At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead on SEN strategy and support children affected by trauma.
- Company: Join a compassionate charity dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, teachers' pension, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a family-like community focused on positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience with SEN required.
The predicted salary is between 51773 - 60145 £ per year.
Reporting to: Head of Education
Location: Mulberry Bush School, Standlake, Witney, Oxfordshire.
Salary: £51,773 - £60,145 (plus Teachers’ pension scheme)
Job type: Permanent, Full-time
Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 to 16:00 (40 hours a week).
About the role
As Deputy Head of Education & SENCo at The Mulberry Bush School, you’ll play a key role in shaping both the direction of the school and the day-to-day experiences of children who have experienced trauma. You’ll lead on Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision, ensuring every child receives the right support through thoughtful planning, strong partnerships and high-quality teaching. Alongside this, you’ll contribute to the wider leadership of the school, helping to create a safe, therapeutic environment where children can begin to rebuild confidence and rediscover a love of learning.
This is a role where education, care and leadership come together. You’ll work closely with teachers, therapists, families and external professionals to support each child holistically, while guiding and developing your colleagues to deliver their best. If you’re looking for a role where you can lead with purpose, influence meaningful change and truly be a part of an extraordinary story, this is your opportunity.
We’ll look to you to:
- Lead on SEN strategy and development planning, ensuring positive outcomes for pupils
- Develop, implement and review policies relating to SEN, teaching, learning and assessment
- Coordinate and manage EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) annual reviews, SEN reviews and interim reviews, including statutory documentation
- Ensure alignment between EHCP outcomes, placement objectives, PEP targets and curriculum planning
- Work closely with external professionals, including therapists, local authorities and treatment teams
- Build strong relationships with families, carers and wider stakeholders
- Drive improvements in classroom SEN provision through evidence-informed practice
- Develop and deliver CPD, including SEN-focused training for colleagues
- Contribute to the overall leadership and day-to-day management of the school
- Promote the school’s vision, values and therapeutic ethos through everything you do
We’ll care for you too
You’re not just part of a team, you’re part of our family. Support echoes through every part of our community, and your colleagues are always here to lend a hand or share a smile. We also offer the following benefits to make your journey with us even more rewarding:
- Teachers pension
- A comprehensive range of informal and formal wellbeing support.
- Enhanced parental leave benefits.
- Subsidised meals.
About you
You’re an experienced and compassionate education leader who understands the importance of creating safe, supportive environments where children can thrive. You bring warmth, resilience and strong professional judgement, alongside a genuine commitment to helping children affected by trauma build brighter futures. Most importantly, you’re excited by the opportunity to be a part of an extraordinary story and make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people.
You’ll also bring:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- National Award for SEN Coordination, or a willingness to achieve it
- Significant experience working with children with SEMH and complex needs
- Experience leading SEN provision and managing EHCP processes
- A strong understanding of SEN legislation, safeguarding and therapeutic education
- Excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills
- The ability to coach, support and develop colleagues effectively
- A reflective, resilient and collaborative approach to leadership
About the Mulberry Bush
The Mulberry Bush is the charity that exists to support those who were troubled and traumatised as children. We help them feel listened to, understood, and supported to make positive change.
For over 75 years, our expertise has been embedded in our therapeutic residential school. Today, we also extend this specialist knowledge across education, health, social care, justice, and community settings, offering outreach services, training, consultancy, research, and thought leadership to develop trauma-informed, relational and reflective organisational cultures.
By empowering others to use our approach, we increase understanding, raise standards, and positively influence the systems around children, young people, families and communities. Our mission is to ensure every individual we support – directly or indirectly – has the opportunity to live their own version of their ‘best life’.
If you believe that you have the experience and expertise required to succeed in this role or would like to attend one of our visit days, please submit your CV via the 'Apply for this job' button.
All applicants shortlisted must be willing to attend a visit day and complete an application form for regulatory purposes.
If you have any questions about the role or the work we do, please email the HR team at careers@mulberrybush.org.uk
The Mulberry Bush is an equal-opportunity employer. It is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable people and expects all staff and students to share this commitment.
Applicants must have the appropriate right to work in the UK. For applicants requiring visas, we can only accept those with visas which allow you to work in the UK indefinitely (we do not have the ability to offer sponsorship).
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore candidates must be prepared to undertake a DBS criminal background check.
Selection process:
- Attend an initial teams interview.
- Attend a visitor session - 25th June 2026
- Complete an application form (this is a requirement of our safer recruitment policy).
- Attend a face-to-face interview - 6th July 2026
- Participate in pre-employment checks, including the DBS criminal background checking process.
Deputy Head of Education and SENCo in Witney employer: The Mulberry Bush
At The Mulberry Bush School, we pride ourselves on being more than just an educational institution; we are a supportive family dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive support systems, enhanced parental leave, and subsidised meals, all within a therapeutic environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children affected by trauma while enjoying a fulfilling career in a compassionate and dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Education and SENCo in Witney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience with SEN. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the Mulberry Bush School's ethos and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission to support children affected by trauma. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led SEN provision or developed policies in your previous roles. We want to see your passion for creating supportive environments for children!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the school.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Education and SENCo in Witney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting children shine through. We want to see how excited you are about making a difference in their lives, especially those who have faced trauma.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Deputy Head of Education & SENCo. Highlight your experience with SEN provision and any leadership roles you've held. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and skills. We appreciate when applicants get straight to the heart of what makes them a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our family at Mulberry Bush School.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Mulberry Bush
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented SEN strategies in the past, as this will show your understanding of the role and your commitment to supporting children with complex needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in educational settings. Think about times when you've led a team or developed training for colleagues. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can inspire and guide others in creating a supportive environment for students.
✨Connect with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with The Mulberry Bush's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal philosophy aligns with their approach to trauma-informed education. This connection will show that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely invested in making a difference.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about their current SEN initiatives or how they measure success in supporting children with SEMH needs. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
