Assistant Headteacher – Safeguarding and Wellbeing – Silver Bridge School in Taunton

An exciting opportunity for an experienced senior teacher and middle leader to join us as an Assistant Head with a focus on safeguarding and wellbeing. Silver Bridge School is an independent special school for pupils aged 6 – 19, situated near to the centre of Taunton, Somerset. Our creative, individualised approach to learning is centred around well-being and skills for independence.

From the time our students arrive, we assess their individual interests, passions and desires to build a project-based curriculum that meets their needs. In so doing, we 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 Designated Safeguarding Lead, the post holder will lead on creating a safe, supportive environment that enables students to thrive emotionally and socially, while also ensuring that safeguarding and wellbeing initiatives are embedded and well implemented throughout our creative curriculum.

They will support the development of the PSHE and RSE curriculum across the school and fulfil the duties of a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. 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
• Strong leadership skills to inspire and guide teaching staff, fostering collaboration and a positive working environment
• Sufficient knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students
• Ability to demonstrate their ability to develop and support staff
• Experience working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including external partners, agencies and other educational institutions
• Understanding of local resources and partnerships that can enhance learning opportunities for 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 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 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 Disclosure and Barring Service and employment references.

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.