.hants.sch.uk or call 023 92 241 818.

Completed applications should be sent electronically to Clare Smy at c.smy@rachelmadocks.hants.sch.uk or posted to the school.

Application Deadline: 1st May 2026 

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.