Job Description
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Deputy Headteacher (Designated Safeguarding Leader) April 2026
Full time
Leadership pay scale 14-18
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."Mahatma Gandhi
Castledon School is a special school committed to Unlocking Potential for children and young people with additional needs. Guided by our values of Belonging, Opportunity and Achievement, we are seeking an experienced leader to join the senior leadership team as Deputy Headteacher, with responsibility as the Designated Safeguarding Leader.
This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone who believes that feeling safe, understood and valued is the foundation for learning.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively alongside the Headteacher and wider Senior team as part of a strong senior leadership team. They will play a central role in ensuring pupils are safeguarded and supported to thrive, contributing to both the strategic and operational leadership of the school.
Key areas of responsibility will be discussed at interview, and will include safeguarding, attendance, behaviour and safety, therapeutic provision, and support for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children.
Central to the role is the leadership of Castledon's therapeutic, relational approach to behaviour, recognising the impact of trauma, attachment and additional needs. The Deputy Headteacher will champion positive relationships, emotional wellbeing and consistent practice, ensuring behaviour support is underpinned by care, understanding and high expectations.
As noted in the school's most recent Ofsted inspection,"Staff support pupils' behaviour exceptionally well… Pupils' culture is incredibly positive and they treat each other with kindness and respect."
The role requires a strong understanding of the complexities of a special school environment and a commitment to inclusive practice. Safeguarding, wellbeing and care will be embedded across all aspects of school life, enabling pupils to feel a sense of belonging, access meaningful opportunities and achieve their potential.
Safeguarding Children & Young People
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are therefore expected to behave in such a way that supports this commitment. Appointment to this post will be subject to the following satisfactory pre-employment checks:
· Health
· Identity
· Relevant work qualifications
· Right to work in the UK
· Barred List Check (previously List 99)
· Disclosure & Barring Service Check (for all staff and volunteers)
Information about the School
Castledon School is a Special School for pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties and additional complex needs from Year 1 - Year 14.