Watling View is a school for young people aged 2-19 with severe and profound learning difficulties. Our aim is to support every individual so that that can be the best they can and are prepared for their life beyond Watling View School.  We are about to embark on an exciting opportunity to grow in capacity. During the 2026 – 2027 academic year we are going to be opening a 32 place satellite provision in Potters Bar. 

As Deputy Headteacher, you will:

• Provide both strategic and operational direction for the school

• Oversee the daily organisation and ensure the smooth running of the school

• Lead on ITT and ECT programmes, supporting the next generation of teachers

• Act as the Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the highest standards of pupil welfare

• Lead on developing teaching across the school 

• Serve as a key link between educational and therapy teams

• Support recruitment, retention, and staff development including leading on staff induction 

• Lead on the annual review process making sure the school continues to fulfil its statutory responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to strategic improvement and quality assurance initiatives

• Deputise for the Headteacher as needed

• Lead on PSHEEC and Personal Development 

• Lead on another school development area, tailored to your strengths

• Work alongside the FLA to promote positive home to school relationships

• Teach a small number of lessons as agreed with the headteacher.  

What we offer:

• A new starter induction programme

• Membership to Herts Rewards – employee benefits scheme with discounts and cashback

• Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellbeing package

• Ongoing professional development (CPD)

• Generous pension provision

• Various staff social events throughout the year

• Optional Childcare Vouchers scheme

• Annual appraisal and Occasional Day

• Free on-site car parking

Safeguarding Commitment:

Watling View School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All posts are subject to enhanced DBS and reference checks.

Diversity Commitment:

We are committed to creating a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join a thriving, supportive school community!

Application:

Visits to the school prior to application are highly recommended. Please call Jo Roberts 01727 850560 #6 to arrange an appointment. You can visit our website www.watlingview.herts.sch.uk.

Please contact the school office for further information and to talk to the Head Teacher. Applications can be made online at www.mynewterm.com or www.teachinherts.com. Please do not send CV’s as they will not be considered.  No agencies.

Job Description

Purpose of the Role:

The Deputy Headteacher will play an instrumental role in the ongoing development of Waling View School and will be pivotal in both the strategic and operational direction for Watling View School, supporting the school to achieve its aims. The postholder will lead on a range of areas outlined below. 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational direction, supporting the school’s vision and aims

• Lead on the day-to-day organisation of the school, including staff distribution and ensuring the smooth running of daily operations

• Lead on Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and Early Career Teacher (ECT) programmes, including developing and implementing support programmes

• Act as the designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust safeguarding policies and practices

• Lead the whole school teaching and learning strategy, developing and improving teaching across the school

• Provide a key link between the education staff and the therapy team, facilitating effective communication and collaboration

• Support the recruitment and retention of staff, contributing to a positive and supportive work environment including leading the induction programme

• To lead on the whole school annual review process, ensuring statutory requirements are fulfilled

• Contribute to, and lead, areas of strategic improvement and school-wide evaluation

• Take an active role in the school’s quality assurance programme, including leading on specific areas as agreed

• Deputise for the Headteacher in their absence

• Lead on another agreed area of school development, based on the postholder’s skills and knowledge

• Contribute to other collective and whole-school responsibilities, as required

• Lead on the PSHEEC curriculum and area of personal development 

• To work collaboratively alongside the school’s Family Liaison Advisor to promote positive home to school communication and working relationships. 

• To undertake any professional duties reasonably delegated by the Headteacher.

• The successful candidate will teach a small number of lessons as agreed with the Headteacher.  

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to leadership and management

Experience:

• Significant teaching experience, for pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties 

• Experience of managing and leading teams, including at middle and senior leadership level 

• Experience in safeguarding and child protection

• Experience of implementing and evaluating school improvement initiatives

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of current educational legislation and guidance

• Excellent organisational and communication skills

• Ability to lead and manage change effectively

• Sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection requirements

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across teams

• Skilled in developing and delivering staff training programmes

• Knowledge of effective teaching, learning, and assessment strategies

Personal Qualities:

• High expectations for all pupils and staff

• Commitment to upholding and promoting the ethos and values of the school

• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively

• Integrity, honesty, loyalty, and fairness

• Flexible and adaptable approach

• Commitment to equality and diversity

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality

• Full UK driving licence 

Safeguarding:

Watling View School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory completion of safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and reference checks.

Watling View School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We’ll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

Staff are expected to comply with any reasonable request from the Headteacher to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified within this job description. This job description is current at the date shown, but it will be reviewed regularly, to reflect changes in the job commensurate with the job title, purpose and grade and in response to school improvement priorities.

The appointment is subject to the current conditions of employment in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions. 

Appointment to this post is subject to satisfactory clearance of enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, including the barred list, as well as all other pre-appointment checks, including social media, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025). Online searches will be carried out at part of due diligence during the recruitment process.