Deputy Head - Secondary

Five Acre Wood is based over 2 sites in Maidstone, Kent. We currently have 230 pupils aged 4-19 years with profound, severe and complex needs. The school is due to expand, through a building project to the main school, to 275 pupils. We have grown rapidly and have designed an organisation to meet the needs of the school going forward.

Due to retirement and this expansion, we are now looking to recruit a Deputy Head Teacher. You will work closely with the Head teacher, Governors and effective senior leadership team to actively shape our strategic direction. Championing our vision and mission, you will be a creative thinker constantly delivering high quality leadership to ensure an outstanding provision for all our remarkable pupils and students. This is an opportunity for an ambitious and experienced individual with the enthusiasm and commitment required to build on the successes of the school. We are proud of our highly skilled and committed staff and our "can do" culture, we have excellent relationships and partnerships with other special schools.

You will lead and be responsible for:

• Working with the SLT on developing and delivering the strategic development plan for the school
• Deputise for Head teacher as needed
• Coaching and mentoring of key staff within the department
• Day to day running of the department including absence cover 
• Quality of learning and teaching within the secondary school
• A specific phase within the school 
• Joint responsibility for child protection (DCPC)
• Educational visits co-ordinator
• Post 19 provision

In addition to the above responsibilities each role will have one of the following areas: (which will be decided upon experience of the applicants)

Area 1

• Pupil data tracking and analysis
• ARR systems (AfL)
• Progress and Achievement
• Behaviour for Learning
• Pupil target setting
• Accreditation and Examinations
• Moderation

Area 2

• Core curriculum design
• SMSC
• Curriculum leader support
• ICT Strategy - Teaching and Learning
• Extended schools
• Research and development
• In school action research

 We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate;

• An ability to work closely with the Head teacher, Governors, SLT and wider school team
• Experience of leading innovation and change positively and effectively
• Being an effective classroom practitioner
• Have proven drive, leadership and organisational skills
• High expectations and a desire to ensure that all pupils and staff achieve their full potential
• Possess a deep and thorough knowledge of special needs
• Keeping abreast of the latest educational thinking
• Enthusiasm, commitment and a "can do" approach We will offer you;
• A highly focussed, skilled SLT who are ambitious in their plans for the school
• Inspiring and enthusiastic pupils and staff
• A can do environment where innovation and creativity are welcomed and encouraged
• Regular and continuing professional development
• Openness and support

We are open to applicants from special and mainstream streams. Critically important is what you bring and can add to Five Acre Wood School. If you would like to see what our staff say about working with us please visit www.fiveacrewood.org.uk, go to the "about", "about us" section to view.

Five Acre Wood School - Maidstone, Kent