Deputy Head/SENCo

Salary details: £ - £

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY USING THE DERBYSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL WEBSITE, PLEASE SEE DETAILS BELOW.

Silver Linings Therapeutic School

Join a team changing the story for young people

Opening September 2026, Silver Linings Therapeutic School is a new specialist setting supporting pupils aged 11–16 with social, emotional and mental health needs, trauma backgrounds and neurodiversity.

Located in NG16 6NA, our school offers a therapeutic, relationship-based approach to education, where learning is built on safety, connection and trust.

We believe young people thrive when they are truly understood. That is why therapy is embedded across the entire school experience, not delivered separately.

We offer:

• Small class sizes
• Therapeutic practice embedded in all learning
• Training in trauma-informed approaches
• Opportunity to help shape a brand-new school
• Strong staff wellbeing focus
• Staff lunch provided
• Staff parking
• Opportunities for progression as the school grows

If you want to work somewhere where relationships matter more than routines, Silver Linings could be the place for you.

Start: September 2026

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to become part of the leadership team at the start of our journey.

As Deputy Headteacher and SENCO, you will play a key role in shaping the therapeutic vision, SEND provision and inclusive culture of Silver Linings.

You will work closely with the Headteacher to ensure that every pupil receives the personalised support they need to thrive.

Key responsibilities

• Leading SEND provision across the school
• Developing therapeutic and inclusive practice
• Supporting staff with strategies for SEMH and neurodiverse pupils
• Working closely with families and external professionals
• Helping build a strong, values-driven school culture

We are seeking a leader who:

• Is passionate about trauma-informed education
• Has strong SEND experience
• Believes in relational leadership
• Wants to help shape a new school 

Please contact Cate Tumman at cate@silverliningsed.co.uk for an application pack.

This vacancy may close earlier than the advertised date if we receive enough suitable applications, so early application is encouraged.

Provisional Interview Date: May 2026

Due to this post having access to children and/or vulnerable adults, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided. Click here to see our policy on criminal background checks.

Please be aware that Derbyshire County Council is placing this advert on behalf of this organisation and you should refer directly to its website for details of the terms and conditions attached to this post. Any queries regarding this advert or the recruitment process should be made directly to the organisation.