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- Tasks: Lead and support student services, ensuring every student feels valued and empowered.
- Company: Shaftesbury, a disability charity dedicated to inclusive education and care.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive and passionate team.
- Other info: Join us in creating an inclusive environment that reflects our diverse community.
- Why this job: Champion the voice of students with diverse needs and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastoral or SEND roles, with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Shaftesbury is a disability charity offering care, education, vocational and rehab services. The charity also provides residential care, nursing and supported living. Within the education sector, Shaftesbury has one school, Shaftesbury Victoria School, and 2 further education colleges, Shaftesbury Millie College and Shaftesbury Nash College. The school is for students aged 3-19, and the colleges are for students aged 16-25. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as well as physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and some have profound and complex learning needs.
Victoria School is seeking a passionate and values-driven leader to join our team as Deputy Head of Student Services. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate on inclusive practice and champion the voice of students with diverse and complex needs, including ASC, PMLD, and neurodivergence. You will support the Head of Student Services on pastoral support issues in upper school or lower school, ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and is empowered to thrive. This strategic role includes responsibility as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for an allocated cohort (either upper school or lower school) and a key focus on family liaison and advocacy, including support for our counselling, ELSA and other services.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure high standards of compliance in relation to safeguarding, attendance, health and welfare.
- Act as DDSL for a designated cohort, ensuring holistic safeguarding.
- Build strong, trusting partnerships with families.
- Champion pupil voice, inclusion, and positive behaviour support.
- Contribute strategically to the school’s leadership and continuous improvement agenda.
- Liaise effectively with parents, external agencies, and the local authority.
- Support student voice and self-advocacy, including for non-verbal and neurodivergent learners.
- Drive inclusive classroom practice and equitable staffing.
- Support the school’s “Inclusion and Belonging” culture in line with the 2025 OFSTED framework.
The Person
- Has experience in a pastoral, SEND or multi-agency role.
- Understands the complexities of supporting children and young people with physical disabilities and complex needs.
- Demonstrates strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
- Has an unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing.
- Brings creativity, emotional intelligence, and resilience to the role.
Qualifications
- Qualification in the education of children with SEN (Desirable)
- Recent experience of working with and/or teaching pupils with special educational needs within a school setting (Desirable)
- Experience of working with ASC students (Desirable)
Why Join Us
- Make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing of students, and their ability to access education and the wider community.
- Work alongside a dedicated, passionate team in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Safeguarding
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Shaftesbury Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.
Equality and Diversity
Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.
Application Process
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ROLE DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF SPONSORSHIP. Job Description and Application Form on request – please contact: Helen Malt VECHR@victoria.poole.sch.uk Closing date: 06.05.26 Interview Dates; TBC Early applications are strongly encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the advert should we feel able to appoint an appropriate candidate before the above dates. Visits to the setting are welcomed, and encouraged, by arrangement.
Deputy Head of Student Services (Upper or Lower School with DDSL responsibility) employer: ShaftesburyGroupUK
Contact Detail:
ShaftesburyGroupUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Student Services (Upper or Lower School with DDSL responsibility)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values before your interview. Research Shaftesbury's approach to inclusive education and safeguarding. This will help you align your answers with their mission and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to pastoral care and supporting students with complex needs. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some thoughtful questions for your interviewers. Ask about their current initiatives in student services or how they support staff development. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Student Services (Upper or Lower School with DDSL responsibility)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting students with diverse needs shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role. We love seeing how your background fits with our mission at Shaftesbury.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Remember, less is often more!
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 this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at ShaftesburyGroupUK
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Shaftesbury's mission and values, especially around inclusivity and support for students with diverse needs. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in a pastoral or SEND context. Highlight your ability to build trusting relationships with families and advocate for students, particularly those with complex needs.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Be prepared to discuss scenarios where you've had to use emotional intelligence to support students or colleagues. This role requires creativity and resilience, so share specific instances that showcase these qualities.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Ask thoughtful questions about the school's approach to inclusion and how they support neurodivergent learners. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school’s culture aligns with your values.