Deputy Head Teacher

Who are Fair Ways and what do we stand for?

Fair Ways is a leading children’s services charity based in the Solent, delivering Fostering, Education, Residential, Mental Health and Family services and cares for over 400 children, families, young people and vulnerable adults each year.

Fair Ways is a great place to work. We are a team. We care about each other and are all committed to making a change to the lives of the young people and service users in our care. We will not apologise for calling our staff great, the best, or world-class. Our staff are at the core of our organisation and we celebrate them by shouting it from the rooftops!

Where and when do we need you?

We are looking for a Deputy Head Teacher to work as part of our fantastic team at our specialist Autism School, accommodating 20 young people, located in Totton. We strongly believe in creating a person-centred programme to meet each young person’s needs adapting a unique ‘autistic curriculum’. This not only captures the students learning needs but also addresses social, emotional and communication needs of young people with autism and nurtures their independence and well-being. Students are placed with Fair Ways when most other mainstream or specialist schools have been unsuccessful. As such, they are likely to have been out of education for a long period of time, having exhausted multiple placements.

Working in the role of Deputy Head Teacher you will be involved in a range of exciting and engaging things like:

• Day to Day Operations - To be responsible and accountable for the day to day running of the school, leading the school in the absence of the Head of School; including young people, staff, education, behaviour, educational placements, training and Health & Safety having an oversight of all key roles and responsibilities, to ensure the staff and students are experiencing the highest quality of school provision.
• Quality Assurance, Policy and Delivery -Overseeing quality assurance of all school curriculum, ensuring all legislation and all charity policies are always complied with and holding responsibility for the quality of the education and training delivered and the conduct of the staff working in the education provision.
• Leading and supporting regulatory inspections -Ensuring that a minimum Ofsted Grading of GOOD is maintained or improved at all times in all services under your charge.
• Keeping Children Safe -To act as DDSL through the undertaking of regulatory safeguarding training, leading on the management of disclosures or concerns in line with the charity's internal policies and procedures and any relevant external regulatory requirements. This is to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the students and staff within our education provision remains paramount at all times.
• Being a Trauma Informed professional: Using our industry recognised RiiSE training to deliver trauma informed responses through the individualised use of therapeutic and, where appropriate, physical intervention to ensure our children are supported appropriately during times of crisis.
• Building respectful impactful relationships: Proactively maintaining safe and respectful relationships with students and parents through effective support, guidance and care ensuring the maintenance of safe professional boundaries in line with best practice.
• Effective people management, training and compliance - Proactively engaging with staff and managers ensuring supportive and professional relationships. You will have overall responsibility for the quality of the education and training delivered and the conduct of the staff working in the education provision.

This role is offered as a permanent position on a full time basis of 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday, term time only.  All candidates must have a full driving license and have access to the use of a car. Successful candidates will be required to provide an enhanced Disclosure (DBS). This disclosure cost will be met by Fair Ways.

You and your specialisms

Senior roles within our frontline services help achieve our mission of making a difference through passionate care, support, and education. To support this, you will be required to have, or be working towards a minimum of the following qualification levels:

• To hold relevant teaching qualifications including Qualified Teachers Status or hold QTLS
• Background in management experience overseeing Autism and or SEMH within an educational establishment displaying highly organised, methodical approaches and able to prioritise, set deadlines and keep to them.

Let us look after you!

At Fair Ways, we care about your well-being, here is what we currently offer to our dedicated team:

• Exciting Opportunities: Participate in free staff lotteries with amazing prizes, such as £1000 holiday vouchers, weekends away, luxury hampers, £1000 fostering referral scheme and vouchers. Experience a workplace that celebrates your contributions.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a Holiday Accrual Scheme and the option to purchase additional holidays (up to 5 days). We value your time and offer flexibility to accommodate your existing commitments.
• Health and Support: Benefit from Health Shield, our health cash plan, and access to our Employee Assistance Scheme, providing emergency financial assistance and 24/7 counselling services. Access your salary when you need it with Early Pay – The ability to withdraw an amount of your salary early each month to assist with any unforeseen circumstances.
• Growth and Development: Unlock your potential with our Education Grant, offering funding for accreditation up to master's level. Engage in leadership courses to enhance your skills and progress in your career.
• Wellbeing Matters: Experience team-building days, summer festivals, and well-being initiatives, promoting a positive work environment. Take advantage of discounted gym memberships and a cycle-to-work scheme to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Recognition and Rewards: Be appreciated for your dedication through annual Staff Awards and Long Service Awards. Build a secure future with our pension scheme and gain eligibility for a Blue Light Card.
• Supportive Community: Be part of our diverse workforce that embraces all communities. We value your unique perspective and encourage you to contribute to our inclusive and vibrant culture.
• Some of these benefits may differ slightly to support roles in our education settings.

Become a part of our community – We can’t wait to meet you!

If you're passionate about making a difference and are ready to embark on an incredible journey, apply today and be a part of something amazing at Fair Ways. Join our team and help shape brighter futures!