Deputy Headteacher - Head of Primary Division in Wickford

Job Ref No. ECC1120-448L Position Type: Deputy Headteacher Pay Range: L13 - L17

Position Start Date: 01/01/2027 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 14/09/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: Week Commencing 21/09/2026

Shape the Future. Transform Lives. Drive Change. Lead Innovation. Safeguard Children.

Are you a passionate, ambitious leader ready to make a real difference? A rare opportunity has arisen and Children's Support Service is seeking an exceptional Head of Primary to lead our primary provision and join our strategic senior leadership team.

Our children have faced real challenges - permanent exclusion, prolonged absence, or barriers in mainstream education. You'll lead an experienced, motivated team delivering a creative and aspirational curriculum tailored to every child's unique needs on-site whilst providing advice and guidance for our medical, reintegration and outreach teams supporting primary students across South Essex.

But this role goes further. With the new SEND White Paper driving inclusion, you'll be at the forefront of change:

• Shape policy - be part of the team driving the inclusion agenda from an alternative provision perspective
• Build expertise - Position alternative provision expertise where it's needed most across South Essex
• Support schools - Offer training, advice and guidance to local mainstream schools
• Lead strategically - Join our service senior leadership team and influence the future direction of primary provision

This isn't just another leadership role. It's your chance to pioneer a new vision for primary alternative provision and ensure every child gets the education they deserve.

Ready to lead the change?

What you'll do:

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for our primary phase
• Champion inclusive, high-quality teaching and learning
• Lead, support and develop staff to achieve the very best outcomes for pupils
• Build strong relationships with families, staff and stakeholders
• Drive continuous improvement in all aspects of primary provision
• Provide training and support to mainstream primary colleagues in South Essex
• Be part of the service strategic leadership team

What we're looking for:

• An experienced primary leader passionate about making a difference
• Proven ability to lead and inspire others
• Strong understanding of inclusive education and SEND
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality and the highest standards for all
• Willingness to work with local mainstream primary schools to provide training and support.
• A genuinely unique opportunity rarely available in this sector
• The chance to shape the future of a highly regarded alternative provision
• Supportive colleagues and professional development opportunities
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in South Essex

Children's Support Service (Wickford, SS11) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should suitable applications be received.

Information about the School

The Children’s Support Service is a short stay alternative provision in Essex. We educate and support children from KS1 - KS4 as well as providing an outreach service which works to support students, staff and schools in the local area. Our schools are based in Basildon (secondary) and Wickford (primary and secondary).

Our Medical Education Team work across South and West Essex and focus on not only educating children and young people but crucially reintegrating our students back into their mainstream school.

We now offer, in partnership with Essex Local Authority Education Access Team, an education and reintegration programme for students who have been permanently excluded from any part of Essex back to their local mainstream school.

Most of our students are referred to us due to challenges they may have faced in school; many come with additional needs and require academic, emotional and social support. We pride ourselves on overcoming these challenges and ensuring every student is successful.

We offer a wide range of subjects and match a mainstream setting through our core curriculum offer. At the same time, as a 'needs -led' provision we offer extensive enrichment opportunities to our students.

We collaborate with schools and professionals who need our support, and aim to reintegrate students back into mainstream education or prepare them for other lifelong learning opportunities.

Our staff create positive, safe, caring and supportive learning environments, helping to inspire every child to 'be the best they can be.'

CSS staff benefit from flexible working arrangements, our subscription to an Employee Assistance Programme, which provides mental health and well-being support services for all staff, including 24/7 access to advice, support and counselling for our whole team.

Please note that car insurance including "business use" is required.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.