Assistant Head Teacher – Chapel Bridge School in Plymouth

An exciting opportunity for an experienced senior teacher and middle leader to join us as an Assistant Head Teacher. Chapel Bridge School is an independent special school for pupils aged 6 – 19, based in the heart of Plymouth. Our creative, individualised approach to learning is centred around well-being and skills for independence. From the time our students arrive, we start thinking about where they will be moving to after they leave us to ensure they are well prepared to achieve their goals and succeed.

We are looking for an inspirational Assistant Head Teacher who can contribute to and embed the ethos and vision of the school as part of our extended leadership team. Working closely with our Deputy Head Teacher, they will lead the development and implementation of an innovative and inclusive curriculum that meets the diverse needs of students with social, emotional, and mental health challenges. This role will focus on ensuring that our creative and innovative project-based curriculum is securely implemented, enhances students' engagement, and prepares them for future opportunities.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will play a key role in leading the development and implementation of our innovative and inclusive curriculum, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of students with social, emotional, and mental health challenges. They will support the continued development of our creative, project-based learning approach and work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure that students are engaged, supported, and well prepared for future opportunities.

In addition, the role will contribute to promoting a safe and supportive school environment, working alongside safeguarding and pastoral teams to ensure that student wellbeing, personal development, and safeguarding are effectively embedded across the curriculum and wider school experience.

As an experienced, qualified Teacher, the successful candidate will:

• Have substantial experience and/or understanding of SEMH/ASC and how to create supportive learning environments.
• Possess strong leadership skills to inspire and guide teaching staff, fostering collaboration and a positive working environment.
• Be proficient in assessing student progress and evaluating teaching effectiveness, using data to inform instructional practices.
• Demonstrate their ability to develop and support staff.
• Have expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating curricula tailored to meet the needs of students with social, emotional, and mental health challenges.
• Be aware of current trends in pedagogy, including differentiated instruction and inclusive teaching practices.
• Have sufficient knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students.

We understand the importance of building meaningful relationships with pupils and families to nurture growth and development of relational milestones such as building trust and sharing enjoyment. Care and making connections are at the heart of our ethos, and we work hard to ensure that all staff feel cared for too. We are strongly committed to providing high-quality professional development for all our staff.

As part of a new and growing group, we will be able to offer significant opportunities to work in collaboration with colleagues in order to develop innovative teaching practice. The well-being of our staff is an important priority; therefore, we provide opportunities to ensure we value their hard work and dedication and promote a healthy work-life balance. We are constantly reviewing our practices to ensure that our staff can focus on what matters: providing a rich environment in which children and young adults can learn and thrive.

We recognise that our schools all serve their own communities and are unique, but we also insist that our schools follow Spaghetti Bridge ways of working which ensure that there are high expectations and equality of opportunity for all our pupils. Early application is encouraged as we may appoint prior to the closing date.

Spaghetti Bridge Ltd are committed to Safeguarding; therefore, all employees working at this school must have the ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of our children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding checks appropriate to the post, including checks with the Disclosure & Barring Service and employment references. We will request references from where you have worked with either children or adults at risk. Please be aware that references will be requested prior to interview for roles within our schools and that online searches will be completed on all shortlisted candidates in line with the provisions of Keeping Children Safe in Education.

This post involves working with children and young people considered to be at risk and therefore is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Spaghetti Bridge undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a criminal record check on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. As an equal opportunities employer, Spaghetti Bridge is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We are a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.