Associate Assistant Head - Coaching and Professional Development (4042 ) in Whitehaven

Associate Assistant Head – Coaching and Professional Development

Mayfield Special Needs School – Full‑time, Permanent

Competitive Salary: Leadership Pay Range £57,137 to £63,070 Pro Rata 1.0 FTE (L5plus 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 & learning reviews, peer observations and moderation linked to PD priorities.
• Line‑manage designated staff (e.g., mentors, ECTs, cover HLTA), setting clear objectives and providing supportive challenge.
• Oversee ECT/ITT induction quality, mentor training, fidelity to statutory requirements and timely assessment points.
• Manage and support progression and succession planning.
• Maintain robust CPD systems.
• Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, data protection.
• Champion a learning culture: psychological safety, collaboration, reflective practice and professional curiosity.
• Work with curriculum leads, curriculum block groups, SENCO, behaviour leads and senior leaders to align PD with curriculum, SEND provision, behaviour and wellbeing.
• Build partnerships with external providers; 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.