Location: High Wycombe
Overview
Are you an ambitious and experienced leader with a passion for transforming the lives of pupils with complex special educational needs?
Chiltern Wood School, a multi-site special school in High Wycombe, is seeking an Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral) to join our supportive leadership team.
Salary: Leadership scale 6 - 11
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Closing date: 9:00am on Friday 8th May 2026
Interviews: Thursday 14th May 2026
About us
We provide high-quality education for 239 pupils with ASC, SLD and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) across three sites. Our dedicated staff team is committed to delivering personalised learning and outstanding care in a nurturing environment.
About the role
Main Purpose of the Role:
1. To support the development, implementation and evaluation of the whole-school pastoral strategy for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including autism and complex learning needs.
2. To act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust safeguarding processes are followed across the school.
3. To support attendance and behaviour systems across all three school sites.
4. To provide targeted support for individual pupils’ behaviour using a range of supportive techniques and strategies, working with classes and liaising with external agencies as appropriate.
5. To act as a Team Teach trainer, delivering training and guidance on positive behaviour support and physical intervention strategies.
6. To oversee the induction and support of all new pupils arriving at the Studley Green Little Wings site.
7. To develop and monitor wellness support plans for staff at the Studley Green site.
For further information please see attached Job description.
About you
Qualifications and training
8. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
9. Evidence of further professional development in pastoral care, SEND or leadership.
10. Team Teach trainer qualification, or willingness to achieve this upon appointment.
11. Designated Safeguarding Lead training (or willingness to complete).
Experience
12. Successful teaching experience with pupils with SEND, including autism and complex needs.
13. Experience in a pastoral role within a special or mainstream school.
14. Experience of working with multi-disciplinary teams and external agencies.
15. Experience of delivering staff training (desirable).
16. Experience of chairing Annual reviews
Skills and knowledge
17. Thorough understanding of best practice in pastoral care and safeguarding in a special school context.
18. Up-to-date knowledge of legislation and guidance related to SEND, safeguarding, attendance and behaviour.
19. Strong understanding of positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies.
20. Ability to analyse data and implement effective interventions.
21. Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.
22. Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships with pupils, staff, families and external partners.
Personal qualities
23. High expectations for all pupils and commitment to supporting their holistic development.
24. A child-centred, empathetic and flexible approach.
25. Commitment to upholding and promoting the ethos and values of Chiltern Wood School.
26. Ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively and maintain confidentiality.
27. Enthusiastic, proactive and resilient.
28. Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.