Deputy Head Teacher needed for September! in Chelmsford, Essex

Join a therapeutic, dedicated, tight-knit and supportive team at a special educational needs school supporting pupils aged 7 to 16 with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Our evolving curriculum places the development of social communication at its core. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a holistic education and nurturing environment where every pupil is encouraged to be the best they can be.

The Deputy Head Teacher plays a pivotal role in the leadership and management of the school, working closely with the Head Teacher and senior leadership team to ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning and pastoral care. This role demands a thoughtful, compassionate, and reflective professional who is motivated to support pupils’ engagement, learning and achievement within an ethos defined by kindness, curiosity, integrity and participation.

• Support the Head Teacher in providing strategic leadership and direction to the school, ensuring the delivery of an inclusive, high-quality education for all pupils.
• Lead and develop the evolving curriculum with a focus on social communication and holistic pupil development.
• Maintain and promote the school’s ethos and values, fostering a positive, supportive and collaborative culture among staff and pupils.
• Oversee the quality of teaching and learning, including monitoring, evaluation and professional development of staff.
• Contribute to the implementation and review of school policies and procedures to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and best practice.
• Work closely with parents, carers and external agencies to support the wellbeing and progress of pupils.
• Lead and contribute to safeguarding and child protection duties, ensuring a safe and secure learning environment.
• Manage day-to-day operational aspects of the school in the absence of the Head Teacher.
• Play a key role in staff recruitment, induction and performance management.
• Promote and support the professional development of colleagues through coaching, mentoring and training opportunities.
• Contribute actively to the governing body meetings and other leadership forums as required.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is essential.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to school leadership.

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a primary or secondary educational setting, preferably in a special educational needs environment.
• Demonstrable success in improving teaching standards and pupil outcomes.
• Experience of curriculum development with a focus on social communication and inclusive education.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and statutory education frameworks.

• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with pupils, families, staff and external partners.
• Highly organised with strong problem-solving abilities and adaptability.
• Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within the school community.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while demonstrating initiative and resilience.
• Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder and associated teaching strategies is highly desirable.

• Experience working within a special educational needs setting supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• Leadership or management qualification such as National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) or equivalent.
• Training or accreditation in therapeutic approaches relevant to SEN education.

If you are a motivated, driven educational leader who shares our ethos of kindness, curiosity, integrity and participation, and are ready to embrace a new challenge supporting pupils to engage, learn and achieve, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided.