Head of Student Services (Upper or Lower School) & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Location: Shaftesbury Victoria School
Salary: £36,662 - £37,183 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent, Term-Time Only
Start Date: September 2026
Make a Lasting Difference Every Day
At Shaftesbury Victoria School, we believe every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. We are looking for an experienced, compassionate, and inspirational leader to join our team as Head of Student Services.
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the educational and personal journeys of children and young people with a range of complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), and other neurodiverse profiles.
Working within either the Upper or Lower School, you will lead on pastoral support, champion inclusion, and ensure that every student's voice is heard. As a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), you will also play a vital role in promoting student safety, wellbeing, and positive outcomes.
About the Role
As Head of Student Services, you will provide strategic leadership across pastoral care, safeguarding, family engagement, and student advocacy. You will work closely with families, colleagues, and external agencies to create a culture where every learner feels a true sense of belonging.
The role includes oversight of counselling, ELSA provision, and wider wellbeing services, ensuring that the support available to students and their families is responsive, effective, and impactful.
We're seeking someone who brings strong leadership skills, emotional intelligence, resilience, and a genuine passion for supporting children and young people with complex needs.
What You'll Be Responsible For
-
Leading and managing a dedicated Student Services team.
-
Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) for a designated student cohort.
-
Ensuring high standards of safeguarding, attendance, health, welfare, and compliance.
-
Building strong, positive partnerships with families and carers.
-
Championing student voice, self-advocacy, inclusion, and positive behaviour support.
-
Working collaboratively with parents, local authorities, and external agencies.
-
Driving inclusive practice across the school and supporting equitable access to learning.
-
Contributing strategically to school improvement and student outcomes.
-
Delivering safeguarding training and promoting best practice across the school.
-
Using data and insight to inform decision-making and improve support services.
-
Supporting Victoria School's commitment to fostering a culture of Inclusion and Belonging.
About You
You will have:
-
Significant experience in a pastoral, SEND, safeguarding, or multi-agency role.
-
A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in supporting children and young people with physical disabilities and complex needs.
-
Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
-
A proactive, solution-focused approach and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
-
An unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing.
Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is desirable.
Why Join Victoria School?
Victoria School is a welcoming, forward-thinking community where collaboration, innovation, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do.
When you join us, you'll benefit from:
The opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and young people with complex needs.
A supportive and highly skilled team dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for every student.
A culture that values equity, advocacy, and belonging.
Ongoing professional development, training, and opportunities to grow your career.
The chance to contribute to a school where every student is encouraged to thrive, succeed, and be heard.
Join us and help create an environment where every student belongs, every voice matters, and every achievement is celebrated.
For further details, including a job description, person specification and application form, please email: [email protected]
Applications close: 31.07.26 (we reserve the right to close the advert before this date should suitable applications be received).
Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged. Please call 01202 763697 or email [email protected]
Shaftesbury Victoria School, part of the disability charity Shaftesbury, is located in Poole, Dorset. The school provides education for children in the primary and secondary age range.
Our students have a range of complex physical and learning needs, including ASC.
Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all relevant safeguarding checks.
Equality and Diversity
Shaftesbury is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Shaftesbury aims to create and sustain an inclusive work environment which provides equality of opportunity for everyone and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. The post holder is required to uphold the Equality and Diversity policy and comply with the code of conduct which sets out our standards of behaviour towards those who use our services or work within them.
