Job Description
Summary:
Deputy Headteacher job opportunity at a specialist special needs school.
About the School:
A school dedicated to providing a highly specialist learning environment for students with a range of complex needs, including MLD, SLD, autism, and sensory/physical impairments. The school fosters a supportive, inclusive, and holistic approach to education and care.
The Opportunity:
As a Deputy Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Headteacher and delivering the school’s strategic vision. You will lead and manage the school in the Headteacher’s absence, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students. This is a senior leadership role with significant impact on the school’s direction and culture.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deputise and take overall responsibility for the school in the absence of the Headteacher and on other occasions as required.
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities and providing staff training and supervision.
- Lead and develop positive relationships and engagement strategies to create a holistic, inclusive, and safe environment for all.
- Monitor and manage whole school pastoral and personal development interventions to drive measurable improvements.
- Support the pastoral team with attendance, family support, and medicines management, ensuring staff meet their responsibilities.
- Work closely with the Headteacher to ensure the school’s vision is clear, communicated effectively, and implemented across the institution.
- Provide the Headteacher with evidence-based insights on major school issues and contribute to leadership and management responsibilities.
Qualifications & Skills:
Required
- Demonstrable experience in a senior leadership position within a special needs setting.
- At least 5 years of experience in teaching and managing students with complex needs, including MLD, SLD, autism spectrum disorders, and ADHD.
- Extensive knowledge of leading and managing positive behaviour on a whole school level.
- Experience in the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL.
- Strong understanding of formal, semi-formal, and informal curriculum approaches.
- Proven ability to lead and manage a diverse team of staff effectively.
- Experience in working with and developing community links.
Preferred
- Experience of leading and managing a significant area or phase of inclusion within a school.
- Evidence of successfully implementing policy and turning it into effective practice.
- Experience of working with school governors or trustees.
- Demonstrated ability to raise standards across the school and contribute to whole school improvement.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary and Upper Pay Scale opportunities for eligible candidates.
- Comprehensive professional development and performance management support.
- Full health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous leave entitlement and flexible working arrangements.