Depute Head Teacher, Pinewood School, 502.80 - WEL10213

Pinewood School is an ASN school based in the village of Blackburn and has strong community links, serving the West Lothian community. With a current roll of 143 pupils, all pupils have severe and complex needs, including learning disabilities. The school comprises 11 classes in the Primary department and eight in the Secondary department. Class groupings are based on a combination of age, stage, and individual needs, with specialist support and provision tailored accordingly.

The school management structure during session 2024/25 consisted of a Head Teacher, Depute Head Teacher, and 3 Principal Teachers. The school fosters positive relationships at all levels. Many pupils have personalised regulation strategies to ensure a consistent approach, which are regularly reviewed to meet their evolving needs. Strong partnerships with parents and carers are integral to the school, with families actively involved in setting and reviewing pupils' goals. A supportive Parent Council plays a key role in school life.

Collaboration with allied health professionals enhances staff development (CLPL) and informs targeted support to ensure pupils' needs are met. Learning extends beyond the classroom, with pupils benefiting from the school's outdoor spaces and engagement with the local community. At Pinewood School, our vision is to work as a team towards promoting independence in an inclusive community where pupils reach their potential, and achievements are celebrated.

School Values:

• All learners are of equal value - there is no discrimination based on disabilities, ethnicity, culture, economic background, national origin or status, gender identity, religious/non-religious affiliation or sexual orientation. We work hard to ensure that all pupils are able to fully access our curriculum in order to be happy and thrive.
• Respected: We recognise, respect and celebrate differences and understand that diversity is a strength for supporting our pupils. Whole school ethos of respect has a collective impact on our pupils.
• Independent: We acknowledge and challenge all the potential barriers for our young people and strive to remove them to ensure that all learners have the same opportunities and can develop skills for life, learning and work. We have the highest expectations of all of our children. We expect that pupils can make good progress and reach their full potential.

West Lothian Council is committed to far-reaching changes to the way we deliver our Education Services. These changes include giving you the support and environment that you need to get on with your job and develop your abilities. Our dedication is demonstrated by the whole council achievement of the Investors in People Standard and always aiming a little higher in our service delivery and improvements.

We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Successful candidates will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment and the cost will be met by the candidate. The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59 or Existing Member is £18. The £59 cost (where appropriate) will be deducted from your salary over a 1 or 3-month period by repayment schedule. If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.

A relevant teaching qualification and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland is essential.