What is the job role?

Castle Wood is an outstanding special school.  We have 160 primary aged pupils with a broad spectrum of need eg: PMLD, SLD, ASD, SLCN and some complex behaviour challenges.  We are passionate about teaching and learning and making a difference in children’s lives.  Our vision is “Together, children first” as we recognise that everyone has a part to play in our pupils fulfilling their potential.  We are proud of the positive ethos of our school underpinned by our Early Years principles.  Ofsted have judged us ‘outstanding’ in our last two inspections, recognising our innovative spirit and the warm relationships and progress children in our school are making.

We are seeking to appoint a Deputy Headteacher to work in partnership with our Headteacher and current leadership team.  We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, positive, and inspirational Deputy Headteacher with a “can do” attitude who has a drive to work with children with complex learning needs and a desire to continue to drive our outstanding school forward.

As our Deputy Headteacher you will be:

•              part of an outstanding leadership team

•              given opportunities for professional development

•              working in a well-resourced primary special school environment

•              in a working environment where everyone is valued, included and treated with respect

•              working with inspirational pupils who love coming to school and are encouraged to develop skills and participate in life-long learning

•              collaborating with an enthusiastic and supportive Governing Body that put the interests of the pupils first and are committed to the continual improvement of the school

•              given opportunity to extend your own leadership potential

Specific roles and responsibilities to be agreed dependent upon the experience of the successful candidate and the needs of the school.

Who are we looking for?

You will have:

•              QTS status with experience of working with pupils who have a range of special needs

•              a proven track record of outstanding practice committed to high aspirations for all children

•              a passion for teaching and learning within the field of SEN

•              whole school leadership experience

•              excellent interpersonal skills, resilience, sensitivity and an infectious enthusiasm, demonstrating forward thinking and positivity

•              initiative, commitment, and drive

•              a clear understanding of Safeguarding and the role of a senior leader in this process

•              the personality, drive and energy to motivate and support everyone within our learning community

•              knowledge of Early Years principles as this underpins teaching and learning in our school

•              an up-to-date knowledge of mainstream education and be experienced in translating this into teaching and learning for children with SEND

•              an expertise in complex needs, ASC, PMLD or SLD would be an advantage

We are looking forward to welcoming someone with the ambition, drive, and enthusiasm to support our Headteacher and school community in their drive for positive outcomes for all children. If you believe you are the right person to join our team and you want to make a difference to the lives of pupils at Castle Wood, then we want to hear from you.

To apply for the post, please download the candidate information pack where you will find the detailed job description and person specification from the school website.  Please ensure that you answer the following question on your online application form:

•              Outline how your current and previous roles and responsibilities have prepared you for this post.

In return, we will provide:

•              personalised Continuing Professional Learning

•              opportunities to work with experts from a range of disciplines

•              opportunities to work beyond the school

•              committed and supportive leadership team, governors, colleagues, and parents

•              comprehensive staff wellbeing package including taking some leadership time off site, employee assistance programme, salary sacrifice scheme, access to hydrotherapy pool, free tea and coffee, free staff car parking, staff workwear.

A tour of our school to meet our children and view our amazing facilities is most welcomed and strongly encouraged. School tour dates are available on Wednesday 17th April AM.  To book a school tour and arrange a discussion with Rebekah Hayes - Headteacher please email Vicky Moore (Business Manager) moorev@castlewood.coventry.sch.uk 

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT RE-APPLY. 

Please submit your application form online using the apply now button on the advert.  In your application form please detail the skills, knowledge and expertise which are required to become a successful Deputy Headteacher and why you wish to work at Castle Wood along with how your current and previous roles and responsibilities have prepared you for this post.

Please note references will be sought prior to interview.  Online checks will be undertaken. 

Unfortunately, due to the extremely high number of applications expected, we are unable to respond to each individual.  If you have not heard by end of April then your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

Closing date:  Wednesday 24^th April 2024

Interview date:  Tuesday 30^th April 2024

Key Requirements:

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre-employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.

This School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Coventry City Council