Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Locations:

St. John's Wood Church Hall, Lord's Roundabout, London, NW8 7NE Southall Manor House, The Green, Southall, UB2 4BJ

School Type:

Independent Special School for pupils aged

5-18 years

Role:

Deputy Headteacher

Reports to:

Headteacher/ Proprietor / Governing Body

Salary:

40-50k per annum

Start Date:

5th of January 2025

1. Purpose of the Role

Woodside School is a specialist independent provision for children and young people aged

5-18 years

with a range of

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

. The school supports pupils with

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

, including those who are

non-verbal

, as well as learners with

mild to moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)

. Many pupils require highly individualised programmes, specialist communication approaches, therapeutic input, and a structured, nurturing environment to access learning successfully.

The Deputy Headteacher will support the Headteacher in providing strong leadership, operational oversight and high-quality educational direction across both school sites. They will assist in ensuring that the school delivers a safe, inclusive and high-quality learning environment that meets the diverse needs of SEND learners. The Deputy Headteacher will have teaching responsibilities and play an integral role in the design, delivery and monitoring of teaching and learning.

The postholder must be a

qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS)

in the United Kingdom and possess a recognised

SEN qualification

, with proven experience in SEN settings. They will also act as the

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

for the school, supporting the Headteacher in all aspects of safeguarding, welfare and statutory compliance.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Leadership & School Improvement

Support the Headteacher in implementing the school's vision, ethos and long-term strategic priorities. Assist with school improvement planning across both sites, contributing to high standards of behaviour, provision and pupil outcomes. Provide leadership to staff teams, promoting a positive and collaborative culture. Oversee aspects of school operations in the absence of the Headteacher.

B. Ofsted Compliance & Quality Assurance

Support the Headteacher with Ofsted preparation, documentation and inspection readiness. Contribute to the maintenance of the Self-Evaluation Framework (SEF) and School Improvement Plan (SIP). Lead aspects of monitoring, data analysis, and evaluation of teaching and learning. Implement high-quality assurance systems that ensure consistency across both campuses.

C. Teaching, Learning & Curriculum

Deliver high-quality teaching for an agreed timetable, modelling outstanding SEN pedagogy. Contribute to curriculum development tailored to the needs of SEND learners aged Support staff to differentiate effectively and provide personalised learning experiences. Assist with assessment processes, recording and reporting pupil progress.

D. SEN Responsibilities

Support the SENCO/Headteacher in overseeing SEN provision, interventions and personalised plans. Contribute to the management of EHCP processes, ensuring compliance and high-quality reviews. Work closely with therapists, external agencies, local authorities, and families to ensure holistic support for pupils. Promote inclusive practice and ensure that pupils' learning needs are met across the curriculum.

E. Safeguarding & Welfare

Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL). Support the Headteacher/DSL with safeguarding processes, reporting, referrals, and follow-up actions. Promote a safeguarding-first culture across the school, ensuring all concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately. Contribute to staff safeguarding training and regular policy updates.

F. Staff Development & Performance

Provide leadership and guidance to teaching and support staff. Assist with staff recruitment, induction, mentoring and ongoing performance management. Help coordinate CPD that strengthens SEN and safeguarding practice. Model professionalism, integrity and high expectations at all times.

G. Operations & School Management

Support day-to-day organisation across both campuses. Assist with timetabling, resource management and operational planning. Ensure that school environments are safe, compliant and conducive to learning.

H. Stakeholder Engagement

Build positive, professional relationships with pupils, parents, governors, staff and external professionals. Support communication with local authorities, community partners and regulators. Represent the school effectively in meetings, reviews and professional forums.

Safeguarding Statement

Woodside School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people across both our St. John's Wood and Southall sites. We expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.

The Deputy Headteacher will play a key role in maintaining a culture of safeguarding excellence across the school by acting as the

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

. This includes supporting the Headteacher/DSL in ensuring that safeguarding policies, practices and procedures are clearly understood, rigorously implemented, and regularly reviewed.

All appointments are subject to:

An enhanced DBS check with barred list information Verification of qualifications and professional status At least two satisfactory references Employment history checks and verification of any gaps Right to work in the UK verification Occupational health clearance
Woodside School adheres to

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

statutory guidance and expects all staff to uphold and promote the safety and wellbeing of every pupil.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Qualifications

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS). A recognised SEN qualification (e.g., NASENCO or equivalent specialist SEN training). Degree-level education. Evidence of ongoing professional development in SEN, safeguarding and/or leadership.

Essential Experience

Proven success working in a leadership or middle-leadership role in a UK school (e.g., Assistant Headteacher, SENCO, Department Lead). Experience teaching pupils with Special Educational Needs, including ASD, non-verbal pupils and learners with mild to moderate learning difficulties. Experience contributing to school improvement or Ofsted preparation. Demonstrable success in raising outcomes for pupils with complex SEND. Experience supporting or leading safeguarding duties. Experience working collaboratively with external agencies, local authorities and multidisciplinary teams.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

Strong understanding of SEN legislation, EHCP processes, and inclusive teaching approaches. Knowledge of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF). Ability to plan, deliver and model high-quality SEN teaching. Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and procedures (DDSL or Level 3 training desirable). Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills. Ability to interpret and analyse pupil data for improvement planning. Ability to build effective working relationships with pupils, staff, families and external bodies.

Personal Qualities

Child-centred, compassionate, and committed to improving outcomes for SEND learners. High integrity, professionalism and emotional resilience. Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage complex situations. A collaborative team player with the ability to motivate others. Creativity, problem-solving skills and a willingness to be hands-on when required. Ability to work confidently across two school sites.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension
Work Location: In person