Job Title: Deputy Headteacher
Location: West Drayton
Salary: £53,731 - £66,152
Job type: Full Time, Permanent
Start date: Immediate
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:
07793 209 744
greg.bookman@mlk-search.co.uk
*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*