[260624] Assistant Head Teacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Courtlands School, Reach South Academy Trust is seeking to appoint an experienced Assistant Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead to join the school in September 2026. Post: Assistant Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead Location: Courtlands School, Widney Lane, Plymouth, PL6 5JS FTE Salary Range: L5 - L10 Contract Type: Permanent Contract Hours: 32.5 per week, Monday to Friday For more information about Courtlands School, please view our Applicant Pack - Courtlands School Applicant Pack About the role We are seeking an inspiring and committed Assistant Headteacher to join our leadership team at Courtlands. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced leader to play a pivotal role in driving whole-school improvement, with a particular focus on safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, and pupil outcomes . As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) , you will lead a strong safeguarding culture across the school while supporting high-quality teaching and learning. You will work closely with the Head of School and leadership team to ensure every child thrives in a safe, inclusive, and ambitious environment. Key Responsibilities Lead safeguarding across the school as the named DSL, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance Drive improvements in attendance, behaviour, and pupil engagement Support and challenge teaching to improve standards and pupil outcomes Lead on pupil performance data, monitoring progress and raising attainment Line-manage and develop staff, supporting professional growth and appraisal Contribute to the school improvement plan and strategic leadership of the school Promote a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all pupils About the successful candidate We are looking for a motivated and resilient leader who: Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS) or is able to achieve it within 12 months Has a proven track record of successful teaching and leadership in a primary setting Has experience of leading curriculum areas or whole-school initiatives Demonstrates strong knowledge of safeguarding policy and practice Has high expectations of behaviour, achievement and inclusion for all pupils Is an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills Can inspire and develop staff while working collaboratively across the school About the School Courtlands Special School Academy caters for primary aged children who have moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH), and other complex needs. Within this there is a wide range of needs, such as children with mild medical issues, developmental disorders such as ADHD and Dyspraxia, Autism and speech and language difficulties. Courtlands is an amazing place to come to with a real feel of positivity, acceptance and camaraderie. You see targeted therapies many other schools do not offer and a curriculum that is designed to meet the additional