Deputy Headteacher

Are you a well-established and effective leader ready for your next challenge?

As a result of the retirement of our established Deputy Head, we require an experienced senior leader, with aspirations to be a fundamental driver of school improvement, to fill the resulting vacancy.

Appointed candidates will have proven track record in leading outstanding teaching and learning. Teamwork is a strength of the school, and we require an exceptional team leader with some experience of performance managing teachers. These are key roles in championing the highest standard of practice within the classroom. The successful candidate will be able to lead by example and inspire colleagues to consistently deliver exemplary practice.

• The main duties of the existing Deputy Head are to take a lead role in the daily operational management of the school, as well as leading on:
• A significant element of the school improvement plan ( for 2017-18 Curriculum Developemnt and Strategic Plan )
• CPD
• Policies
• Admissions
• Outreach
• Support Services ( inc. EP & Communication )
• Transport
• ITT Co-ordinator
• PM-Teachers / HLTAs
• Managing the school in the Headteacher’s absence

To be an effective leader we are looking for flexibility. The post may have other areas of responsibility as they arrive, and is currently a non-teaching post. In addition applicants would be expected to work to the Deputy Headteacher job description and person specification.

In 2016/17 the school maintained its Outstanding Ofsted rating for the third consecutive time, as well as re-accrediting under the international quality standard of Autism Accreditation. Hence the school is now in an exciting phase where it wants to critically review what we offer our pupils, and we are looking for someone to help shape, drive and share in the next chapter of the school. Throughout this we will always put the needs of the pupils at the very heart of what we do, hence we are looking for a deputy head who is fully committed to this school ethos.

The position offers an exciting and challenging opportunity to join our inspiring school of highly skilled teachers and 144 wonderful pupils. This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious individual to work within a strong leadership team, meeting the needs of a wide range of pupils with Severe, Complex, Profound/ Multiple Learning Difficulties, Autism and associated Challenging Behaviours. We are a happy, lively school where staff & pupils enjoy working together and achieving together.

It is essential that you:

• are a good communicator and team-player
• have experience of leading teams
• are innovative in your approach to curriculum development
• have a proven record of designing and implementing action plans for school improvement and can demonstrate your impact
• have the ability to think critically, creatively and be decisive
• have drive, enthusiasm and sound common sense
• have strong emotional intelligence and are relentlessly positive!

You will be evaluative, reflective and inspirational and have the ability to motivate others to take on new challenges that will enhance everything that we offer. The successful candidate should have strong qualifications and proven experience of working in this field. You will be a 'people-person' with a gift for inspiring, leading, motivating and supporting others.

If you are ready to rise to the challenges presented by this post, we invite you to submit an application that clearly identifies your skill-set and suitability for this post. If you would like some further information on the post please contact Rob O’Hara, Headteacher. head@thebirchesschool.org  

Closing date for applications: mid-day Monday 4th December 2017

Interviews: Week beginning 11th December 2017

School visit: Welcome by prior arrangement, please contact school on 0161 448 8895

Please follow the link on the school website in order to download the relevant documents for the vacancy and for further information about The Birches. www.thebirchesschool.org    

Application forms can be posted to school or emailed to jobs@thebirchesschool.org

The selection process will consist of various elements including, a presentation, and a written exercise. Any appointment will be subject to suitable references.

SAFEGUARDING— The Birches is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring) check.

FIRBANK ROAD, NEWALL GREEN, WYTHENSHAWE, MANCHESTER, M23 2YS