Deputy Head - South Lincolnshire

About the role:

A well established specialist SEND school in South Lincolnshire, supporting children and young people with a wide range of complex needs including ASC, SEMH, communication differences and cognition & learning needs. The school places a strong focus on high quality provision, safe and calm learning environments, and personalised support, supported by a skilled multidisciplinary team.

This position sits within the Senior Leadership Team with a specific focus on operational leadership, whole school systems and day to day running.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide operational leadership across the school, ensuring smooth day to day functioning, effective communication, and consistent implementation of whole school policies.
• Oversee timetabling, staffing deployment, daily cover arrangements, behaviour systems, safeguarding processes, and the operational logistics that underpin high quality SEND provision.
• Lead on health & safety, site operations, risk assessments, emergency planning and compliance, ensuring the school environment remains safe, regulated and fit for purpose.
• Work closely with the Headteacher and SLT to support school development planning, contributing to improvement priorities linked to behaviour, attendance, wellbeing and operational effectiveness.
• Coordinate with external professionals, transport teams, therapists and multi agency partners to maintain effective, joined up provision for pupils with complex needs.
• Support the operational aspects of EHCP implementation, ensuring staffing, resources, and daily structures align with individual pupil requirements.
• Lead and support staff teams, modelling professional standards, clear communication and solution focused leadership.

Pre requisites:

• Experience in SEND settings, alternative provision, specialist schools or complex learning environments.
• Background in operational school leadership, pastoral leadership, behaviour management, inclusion, or support service coordination (middle leader or SLT experience desirable).
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation, safeguarding, health & safety, and whole school operational systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, lead teams effectively, and maintain calm, organised oversight within a fast paced setting.
• Relevant qualifications in leadership, education, SEND or school operations (e.g., NPQSL/NPQH advantageous but not essential).