Job Title: Deputy Headteacher Location: West Drayton Salary: £53,731 - £66,152 Job type: Full Time, Permanent Start date: April 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter MLK Search is working closely with a new independent specialist school in the heart of West Drayton that caters to learners aged 5-11 with severe learning difficulties and Autism to recruit a dynamic and experienced Deputy Headteacher to join their senior leadership team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in leading and developing outstanding teaching and learning practices across the school. They will work closely with the Headteacher to drive strategic improvement, ensure high-quality educational provision, and support the professional development of staff. To help their students achieve, they use the most innovative educational practices to ensure they become a leading SEN school in the country. The new school site has state-of-the-art, specialist sensory and therapeutic facilities to assist children’s development and is set in a large green, environmentally friendly location with opportunities for outdoor play and learning. The school is well connected to public transport and is a 10-minute bus ride from West Drayton station on the Elizabeth line. Key Responsibilities: Teaching & Learning Leadership ‘Squaring the Circle’, assisting the Headteacher in articulating our DIFFERENT NOT DIFFERENTIATED curriculum in alignment with the Independent School Standards (ISS). Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the EQUALS curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of all learners. Develop and monitor high-quality teaching and learning strategies that cater to pupils with Autism and SLD. Ensure the effective use of assessment tools to track progress and inform targeted interventions. Promote a culture of continuous improvement in teaching, ensuring staff receive appropriate support and training. Strategic Leadership & School Development Support the Headteacher in shaping and delivering the school’s vision, values, and strategic priorities. Contribute to the development and implementation of school policies and procedures in line with statutory requirements. Lead on quality assurance, including lesson observations, work scrutiny, and pupil progress reviews. Collaborate with external agencies and stakeholders to enhance learning opportunities and outcomes. Staff Development & Performance Management Support and mentor teachers, ensuring high standards of professional practice. Lead CPD initiatives to enhance staff knowledge and confidence in delivering the EQUALS curriculum. Assist in recruitment, induction, and retention of high-quality teaching and support staff. Oversee performance management, providing constructive feedback and targeted development plans. Line manages teachers, ensuring consistency in pedagogical approaches and professional growth. Ensure a positive and safe learning environment where all pupils are supported to achieve their potential. Work closely with families, carers, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure a cohesive approach to pupil development. Promote strategies for behaviour management and emotional regulation tailored to pupils with Autism and SLD. SENCO Responsibilities Oversee the development and implementation of EHCPs, ensuring they are effectively delivered and reviewed. Provide guidance and support to staff in differentiating curriculum content and implementing appropriate interventions. Work closely with external professionals, including educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists. The ideal applicant will: Hold qualified teacher status (QTS) in the UK and have some experience working with children with SLD/Autism. Have proven leadership experience within a similar school environment Have a strong understanding of SEND legislation, safeguarding, and best practice within specialist education Understand the EQUALS curriculum and adaptive teaching strategies Be knowledgeable of the SCERTS framework Have demonstrable experience of leadership and staff development What they offer Excellent salary, financial and wellbeing package A supportive and collaborative leadership team. Opportunities for professional growth and career progression. A well-resourced and purpose-built learning environment. A chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with Autism and SLD. More importantly, they offer the opportunity to play a part in highly rewarding work, as part of an ambitious and supportive team. If you feel you are a suitable match and truly wish to inspire children and young people with specialist needs, please apply now. For more information, please contact me directly at: (phone number removed) Please note we are unable to offer VISA sponsorship therefore all applicants will be required to hold a right to work in the UK to be shortlisted for interview