Deputy Headteacher

Our small, caring, independent special school supports pupils aged 6 to 16 who have a range of needs including SEMH (social, emotional and mental health), autism, ADHD and dyslexia. Our recent Ofsted inspection in July 2024 overall was graded ‘Good’ and recognised as ‘Outstanding’ for ‘Behaviour and attitudes’ and ‘Personal Development.’

We pride ourselves on forming positive, trusting and respectful relationships where everyone is valued, and much emphasis is placed on getting to know each pupil as an individual. Seadown seeks to remove barriers to learning, providing a nurturing environment and a trauma-informed approach through our use of Thrive to support and improve all our pupils' mental health and wellbeing. Our staff are totally committed to going ‘the extra mile’ for our pupils who are a constant source of inspiration and at the centre of all of decision making. Their self-awareness is highlighted as a strength in our recent Ofsted, “Pupils behave very well in lessons and around the school….Pupils conduct themselves extremely well in public spaces……they have very positive attitudes to learning… clearly enjoy coming to school and are keen to learn.”

A rare opportunity has arisen at Seadown School to create a revised leadership team to take the school forward on its successful development journey. We are seeking to appoint an inspirational and dedicated Deputy Headteacher to work in strong partnership with the Headteacher and SENCo to form our new Senior Leadership Team from January 2025. The successful candidate will share our vision and embody our ethos in every decision they make and every conversation they have, be that with pupils, parents or professionals, placing pupils at the heart of all decision making. We welcome applications from candidates with experience in special education or those wanting to try a new challenge with a background in mainstream schools. 

The successful candidate must:

·       have a sound understanding of the SEN&D Code of Practice

·       be calm, consistent and caring with a thorough knowledge of a range of pupil needs including SEMH, ADHD, autism, communication and interaction difficulties and dyslexia

·       place children, their progress and wellbeing at the heart of all they do, adopting a trauma-informed approach.

·       be a strong, professional and approachable member of our Senior Leadership Team, working collaboratively with other staff, parents, external agencies and governors

·       demonstrate strong leadership and management skills, resilience and vision

·       ensure staff are effectively supported and motivated to meet pupils’ needs, continuing to raise the quality of teaching and learning, embedding our curriculum, enabling pupils to flourish

·       be committed to their own and others’ professional development to support school development

·       manage resources and time effectively, ensuring measurable impact

What Seadown offers

        ·       Wonderful pupils, who appreciate the support and care shown by staff and are keen to engage a forward-looking positive approach

·       a strong, supportive school community

·       the opportunity to work together as a team to support school development

·       ongoing training and professional development opportunities

·       Competitive salary

·       Opt out Pension scheme

·       Employee assistance/wellbeing support

·       On site parking

 We strongly encourage visits to see our wonderful school, please contact the school office on 01903 608750 to arrange a mutually convenient time.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for further details of the post. Application forms can be obtained by contacting Sam Green, Resource Manager: sam.green@seadownschool.co.uk or 01903 608750.

Please ensure that you write your application according to the Person Specification, providing evidence of how you meet the criteria. If you do not hear from us, please presume you have not been shortlisted for interview. 

Seadown does not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Seadown is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff we register will undertake thorough interviewing and referencing checks and hold, or be prepared to undergo, an Enhanced DBS check. Online checks with be undertaken.