About Us
Chalkhill Education Centre (CEC) is located on the Princess Royal Hospital site in Haywards Heath and provides education for young people admitted to Chalkhill, a Tier 4 CAMHS hospital supporting those with significant mental health needs.
CEC delivers education to students across Key Stages 3–5, including both inpatients and day patients, ensuring continuity of learning during their time within hospital provision.
CEC forms part of West Sussex Alternative Provision College (WSAPC), a multi-site provision supporting pupils who are permanently excluded, at risk of exclusion, or unable to attend school due to health needs.
Our ethos is to provide FOCUS (Future, Opportunities, Curriculum, Us, School) for our pupils to re‑engage them in their learning and support re‑integration to mainstream provision.
Job Details
This is a rewarding leadership opportunity to lead the education provision at Chalkhill Education Centre and make a significant difference to the lives of young people experiencing mental health challenges.
As Head of Centre, you will
- Provide strong, visible leadership to staff and students
- Promote a positive, inclusive ethos that supports engagement, wellbeing, and high achievement
- Ensure all pupils receive a high‑quality, personalised education appropriate to their needs
- Work in close partnership with NHS colleagues, WSAPC senior leaders, and external agencies to deliver a joined‑up approach to care and education
You will play a key role in shaping provision, improving outcomes, and ensuring that all young people maximise their potential during their time at CEC.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the day‑to‑day running of the Centre
- Develop and deliver a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum
- Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, learning, and student outcomes
- Lead on pastoral care, behaviour, and individual support planning (IEPs/ILPs/PEPs)
- Manage reintegration pathways and transitions for pupils
- Build strong partnerships with health professionals, families, schools, and external agencies
- Lead, support, and develop staff, including performance management and CPD
- Contribute to strategic planning, self‑evaluation, and improvement priorities
- Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, and compliance are effectively implemented
What You Need to Succeed
- Has a strong commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people
- Can confidently lead in a multi‑agency, therapeutic environment
- Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Is resilient, adaptable, and solution‑focused
- Can motivate and support staff to deliver high‑quality provision
- Demonstrates a clear commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and equal opportunities
Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS) and a relevant degree
- Successful teaching experience across KS3–KS4 (post‑16 desirable)
- Experience working with pupils with SEMH needs and/or complex needs
- Experience in leadership or managing staff (desirable)
- Experience of multi‑agency working (highly desirable)
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, inclusion, and reintegration strategies
Further Information
What We Offer
- A unique and highly rewarding leadership role
- Opportunity to shape and develop a specialist provision
- Supportive senior leadership and wider WSAPC network
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- A collaborative, multi‑disciplinary working environment
- The chance to make a meaningful difference to young people’s lives
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.
All appointments are subject to pre‑employment checks, including references, social media check and Disclosure & Barring Service check.
WSAPC is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications for all vacancies from appropriately qualified persons regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
West Sussex Alternative Provision College and West Sussex County Council 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 an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.
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