Deputy Headteacher opportunity with Uffculme School

Dear Applicant

Thank you for your interest in the post of Deputy Head (Primary) at Uffculme School.

Since I joined the school as Headteacher four years ago we have grown significantly in student numbers. Like other Special Schools nationally our student cohort has become increasingly complex and varied. We are currently reviewing our values and ethos at Uffculme to ensure that we are still reflective of the community we serve and considerate of changes in education, school leadership and partnership. The role of Deputy Head for Primary is pivotal in that.

Uffculme has a history of outstanding teaching and learning. Our most recent Ofsted in June 2019 reflected practice at the time. We were a good school. We are confidently driving towards outstanding. The challenge for the Deputy Heads and the extended Leadership Team is how we navigate the external pressures, whilst keeping focussed on the daily experiences of the children and young people in school.

Uffculme’s Mission Statement is: to enable all young people to have the skills, knowledge and experiences to lead meaningful and enjoyable lives, and optimise lifelong opportunities. Our recent curriculum reforms have focussed on asking ‘why’? Why does this child need to learn that right now? Why will learning this make a difference to their lives as adults? This is a question that can only be answered in partnership with students, parents and carers as well as other professionals. This is a critical area of development as we push towards Outstanding.

The question of ‘why’ is also one that we are discussing with colleagues in the local authority and other schools. As opportunities for collaboration continue, we are working with others to ensure that we are supporting the development of provision for all children and young people with Autism in Birmingham. We are keen to further develop partnerships, as well as building more strategic models of provision with our Mainstream colleagues.

I hope in this brief outline that you gain an insight into the diverse opportunities for a Deputy Head at Uffculme School. You would join a committed and experienced school team. More importantly you would have the opportunity to work with some of the most delightful, caring and wonderful students you will ever meet. They really are the best-selling feature of our school.

You will alo get a flavour of our school at our website www.uffculme.org.uk and you will also find us on Facebook.

If you are interested in this opportunity at Uffculme School, we would welcome a visit from you so that you can meet some of our students and see what we offer them. I would also welcome informal conversations with interested colleagues. Arrangements for this can be arranged by contacting our recruitment partner, Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments. Martin is also available for a private and confidential discussion about the role or advise on making an application.

I look forward to hearing from you.