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- Tasks: Lead and support SEND staff, ensuring tailored education for vulnerable learners.
- Company: Join Elmtree Grove School, a new special school dedicated to empowering primary-aged learners.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like free training, healthcare support, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives while working in a supportive and creative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified primary teacher with SEND experience, especially in SEMH and trauma.
- Other info: Applications welcome from those passionate about supporting young learners, 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. Elmtree Grove School is open based on the successes of learner outcomes at our 6 Elmtree Learning Partnership AP sites since 2022. 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.
Deputy Head, responsible for SEND employer: Elementa Support Services
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 at Elmtree Grove School. Research common challenges faced by students with SEMH and trauma, and think about how you can address these in your role. This will show your commitment and understanding during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the SEND community. Attend local workshops or seminars related to special education needs, and connect with others on platforms like LinkedIn. This can provide you with insights and potentially valuable contacts that may help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences with SEND in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported learners with similar needs. Highlight your empathetic approach and any creative strategies you've implemented to engage students.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by thinking about how you would support and motivate your colleagues. Be ready to share ideas on how to foster a collaborative environment among staff, which is crucial for the success of both learners and educators.
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 understanding of their needs and how your approach aligns with the school's ethos 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 emotional wellbeing and educational development.
Showcase Collaborative Skills: Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in teams to create inclusive learning environments and support young people effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elementa Support Services
✨Showcase Your SEND Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience working with learners who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've used to support these learners, particularly those with SEMH and trauma-related challenges.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Creativity
Since the role requires an empathetic approach, think of examples where you've successfully engaged vulnerable learners. Share creative lesson plans or activities that made learning enjoyable and accessible for students with additional needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific situations involving SEND learners, such as managing challenging behaviours or adapting lessons to meet individual needs.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head, you'll need to work closely with teaching staff and lead by example. Be ready to talk about your leadership style and how you foster collaboration among colleagues to create a supportive learning environment.
