Deputy Headteacher - Independent Specialist School

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:15am - 4:00pm, Term Time

We are seeking an experienced Deputy Headteacher to join a specialist school in Northenden, Greater Manchester, supporting pupils with complex SEND needs.

This is a challenging environment where pupils can display significant and complex behaviours
. The successful candidate must have previous experience working in a specialist, SEND or alternative provision setting and be confident managing challenging situations and supporting staff effectively.

• Support the Headteacher with the school's vision, development priorities and day-to-day leadership.
• Deputise for the Headteacher when required.
• Lead identified whole-school improvement priorities and contribute to self-evaluation and quality assurance.
• Ensure school policies, statutory duties and safeguarding requirements are effectively implemented.

• Lead and monitor high-quality teaching, learning and assessment.
• Ensure the curriculum is ambitious, personalised and appropriate for pupils with complex needs.
• Monitor pupil progress and use data to improve outcomes.
• Support staff development through coaching, professional dialogue and training.

• Provide effective leadership of behaviour across the school.
• Support staff in managing challenging and complex behaviour, including periods of escalation.
• Ensure behaviour approaches are consistent, therapeutic and appropriate to individual pupils.
• Champion inclusive practice and ensure EHCP provision is effectively implemented.
• Work with therapists and other professionals to ensure pupils' needs are effectively supported.

• PGCE/PGDE with QTS.
• Degree or equivalent qualification.
• NPQH or NPQSL, or willingness to work towards an appropriate leadership qualification.
• Previous senior leadership experience within a specialist, SEND or alternative provision setting.
• Significant experience working with challenging and complex behaviour.
• Experience with in a specialist independent school.
• Experience of Ofsted preparation.
• Experience developing curriculum for pupils with complex needs.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Calm and confident in challenging situations.
• Compassionate while maintaining clear boundaries and high expectations.
• Resilient and able to lead effectively under pressure.