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- Tasks: Lead coaching initiatives to enhance teaching quality and staff development.
- Company: Mayfield Special Needs School, dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership pay range, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a committed team focused on safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable learners through impactful coaching.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status, leadership experience, and a passion for special education.
The predicted salary is between 57137 - 63070 £ per year.
Mayfield Special Needs School – Full‑time, Permanent
Competitive Salary: Leadership Pay Range £57,137 to £63,070 Pro Rata 1.0 FTE (L5 plus Depending on experience) — there is also a teaching responsibility with this role.
Start Date: 01 September 2026.
We are a dedicated and inclusive special educational needs school committed to providing outstanding education and care for pupils with a diverse range of needs.
Responsibilities
- Lead and embed a coaching culture that strengthens teaching quality and accelerates staff growth at every career stage.
- Design, deliver and evaluate a coherent, evidence‑informed Professional Development (PD) programme aligned to school priorities.
- Improve classroom practice through high‑impact coaching, instructional feedback and precise development pathways for ECT, ITT, early career, developing and expert teachers, and support staff.
- Assure the quality of CPD and its impact on pupil progress, inclusion and wellbeing.
- Establish and quality‑assure coaching cycles (diagnose → model → deliberate practice → in‑class feedback → review).
- Provide instructional coaching and/or mentoring for identified staff (ECTs, new staff, colleagues requiring support, aspiring leaders).
- Curate and deliver evidence‑informed CPD relevant and appropriate for our context.
- Commission external expertise as appropriate.
- Ensure CPD is accessible and inclusive.
- Define impact measures.
- Report regularly to SLT/Governors on implementation, participation and outcomes; refine provision in response to evidence.
- Lead/coordinate teaching share and import best practice.
Qualifications
- Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Has leadership experience.
- Is passionate about education.
- Has worked within a special school or specialist provision.
- Has strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Is passionate about inclusion and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.
Safeguarding: Mayfield Special School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and appropriate pre‑employment checks.
Associate Assistant Head - Coaching and Professional Development (4042 ) employer: Cumbria
Contact Detail:
Cumbria Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Assistant Head - Coaching and Professional Development (4042 )
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Mayfield Special Needs School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can lead and embed a coaching culture. We should have specific examples ready that showcase our experience in professional development and improving classroom practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for inclusion! During the interview, we can share stories about how we've supported vulnerable learners in the past. This will demonstrate our commitment to the school's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at Mayfield.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Assistant Head - Coaching and Professional Development (4042 )
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description, like 'coaching culture' and 'professional development', to show we’re on the same page.
Show Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for education and inclusion! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in special educational needs settings.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
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. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumbria
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the SEND Code of Practice and the specific needs of the pupils at Mayfield Special Needs School. Brush up on your knowledge about coaching methodologies and professional development strategies, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Demonstrate your passion for education and inclusion throughout the interview. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable learners. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your leadership and coaching abilities. Think of examples where you've successfully implemented a coaching culture or improved teaching quality. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about their current PD programmes and coaching cycles. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your proactive approach to professional development.