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- Tasks: Lead and support SEND initiatives in a new special school for primary learners.
- Company: Join a growing team at a brand new special school in Fishponds, Bristol.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like free training, healthcare support, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vulnerable learners' lives in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified primary teacher with SEND experience, especially in SEMH and trauma.
- Other info: Applications welcome from those passionate about supporting young people, even without specific experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: Fishponds, Bristol
Start date: 1st September 2025
Type: Full-time, 8:30am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday (permanent via temp-to-perm contract)
Salary: £205.12 - £246.15 per day during trial contract (equivalent £40,000 - £48,000pa)
Our brand new special school for primary-aged learners (KS1, KS2 + Yr7) opened in September 2024 in the Fishponds area of Bristol and we are recruiting for a Deputy Head responsible for SEND to join our new school & staff team from September 2025. Initially, we will be supporting up to 28 learners with a view to gradually increasing learner capacity in the future. All of the learners we support are vulnerable and have an EHCP to define their additional needs or an EHCP in progress. Creativity, perseverance and an empathetic approach when working with them is key to engaging them in education and ensuring their progression.
This role will involve:
- Supporting the SEND Teaching staff team (covering for PPA time and other ad-hoc absence)
- Supporting the Head of Education to ensure statutory SEND requirements are upheld (including individual learner needs)
- Line managing the SENDCO
- General support to the Head of Education
- Modelling an adapted high-calibre Primary curriculum
- Modelling high-calibre individualised learning plans & general SEND practice
- Understanding and supporting the challenges of our learners through the teaching staff
- Motivating & inspiring our colleagues & learners to engage & achieve
- Providing practical resources & strategies for colleagues to use & integrate into other lessons
- Helping to champion our school and the work of our learners & colleagues
For the Deputy Head responsible for SEND we are looking for a qualified (QTS) primary teacher with excellent SEND experience. Applicants best suited to this role will have previous experience of having worked with learners that have SEND relating to SEMH & trauma who also have other barriers or challenges to their education. We are growing our great team so if you love working with people who are dedicated to supporting young learners that strive to support their development in a positive setting, this is the role for you.
Every Child, Every Opportunity, The Right Opportunity. Our approach is to offer a bespoke and relevant learning programme for each learner. Integration into standardised education opportunities and social integration is everything we do. No child should have their future negatively affected or be excluded in their later life due to the lack of access or support for education opportunities that are appropriate to their abilities & strengths.
We believe strongly in people and look for people that have:
- Education-relevant qualifications in supporting teaching & learning
- Good experience in supporting young people in an education setting
- Understanding and expertise in supporting learners with SEND
- Skills & strategies in supporting emotional wellbeing
- Tenacity & resilience to manage, influence & effect positive behaviours & decisions in learners
- The ability to present a strong role model for young people, including having fun!
- Collaborative and pro-active working practices
- A strong sense of responsibility & work ethic
Working with our organisation is a rewarding experience. We offer an enjoyable workplace with additional employment benefits:
- Bright HR - online HR management portal also offering partner discounts
- Employee Assist - independent healthcare perks
- Free training - role specific & relevant, accredited training
- Employee Support Assistant - dedicated colleagues to support our employees
- Pension scheme
Applications are welcomed from candidates that meet the vast majority of the above job & person criteria. We also recognise that many people who are interested in such a role may not have specific experience as detailed so we would still welcome an application from those that have substantial experience of supporting young people with SEND or other challenges in education.
All applications will be managed by Elementa. Successful applications will have a full prescreen, interview, ‘insight session’ and visit to one of our Alternative Provision sites. Any appointment will be subject to a successful interview process, satisfactory references, DBS Enhanced Disclosure (which may be chargeable at £64.20 unless you have a DBS subscribed to the Update Service) and successful completion of employment trial period. Please apply with your full up to date CV. All applicants will be promptly responded to.
Contact Detail:
Elementa Support Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head, responsible for SEND
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific SEND needs of the learners you will be working with. Research effective strategies for supporting students with SEMH and trauma-related challenges, as this knowledge will be crucial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the SEND community. Attend local workshops or seminars to connect with others in the field, which can provide insights and potentially lead to recommendations when applying for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in detail, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to engage and inspire learners with additional needs. Use specific examples that highlight your empathetic approach and successful outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by thinking about how you would work with the teaching staff and SENDCO. Be ready to share ideas on how to create a supportive environment for both colleagues and learners during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head, responsible for SEND
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in supporting learners with SEND, particularly those with SEMH and trauma. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in this area.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for working with vulnerable learners. Discuss your approach to education, your understanding of SEND, and how you can contribute to the school's mission of providing bespoke learning opportunities.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, especially your QTS status and any additional training related to SEND. Mention any specific courses or certifications that enhance your ability to support learners with additional needs.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: Emphasise your soft skills such as empathy, patience, and resilience in your application. Provide examples of how these traits have helped you engage and inspire learners in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elementa Support Services
✨Show Your Passion for SEND
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with learners who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting vulnerable students and how you’ve made a positive impact in their education.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding
During the interview, emphasise your empathetic approach to teaching. Discuss specific strategies you've used to engage learners with SEND, particularly those with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges. This will show that you understand the unique needs of these students.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed difficult behaviours or adapted lessons to meet individual learner needs.
✨Highlight Collaborative Skills
Collaboration is key in this role, so be ready to discuss how you work effectively with colleagues, parents, and external agencies. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to a team environment and supported others in implementing effective SEND practices.
