Deputy Head of Student Services - Victoria School, Poole

Help Every Student Feel Seen, Supported and Valued

Shaftesbury Victoria School is seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate Deputy Head of Student Services to join our dedicated team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced pastoral or SEND professional to play a key role in supporting the wellbeing, inclusion, and success of children and young people with a range of complex needs.

Working alongside the Head of Student Services, you will help shape a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive. You will champion the voices of learners with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), and other neurodiverse profiles, ensuring they feel empowered, respected, and fully included in school life.

As a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) , you will also play a vital role in promoting student safety, supporting families, and ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding and pastoral care.

About the Role

This is a varied and rewarding position that combines strategic responsibility with hands‑on support for students, families, and colleagues.

You will work closely with the Head of Student Services to lead pastoral provision across either the Upper or Lower School, while helping to coordinate effective wellbeing, counselling, ELSA, and family support services. Through strong partnerships and collaborative working, you will help ensure students receive the personalised support they need to achieve positive outcomes both in and beyond the classroom.

We're looking for someone who is resilient, empathetic, and solutions‑focused, with a genuine passion for supporting children and young people with complex needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) for a designated student cohort.
• Support high standards of safeguarding, attendance, health, welfare, and compliance.
• Build positive and trusting relationships with families and carers.
• Champion student voice, inclusion, self‑advocacy, and positive behaviour support.
• Work collaboratively with parents, local authorities, and external agencies.
• Support the delivery of effective pastoral, emotional wellbeing, and family support services.
• Promote inclusive classroom practice and equitable access to learning opportunities.
• Contribute to the school's leadership priorities and continuous improvement agenda.
• Support non‑verbal and neurodivergent learners to communicate their views and aspirations.
• Help embed Victoria School's commitment to Inclusion and Belonging across all aspects of school life.

About You

You will have:

• Experience in a pastoral, SEND, safeguarding, education, or multi‑agency support role.
• A strong understanding of the needs of children and young people with physical disabilities and complex needs.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively and build effective partnerships with families and professionals.
• Strong organisational skills, emotional intelligence, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• An unwavering commitment to safeguarding and promoting student wellbeing.

Experience supporting students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is desirable.

Why Join Victoria School?

Victoria School is a welcoming, forward‑thinking community where inclusion, collaboration, and innovation underpin everything we do.

When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with complex needs.
• A supportive and experienced leadership team committed to staff wellbeing and development.
• A culture that values equity, advocacy, and creating a true sense of belonging.
• Ongoing professional development, training, and opportunities for career progression.
• The chance to work alongside passionate colleagues who share a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for every student.

Join us and help create a school where every student is heard, every achievement is celebrated, and every individual has the opportunity to flourish.

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

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.

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