Associate Assistant Head - Coaching and Professional Development
Mayfield Special Needs School
Full-Time: Permanent
Competitive Salary: Leadership Scale L5 £57137 to L9 £63070 Pro Rata 1.0 FTE (L5plus Depending on experience). Please note there is also a teaching responsibility with this role.
Start Date: 01 September 2026
We are seeking an inspirational and experienced leader to join our senior leadership team as an Associate Assistant Headteacher. This is a key role supporting the strategic direction of the school while ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, and pastoral care for our pupils.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and embed a coaching culture that strengthens teaching quality and accelerates staff growth at every career stage.
* Design, deliver and evaluate a coherent, evidence‑informed Professional Development (PD) programme aligned to school priorities.
* Improve classroom practice through high‑impact coaching, instructional feedback, and precise development pathways (ECT, ITT, Early Career, developing and expert teachers, and support staff).
* Assure the quality of CPD and its impact on pupil progress, inclusion and wellbeing.
* Curate and deliver evidence‑informed CPD – relevant and appropriate for our context.
* Commission external expertise as appropriate.
* Ensure CPD is accessible and inclusive.
* Define impact measures.
* Report regularly to SLT/Governors on implementation, participation, and outcomes; refine provision in response to evidence.
* Lead/coordinate teaching & learning reviews, peer observations, and moderation linked to PD priorities.
* Line‑manage designated staff (e.g., mentors/ECTs/cover HLTA), setting clear objectives and providing supportive challenge.
* Oversee ECT/ITT: induction quality, mentor training, fidelity to statutory requirements, and timely assessment points.
* Manage and support progression and succession planning.
* Maintain robust CPD systems.
* Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, data protection.
* Champion a learning culture: psychological safety, collaboration, reflective practice, and professional curiosity.
* Work with curriculum leads, curriculum block groups, SENCO, behaviour leads and senior leaders to align PD with curriculum, SEND provision, behaviour and wellbeing.
* Build partnerships with external providers; share and import best practice.
We Are Looking For Someone Who
* Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
* Has leadership experience.
* Has experience working within a special school or specialist provision.
* Has strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
* Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
* Is passionate about inclusion and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.
Safeguarding Mayfield Special School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and appropriate pre‑employment checks.
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