Package Description

Deputy Headteacher - Dudley, DY5 3DY
£40,000 - £55,000 | Full Time (40 hours/week)

Purpose of Role

The Deputy Headteacher supports the Headteacher in providing effective leadership and management of the school. The role is pivotal in driving high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, and pastoral care in a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment. The Deputy acts as a role model for staff, embodying the school’s EPIC values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Caring) and the professional behaviours outlined in the Staff Code of Conduct Policy.

At Sunny Hill School:

We are delighted to welcome you to Sunny Hill School. We will shortly be opening this setting as a PMLD School. We are a small school which effectively supports children through their educational journey. We are seeking staff members that are looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking team where we can shape the next phase of our journey and bring strategic clarity, energy and vision to our school.

We support a vast array of students who have learning difficulties which affect their learning, communication and daily life. We are committed to ensuring that all students learn and are engaged in the appropriate programme of study, which allows them to successfully engage with education and to achieve their very best outcomes.

From September 2026, we are aiming to increase student intake numbers! Why not reach out today to discuss your thoughts in further detail?

 Key Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in establishing and sustaining the school’s culture and ethos, promoting inclusion, respect, and high expectations
• Model and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity as set out in the Staff Code of Conduct
• Lead curriculum implementation and assessment, ensuring a broad, balanced, and coherent offer tailored to pupils’ complex needs
• Support teaching staff to deliver evidence-informed, high-quality teaching aligned with the Teachers’ Standards and the school’s therapeutic ethos
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and collaborate with the SENDCO to ensure effective provision for pupils with SEND, including personalised learning plans and statutory compliance
• Lead behaviour management strategies in line with the school’s behaviour policy and trauma-informed practises
• Monitor attendance and punctuality, implementing strategies to improve and sustain high levels
• Oversee pastoral care systems to support pupils’ wellbeing, resilience, and personal development
• Assist the Headteacher in operational management, including staffing, resources, and compliance with statutory requirements
• Support the development and implementation of the school improvement plan, with clear, measurable objectives
• Support effective communication and partnership working with parents, carers, governors, and external agencies

 Requirements

• Proven leadership experience in a special school or complex educational setting
• Strong knowledge of the Ofsted inspection framework, safeguarding, SEND, and trauma-informed practice
• Ability to lead teams, motivate staff, and model professional conduct as per the Staff Code of Conduct
• Commitment to the Nolan Principles and school’s professional conduct expectations
• Ability to contribute to strategic planning and school improvement
• Commitment to safeguarding and child protection, following school policies and reporting procedures
• QTS/NPQSL is a requirement

Benefits of Joining Keys Group

• NEST enhanced pension scheme
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys Group and split a £500 referral bonus between you
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to a blue light discount card 
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts  
• Life assurance

Commitment to Equality and Armed Forces Covenant

Keys Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans and military families, through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible service personnel and veterans are guaranteed an interview when their military experience is detailed in their CV. We provide veteran-friendly policies, peer support, and military awareness training.

Safeguarding

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check.

More can be found about Keys Group and our Therapeutic Education Services here 

School tours are highly welcomed as a part of our interview selection process.

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education an online search will be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks.

EDULEAD

Keys Group