At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-quality teaching and learning while overseeing curriculum development.
- Company: Haywards Farm School, a supportive environment for children with complex needs.
- Benefits: Competitive hours, CPD time, hot lunches, and employee assistance programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with complex SEND.
- Qualifications: QTS, strong teaching experience, and previous leadership in education.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Haywards Farm School
Haywards Farm School is a specialist setting for children and young people with complex needs, including SEMH, ASD, ADHD and experiences of trauma. We provide a calm, supportive environment with high expectations, helping pupils feel safe, engaged and able to achieve. As part of Amegreen Education, we deliver personalised programmes and, where appropriate, support students to transition back into mainstream at key points aligned with EHCP key stages.
The role
We are looking for a confident, values-led Deputy Headteacher to lead excellent teaching and learning and oversee our whole-school curriculum. Working closely with the Head of School, you will support the smooth day to day running of the school and ensure provision remains ambitious, inclusive and outcomes focused.
What You’ll Be Responsible For:
- Leading high-quality teaching and learning across the school
- Overseeing curriculum development, implementation and impact
- Supporting staff to meet a wide range of needs through adaptive, inclusive practice
- Using data and insight to strengthen attendance, engagement and progress
- Contributing to whole-school strategic thinking, improvement planning and quality assurance
- Ensuring EHCP outcomes are understood, planned for and delivered consistently
Who We’re Looking For
As a small school, we need a leader who is visible, hands-on and able to model outstanding practice. You will bring strong experience, a track record of impact and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children with complex SEND. You will have:
- QTS and a good honours degree
- Evidence of ongoing CPD
- Significant teaching experience (ideally across KS1, KS2 and KS3)
- Strong knowledge of current curriculum expectations and developments
- Previous leadership experience in an educational setting
- The ability to adapt teaching and curriculum provision to meet changing needs
- A positive, engaging style that motivates pupils and builds staff confidence
Working Pattern, Support And Benefits
- Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm, with minimal after-hours commitments
- Friday afternoons are CPD time with no students on site, plus 10 INSET days across the year
- Therapeutic reflection and twice-daily briefings to support strong practice and consistency
- Regular offsite outdoor learning and enrichment sessions
- Hot lunch cooked on site every day
- Benefits including a healthcare cash back scheme, employee assistance programme, and discounts with local and national organisations
- Opportunities to collaborate across West Berkshire and with our partnership school, sharing expertise and best practice
Equality and diversity
Amegreen is committed to being an organisation where people can be their authentic selves in a safe, inclusive environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are actively building diverse teams. If you require any accessibility adjustments to support your application, please contact us.
Safeguarding and GDPR
Amegreen Children’s Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check and references. All employees must follow safeguarding and GDPR policies and complete mandatory training. Successful candidates will complete a thorough safeguarding onboarding process, including a full employment history review and an enhanced DBS check.
Deputy Headteacher in Theale employer: Amegreen Children's Services
Contact Detail:
Amegreen Children's Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher in Theale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend local events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Haywards Farm School and understanding their values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission to support children with complex needs. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and inclusive teaching. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate why you’d be an awesome Deputy Headteacher at Haywards Farm School.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher in Theale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting children with complex needs shine through. We want to see your genuine commitment to making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in teaching and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can adapt their skills to meet the diverse needs of our students, so be specific about how you've done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description. Less is more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Amegreen Children's Services
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand Haywards Farm School's values and mission. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting children with complex needs. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've positively impacted teaching and learning. Use specific examples to illustrate your experience in curriculum development and adaptive practices. This will show that you have the skills needed to lead effectively in their unique environment.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Adaptability
Given the diverse needs of the students, highlight your ability to adapt teaching methods and curriculum provisions. Share examples of how you've successfully supported students with SEND in the past, showcasing your commitment to inclusivity and high expectations for all learners.
✨Prepare Questions About Their Approach
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about their strategies for improving student outcomes and how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.