Head of Student Services

About the role

The Head of Student Services will lead pastoral care, safeguarding and family engagement for a specialist school in Poole. Reporting to senior leadership, the role combines strategic oversight of wellbeing services with day‑to‑day management of a dedicated team. The post is term‑time only and starts in September 2026.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Student Services team.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for a designated cohort.
• Ensure high standards of safeguarding, attendance, health, welfare and compliance.
• Build strong partnerships with families, carers and external agencies.
• Champion student voice, self‑advocacy, inclusion and positive behaviour support.
• Oversee counselling, ELSA provision and wider wellbeing services.
• Use data and insight to inform decision‑making and improve support services.
• Contribute to school improvement planning and student outcomes.
• Deliver safeguarding training and promote best practice across the school.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in a special‑needs or inclusive education setting.
• Strong emotional intelligence, resilience and a passion for supporting children with complex needs.
• Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) and other neurodiverse profiles.
• Experience of safeguarding responsibilities, preferably as a Designated Safeguarding Lead or deputy.
• Excellent communication and partnership‑building skills with families, local authorities and external agencies.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary range of £36,662‑£37,183 per annum.
• Term‑time permanent contract with a supportive school community.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership training.
• A collaborative environment focused on inclusion and student wellbeing.