Deputy Head of Student Services

We are seeking a passionate and values-driven leader to join our team as Deputy Head of Student Services. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate on inclusive practice and champion the voice of students with diverse and complex needs, including ASC, PMLD, and neurodivergence.

You will support the Head of Student Services 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 support for our counselling, ELSA and other services.

The successful candidate will bring creativity, emotional intelligence, and resilience to the role. You will demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing. Previous experience in a pastoral, SEND or multi-agency role is essential as well as an understanding of the complexities of supporting children and young people with physical disabilities and complex needs.

• 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.
• Confident using data to inform practice, deliver safeguarding training, and embed inclusive approaches across the school.

Why Join Us?

Victoria School is a nurturing, forward-thinking community that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

• Join a team committed to equity, advocacy, and creating a sense of belonging for every student.
• Make a meaningful impact on students' learning and personal development
• Benefit from continued professional development and training

For further details, including a job description, person specification and application form, please email:

Applications close: we reserve the right to close the advert before this date should suitable applications be received).

Visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged. Please call or email

Shaftesbury Victoria School, part of the disability charity Shaftesbury, is located in Poole, Dorset. The school provides education for children in the primary and secondary age range.

Our students have a range of complex physical and learning needs, including ASC.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all relevant safeguarding checks.

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.