Assistant Head of School

Assistant Head of School 

The school is seeking an Assistant Head of School with SENDCO responsibilities. Located in Cranborne, Dorset, the role offers a salary range of £47,185.00 - £50,807.00 (Teacher PayScale L1 – L4) and requires 40 hours per week. They focus is on empowering young people by providing high-quality education, individualized support, and expert-led, integrated therapy. The goal is to help students with diverse learning needs achieve their personal goals.

Role Purpose:

The Assistant Head of School with SENDCO responsibilities will collaborate with the Head of School, Principal, and Senior Leadership Team in leadership and management. The role includes professional leadership within SEND, ensuring high-quality teaching, enhanced learning standards, and supporting staff development to meet all learners' needs. This position plays a pivotal role in the school's growth, aligning with shared values and development plans.

Key Duties:

• Support the Principal and Head of School in managing the school, including recruitment, policy development, staff meetings, event organization, and responding to the needs of pupils, staff, parents, governors, and visitors.
• Coordinate CPD for classroom staff, manage the inset program, and provide/sourcing training opportunities.
• Collate evidence for the school’s self-assessment report, focusing on standards and attainment.
• Report to governance on learning progress and school improvement plans, monitoring attendance, standards, and provision quality.
• Implement a diverse, flexible curriculum and an effective assessment framework.
• Raise standards in Teaching and Learning across relevant Key Stages.
• Ensure appropriate, differentiated, and effective provision for pupils.
• Align curriculum and timetable with statutory requirements and pupil needs.
• Center learning in strategic planning and resource management.
• Monitor pupil progress, identify gaps, and address underachievement through various methods.
• Analyze data to identify barriers to learning and propose solutions.
• Foster good relationships with parents and carers to support pupil achievement.
• Develop the school’s role within the community, strengthening partnerships with families, local entities, other schools, services, and the local authority.
• Adapt and assist with various tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

• Recognized teacher training qualification (Cert Ed. / PGCE / QTS or QTLS / Diploma in Teaching) – essential.
• National Award for SEND Coordination (NASENCO) or willingness to obtain within 18 months – desirable.
• Accredited training in special education areas (e.g., Autism, Dyslexia) – desirable.
• Management/leadership qualification – desirable.

Experience:

• Proven excellent and structured teaching experience within a special needs environment.
• Experience in policy implementation and effective practice.
• Leadership in a significant area or phase, including raising standards.
• Effective team management and collaboration skills.
• Strong communication skills across various audiences and mediums.
• Successful management of complex situations and conflict resolution.
• Effective collaboration with a range of external agencies