At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a specialist primary school, ensuring high standards in education and pupil wellbeing.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on supporting children with SEN/SEMH needs.
- Benefits: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive and impactful setting.
- Why this job: Be a key player in creating a nurturing environment for every child to thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEN/SEMH and strong leadership skills required.
We are recruiting for a Primary Heads of School for a specialist education group supporting children with SEN/SEMH needs. This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who can confidently lead a small specialist primary school day-to-day—ensuring high standards in education, safeguarding, behaviour, and pupil wellbeing. You will lead staff, support pupils with EHCPs, work closely with parents and external agencies, and create a calm, nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead daily school operations and staff deployment
- Maintain strong safeguarding standards (DSL/DDSL level)
- Drive behaviour culture using restorative and trauma-informed approaches
- Monitor teaching quality and pupil progress
- Ensure the school remains Ofsted-ready
- Build strong relationships with families and external professionals
- Support staff development and performance
Candidate Profile
- Current or aspiring Head of School, Deputy Head, Assistant Head, SENDCo, or Inclusion Lead
- Strong experience in SEN / SEMH / Alternative Provision / PRU / Specialist Schools
- Primary (KS1/KS2) leadership experience
- Strong safeguarding knowledge (KCSIE, DSL/DDSL preferred)
- Understanding of EHCPs, behaviour plans, and trauma-informed practice
- QTS preferred
Desirable
- NPQSL / NPQH / SENCo qualification
- Team Teach / Thrive / Zones of Regulation
- Immediate or short-notice availability
Apply now if you want to lead a specialist setting where your work truly changes children’s lives.
Deputy Head Teacher employer: Keyman Personnel
As a Deputy Head Teacher in our specialist education group, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to transforming the lives of children with SEN/SEMH needs. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration, ensuring you have the resources and training necessary to excel in your role. Located in a nurturing environment, our school fosters strong relationships with families and external agencies, making it an exceptional place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with SEN/SEMH. They might know of opportunities or can give you a heads-up about openings before they go public.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your leadership style aligns with their mission, especially in creating a nurturing environment for children with special needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams, supported pupils with EHCPs, and maintained high safeguarding standards. Real-life stories resonate well with interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in SEN/SEMH. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills and achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a Deputy Head Teacher, your leadership approach is key. Use your application to share examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in a primary school setting. We love to see your personality shine through!
Highlight Safeguarding Knowledge:Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, make sure to emphasise your understanding of KCSIE and any relevant qualifications. We’re looking for candidates who can ensure a safe environment for our pupils.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to make a difference in children’s lives!
How to prepare for a job interview at Keyman Personnel
✨Know Your SEN/SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEN and SEMH needs. Familiarise yourself with the latest practices, legislation, and frameworks like EHCPs. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just a leader but a knowledgeable advocate for the children.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've driven behaviour culture or supported staff development. This will help the interviewers see how you can lead their school effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Safeguarding Knowledge
Since safeguarding is a key responsibility, be ready to discuss your experience and understanding of safeguarding standards. Mention any relevant qualifications like DSL/DDSL and how you've implemented these practices in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your ability to build strong relationships with families and external professionals. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with parents or collaborated with agencies to support pupils. This will illustrate your commitment to creating a nurturing environment for every child.
