Salary: £55,000-£60,000

Role Title: Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral)

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Kingston upon Thames, KT2

Key info:

An exciting opportunity to join a unique and nurturing environment that truly embraces difference and harnesses talent. This small, mixed, independent secondary school is based within touching distance of Richmond Park and is designed to meet the specific needs of it’s pupils. There are 75 students on roll, most of which have special educational needs and/or disabilities and 85% with an EHCP. Whilst most access a broad, mainstream curriculum and GCSE programmes, functional skills are available where appropriate to ensure everyone has the opportunity to progress. The school community is a happy and inclusive one, where students support and respect each other. There is an understanding that wellbeing is as equally important as academic achievement, as such each student is enabled to feel safe, understood and settled whilst in school.

Role Overview:

As Deputy Head (Pastoral), the post holder’s primary mission will be to lead the development and management of pastoral matters within the school, with the aim of ensuring a safe and happy environment for all pupils. They will collaborate closely with the Acting Head and SLT to effectively oversee behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding.

I am seeking an outstanding and imaginative leader who will lead and advance the renowned pastoral care within the School. Experience of leading a team is important. The successful candidate will show a deep commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the students and seek the best outcomes for them. They will have a keen interest in all areas of school life and will be a visible, energetic and reassuring presence around the School – inspiring confidence in staff. They will be a strong team player and confident in taking responsibility for decisions. They will build rapport quickly with colleagues, be persuasive and display tact, subtlety and empathy in challenging situations.

The Deputy Head (Pastoral) will have the opportunity to take on, or act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) depending on experience and will lead Heads of Year and Department in advising and training others, empowering staff with the confidence to deliver this individual and nurturing support in a high achieving environment.

The postholder will:

• Take responsibility for the overall co-ordination of the Pastoral welfare of all pupils.
• Take a lead on complex/demanding pastoral and disciplinary cases where necessary,
• including attending multi-agency meetings where required.
• Liaise with parents over more serious pastoral issues.
• Oversee the work of and act as a line manager to Heads of Year and Department
• Take responsibility for pupil disciplinary procedures and monitoring throughout the School.
• Chair regular Heads of Year meetings.
• Liaise with the Deputy Head (Director of Studies) regarding the induction of new staff into the School’s pastoral systems.
• Identify pastoral CPD needs in conjunction with the Deputy Head (Director of Studies)
• Ensure that pastoral matters are effectively covered in Whole School INSET days.
• Work with the Pastoral Data Manager to ensure all pastoral data is well organised and up to date.
• Take responsibility for the Child Protection & Safeguarding, Behaviour Policy and ICT Acceptable Use Policies, as well as any other policies with a pastoral theme.
• Oversee the programme of external speakers for pastoral matters, liaising with SLT colleagues to ensure good coverage of all areas and year groups.
• Lead on all safeguarding communication with Parents and Carers.
• Oversee and plan the Diversity and Inclusion strategy at the School
• Maintain oversight of all pastoral data and ensure that interventions are applied accordingly.
• Take responsibility for the arrangement of training and management of Mental Health and Wellbeing

The school is seeking a talented individual with a ‘can do’ attitude that makes the Pastoral role so much more than just a job title.

If you thrive on seeing the opportunities in a situation, rather than the challenges, then I want to hear from you.

Please APPLY NOW or contact me for more information:

0203 6333 222 / 07793 209 744

Greg.Bookman@MLK-Search.co.uk