Job description

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

4DWW will be rolled out within our school, when we have a full complement of staff, and within the next year – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join us #teamOFG!

Are you an innovative Deputy Headteacher committed to improving the lives of pupils and young people?

We are looking for a Deputy Headteacher for our New Options School - Trimdon Hill School in Durham. The school will have capacity for 40 pupils and is due to open in June 2025. We're recruiting for a Deputy Headteacher to help set up and grow our new school.

Our New Options School will cater for pupils with a variety of needs including Autism.

Up to £55,000 per annum, depending on experience (not pro rata)
37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday
Term Time only
Permanent

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship

Through your knowledge and passion, you will have a real impact on the lives of pupils and young people. As Deputy Headteacher you will provide effective leadership and management of the school that ensures the school meets its aims and objectives and operates within the overall strategy and guidelines of Options Autism.

To work with the Head Teacher, leadership team and other stakeholders to secure high standards throughout the school.

About the role

As a Deputy Headteacher, you will promote a relentless focus on high quality, creative learning, delivering our pupils educational needs, maximising pupil achievement, and their ability to develop.

Key Task Areas and Responsibilities

To comply with good safeguarding procedures and principles as detailed by the local safeguarding board
To participate in the process of assessment of referrals
To act as overall curriculum coordinator and manager across the school
To act as the lead teacher for the positive support of behaviour that may challenge
To work as a key member of the multi-disciplinary team which encompasses education, residential care and the clinical team
To monitor progress and targets to ensure that each individual student can achieve planned outcomes

Essential criteria

Relevant experience of teaching pupils and young people with Autistic spectrum condition and/or challenging behaviours
Relevant experience of teaching pupils and young people with complex needs
Experience of managing staff
Managing budgets effectively and ensuring cost efficiency
Degree and QTS
Please see job description for more details and information

To view the job description, please click here Deputy Headteacher JD

Why join Options Autism?

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
Cycle to Work Schemes
Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Equal Opportunities

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy.

Job description

Deborah Ledger-Knowles