Deputy Headteacher

Alton Park Junior School; Tendring; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health cash plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Perkbox discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Blue Light Card

Job summary

Alton Park Junior School is seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team. You will work closely with the Headteacher to drive school improvement, embed high expectations, and foster a nurturing, inclusive environment supporting pupils academically, physically, socially and emotionally.

You will lead safeguarding as DSL, champion inclusive practices, oversee the OPAL programme, and contribute to SIP/SEF while supporting staff development and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• UK QTS with proven senior leadership experience in primary.
• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Ability to lead staff and build strong relationships with families and the community.
• Commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities.
• Strong communication and resilience under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Safeguarding & DSL oversight in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
• Drive whole-school behaviour, inclusion and character development.
• Lead OPAL outdoor play and learning programme.
• Contribute to School Improvement Plan (SIP) and Self-Evaluation Form (SEF); line manage teams.
• Model outstanding teaching and learning to drive pupil achievement.

Skills

Senior leadership

Safeguarding expertise

People leadership

Inclusion & behaviour

Integrity & resilience

Education

QTS (UK)

Job description

Join a Community Where Everyone Matters at Alton Park Junior School

Are you an inspiring, ambitious, and resilient leader ready to make a transformational impact?

Alton Park Junior School are seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join our dedicated Senior Leadership Team. Working closely alongside the Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in driving continuous school improvement, embedding high expectations, and cultivating a nurturing, inclusive environment where pupils are supported academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.

In this role, you will take lead responsibility for safeguarding as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), champion positive behaviour, inclusion, and character through our tiered support frameworks, and oversee our exciting Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) programme. If you are a passionate leader of learning who can broaden horizons, inspire a life-long love of learning, and empower pupils with tenacity and motivation, we would love to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Safeguarding & DSL Oversight: Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring total statutory compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education, leading the safeguarding team, and managing multi-agency support.
• Behaviour, Character & Inclusion: Drive whole-school behaviour standards using a tiered support model, enforce our Anti-Bullying Policy, and champion inclusive practices that remove barriers to learning for vulnerable pupils.
• Play & Environment: Lead the implementation of the Behaviour Curriculum and OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme to ensure structured, purposeful, and engaging play experiences.
• School Improvement: Contribute significantly to the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and Self-Evaluation Form (SEF), line managing key teams, and supporting staff development and well-being.
• Teaching & Learning: Model outstanding classroom practice and support teaching and learning across the school to drive pupil achievement.

What We're Looking For:

You are the perfect fit for our team if you have:

• Qualifications & Experience: UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with proven senior leadership experience within the primary sector.
• Safeguarding Expertise: Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (or strong operational safeguarding background) with an unwavering commitment to child protection.
• People Leadership: An enthusiastic, approachable, and motivational leader with the ability to inspire, challenge, and empower staff while building strong relationships with families and the community.
• Inclusion & Behaviour Vision: A deep understanding of inclusive practice, trauma-informed/TPP approaches, and effective behaviour management strategies.
• Integrity & Resilience: High levels of personal integrity, excellent communication skills, and the resilience needed to lead under pressure.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

Why Choose The Sigma Trust?

We believe in investing in our staff and fostering a culture of collaboration. We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive package designed to support your professional and personal life.

Professional Development:

• A robust CPD training program that empowers you to flourish.
• Unrivalled opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across strong Trust-wide networks, sharing ideas and building strong professional relationships.

Employee Benefits:

• A competitive salary and excellent pension scheme.
• A Health Cash Plan and Employee Assistance Programme for your well-being.
• Exclusive perks like access to Perkbox discounts, a Cycle to Work scheme, discounted gym memberships, and eligibility for a Blue Light Card.

Commitment to Safeguarding & Diversity

The Sigma Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to safer recruitment processes, including the disclosure of criminal records, online checks and other vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practice across our schools.

The Sigma Trust is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristics. This is embedded in our vision ‘To Be Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts’, where we believe we are strong and more successful working together, creating a workplace which celebrates diversity.