Exceptional People Deserve Exceptional Staff
About Shaftesbury Statement
Shaftesbury is a disability charity offering care, education, vocational and rehab services. The charity also provides residential care, nursing and supported living.
Within the education sector, Shaftesbury has one school, Shaftesbury Victoria School, and 2 further education colleges, Shaftesbury Millie College and Shaftesbury Nash College. The school is for students aged 3‑19, and the colleges are for students aged 16‑25. All students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as well as physical and/or intellectual disabilities, and some have profound and complex learning needs.
About The Role
We are seeking a passionate and values‑driven leader to join our team as Head of Student Services. This pivotal role will help to shape inclusive practice and champion the voice of students with diverse and complex needs, including ASC, PMLD, and neurodivergence.
You will lead on pastoral support issues in the upper school or lower school, ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and is empowered to thrive. This strategic role includes responsibility as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for an allocated cohort (either upper or lower school) and a key focus on family liaison and advocacy, including the management of counselling, ELSA and other services.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and team‑building skills. You will bring creativity, emotional intelligence, and resilience to the role and have an unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing.
Significant experience in a pastoral, SEND or multi‑agency role is required along with an understanding of the complexities of supporting children and young people with physical disabilities and complex needs. Experience working with ASC students is desirable.
Key Responsibilities
* Ensure high standards of compliance in relation to safeguarding, attendance, health, and welfare.
* Act as DDSL for a designated cohort, ensuring holistic safeguarding.
* Build strong, trusting partnerships with families.
* Champion pupil voice, inclusion, and positive behaviour support.
* Contribute strategically to the school’s leadership and continuous improvement agenda.
* Liaise effectively with parents, external agencies, and the local authority.
* Support student voice and self‑advocacy, including for non‑verbal and neurodivergent learners.
* Drive inclusive classroom practice and equitable staffing.
* Support the school’s “Inclusion and Belonging” culture in line with the 2025 Ofsted framework.
* Use data to inform practice, deliver safeguarding training, and embed inclusive approaches across the school.
* Lead and manage a dedicated team.
Safeguarding
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Shaftesbury Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and staff. It is the responsibility of all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check and will follow our rigorous safer recruitment processes.
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.
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