ShaftesburyGroupUK
Deputy Head of Student Services (Upper or Lower School with DDSL responsibility)
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About Shaftesbury Statement
Shaftesbury is a disability charity offering care, education, vocational, and rehabilitation services. The charity also provides residential care, nursing, and supported living.
Within the education sector, Shaftesbury has:
- One school, [Shaftesbury Victoria School], for students aged 3–19
- Two further education colleges:
- [Shaftesbury Millie College] (ages 16–25)
- [Shaftesbury Nash College] (ages 16–25)
All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and varying levels of physical and/or intellectual disabilities, some with profound and complex learning needs.
About The Role
Victoria School is seeking a passionate and values-driven leader to join as Deputy Head of Student Services. This is a unique opportunity to:
- Collaborate on inclusive practice
- Champion the voice of students with complex needs, including ASC, PMLD and neurodivergence
Key Focus Areas:
- Support the Head of Student Services in pastoral care, focusing on either upper school or lower school
- Ensure every student feels seen, heard and empowered to thrive
- Role includes:
- Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for a designated cohort
- Family liaison and advocacy (supporting counselling, ELSA and other services)
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure high standards of compliance relating to safeguarding, attendance, health and welfare.
- Act as DDSL for a designated cohort, ensuring holistic safeguarding approaches.
- Build trust and strong relationships with families across the school community.
- Champion student voice, inclusion, and positive behaviour support.
- Contribute to the school’s leadership and continuous improvement agenda strategically.
- Liaise effectively with parents, external agencies, and the local authority.
- Support student self-advocacy, particularly for non-verbal and neurodivergent learners.
- Advocate and drive inclusive classroom practice and equitable staffing.
- Help embed the school’s "Inclusion and Belonging" ethos in line with the 2025 OFSTED framework.
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The Person
A strong cultural fit who brings:
- Experience in a pastoral, SEND or multi-agency role (essential).
- Knowledge of supporting young people with physical disabilities and complex needs (e.g., EHCP, PMLD, neurodivergence).
- Leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
- An unwavering commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing.
- Creativity, emotional intelligence and resilience to meet the demands of the role.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience:
- A qualification in the education of children with special educational needs.
- Recent school-based experience working with ASC students.
- Experience in specialist schools or education settings.
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Why Join Us?
What You Will Enjoy
- Make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing and education access for students with diverse needs.
- Work with a dedicated, passionate team in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Safeguarding Policy
- This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
- Enhanced DBS checks and rigorous safer recruitment processes are mandatory.
- All staff must share our safeguarding commitment and uphold welfare standards.
Equality and Diversity
-
Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applicants regardless of:
- Gender
- Race
- Disability
- Age
- Sexual orientation
- Gender reassignment
- Religion or belief
- Marital status, or pregnancy/maternity
-
We aim to sustain an inclusive work environment reflecting the communities we support.
-
The Equality & Diversity Policy and code of conduct apply to this role.
Application Process
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ROLE DOES NOT MEET SPONSORSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Job Description & Application Form available upon request—contact Helen Malt at: VECHR@victoria.poole.sch.uk
- Closing date: 4th July 2026
- Interview dates: TBC
Encouragement: Early applications complete by the closing date are welcomed; we reserve the right to close the advert sooner if a suitable candidate is identified.
- Visits to the school are strongly encouraged—contact Helen Malt to arrange.
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