We are seeking a dynamic Assistant Headteacher who has a real passion for the Early Years to join our leadership team at Polden Bower School.  Salary range L6-L10 to start in September 2025 or earlier if possible. 

Interviews will be held on Thursday 3 April 2025.

 The Assistant Headteacher will:

• Work within the senior leadership team to lead the Early Years provision at our Albert Street Campus
• Support the admission process and oversee transitions for all new children and young people joining the school.
• Develop the outward facing work of the school and wider partnership, specifically for the Early Years, maintaining strong links with Portage, Early Years team and developing links with mainstream pre-schools and nurseries.
• Be an active member of the senior leadership team and act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Be the first point of contact with our parents and carers.
• Support the development and training of our staff team, including apprentices and Early Career Teachers. 
• Be enthusiastic and energetic, promoting the school and wider partnership within the community.

In return, we can offer you:

• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities, including leadership training.
• A supportive and passionate leadership team.
• A fantastic team of staff.
• The opportunity to work with amazing children and young people and be part of their journey. 
•  A supportive network of colleagues across the partnership of schools 
• A wellbeing package including swim sessions, discounted café, Yoga and other activities. 

All Assistant Headteachers hold a whole school responsibility and also lead a specific phase within the school, phases can change annually to ensure that leaders gain a full understanding of the whole school over time. Leading a phase includes the day-to-day organisation along with the middle leader to ensure timetables and staffing are in place. This role also provides a senior leader link for parents and pupils but also ensures they have an oversight of safeguarding, behaviour and attendance for pupils.  

Polden Bower is a purpose-built special school on the edge of Bridgwater. It also has a small Early years and Key Stage 1 provision in the middle of the town. Polden Bower has 220 children and young people aged between 4 and 19 years. All children and young people have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place when they are placed. 

The school is part of a Federation with Avalon School in Street and a wider partnership with The Bridge School, a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Bridgwater.

  There will be a teaching commitment to this role of up to 2 days, this will be flexible at any time to meet the needs of the school and can include direct teaching, supporting, modelling and coaching other staff. 

Visits to the school are encouraged, if you would like to arrange a visit or to speak to someone regarding this role, please contact Jo Stamford on 01278 496386.

Polden Bower School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This appointment will be subject to enhanced DBS disclosure, online check, medical clearance proof of the right to work in the UK and satisfactory references. 

Following the acceptance of your interview, an online check will be carried out as detailed in the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines.