Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking an inspirational, resilient, and highly skilled Deputy Head Teacher to join our leadership team at our specialised Alternative Provision (AP) in Barnoldswick.

This is a dynamic and challenging role for an individual passionate about transforming the educational outcomes and life chances of students who have experienced significant barriers to learning, primarily those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and challenging behaviour.

The Deputy Head will work closely with the Head Teacher to drive the strategic development of the provision, ensuring outstanding teaching and learning, effective behaviour management, and robust safeguarding practices are embedded across the centre.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

The Deputy Head Teacher will focus on three core areas:

1. Leadership and Management

  • Operational Oversight: Assist the Head Teacher with the day-to-day management of the provision, staff deployment, and resource allocation.

  • Curriculum & Standards: Oversee the development, implementation, and quality assurance of the adapted and bespoke curriculum offer (KS3/KS4), ensuring high expectations and measurable progress for every student.

  • Safeguarding: Act as a key member of the safeguarding team, supporting the DSL and promoting a secure, safe, and nurturing environment.

2. Behaviour and Pastoral Care

  • Culture: Champion a positive, trauma-informed ethos throughout the provision, modelling exceptional professional conduct and therapeutic behaviour approaches.

  • Behaviour Management: Take the lead on complex behaviour incidents, working with staff and external agencies to develop and monitor effective Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs).

  • Pastoral Support: Oversee the pastoral system, ensuring high-quality support and intervention for student well-being, engagement, and attendance.

3. Teaching and Learning

  • Quality Assurance: Lead on staff CPD, performance management, and lesson observations to maintain and improve the standard of teaching and learning.

  • In-Class Support: Maintain a teaching commitment (though reduced), modelling best practice in teaching students with complex needs.

  • Data and Progress: Analyse student data (academic, behaviour, and attendance) to inform strategic planning and interventions, ensuring all students achieve accredited outcomes.

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

  • Qualification: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is NOT mandatory.

  • Experience: Significant and demonstrable leadership experience within an educational setting (ideally within an AP, PRU, or specialist SEMH/SEN setting).

  • Knowledge: Expert knowledge of the challenges and therapeutic approaches required when working with students with SEMH needs and complex trauma.

  • Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage staff through challenging periods, fostering a supportive and high-performing team culture.

  • Safeguarding: Thorough understanding and commitment to safeguarding children, including experience acting as a DSL/Deputy DSL.

Desirable Attributes

  • Relevant postgraduate qualifications in SEN, Leadership, or Therapeutic Practice.

  • Experience managing educational quality assurance (e.g., preparation for Ofsted/inspection).

  • Strong links or knowledge of local agencies/services around Barnoldswick/Lancashire.

Why Join Our Barnoldswick AP?

  • Significant Impact: Play a pivotal role in shaping the futures of the most vulnerable young people in the local area.

  • Competitive Salary: Attractive leadership salary up to £38,000.

  • Specialist Environment: Work within a dedicated, small, and highly specialist team focused entirely on therapeutic education.

  • Career Growth: Excellent opportunities for continued professional development and future progression.

How to Apply:

To apply, please click apply or email rachael.boaler@twrecruitment.com