To protect our autistic pupils and young adults within the National Autistic Society, all employees will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.

Join Us as Deputy Principal - Pastoral, Behaviour & Safeguarding

At the National Autistic Society, we offer many services to support autistic children and young people. We work to improve education, care, and experiences so they can reach their full potential.

About the School
At Robert Ogden School, we provide a safe, caring, and friendly environment. Our buildings are large, bright, and designed to be low-arousal.

Our Inclusive Learning Hub supports pupils with complex needs in a calm, non-confrontational way. Every pupil follows an individualised curriculum.

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic, driven and values‑led Deputy Principal – Pastoral, Behaviour & Safeguarding to provide strategic leadership across safeguarding, behaviour, pastoral care, wellbeing and attendance.

As Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will play a pivotal role in shaping the culture, safety and wellbeing of the whole school community. You will work closely with the Principal and senior leadership team, deputising as required, and will lead a multidisciplinary pastoral team to ensure our pupils feel safe, supported and able to flourish.

This role is ideal for an experienced senior leader who wants their work to truly matter and who is motivated by delivering meaningful, life‑changing outcomes for autistic children and young people.

What You’ll Do

• Act as the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring exemplary safeguarding practice and statutory compliance
• Lead safeguarding referrals, investigations, case management and multi‑agency working
• Provide strategic oversight of behaviour, personal development and pastoral systems using autism‑informed approaches
• Lead and develop behaviour support strategies, including analysis of behaviour incidents and RAMPs
• Oversee attendance, wellbeing and mental health strategies in partnership with families and external professionals
• Line manage Assistant Heads, the Lead Therapist, Family Liaison Officer and Behaviour Coordinators

What We’re Looking For

• Substantial senior leadership experience, ideally within a specialist or special school setting
• Proven expertise in safeguarding, pastoral care, welfare and behaviour leadership
• Experience working as a DSL or Deputy DSL
• Strong knowledge of statutory safeguarding guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education
• A compassionate, inclusive and autism‑informed leadership approach

Click here for the Job Description

This role is a full-time permanent role, term time only 44.7 weeks per year.

What we can offer you

• Pension– Auto-enrolled pension scheme.
• Training– Great induction and training, including autism training.
• Discounts– Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple).
• Healthcare– Cash plan for permanent staff.
• Life Assurance– 2x your base salary.
• Flexible Benefits– Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension.
• Support– 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling.
• Mindfulness– Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends.
• Blue Light Card– Eligibility for discounts.

About our application process

When you write your supporting statement:

• Look at the job description and person specification.
• Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
• Give examples if you can.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.

Please clickhereto view the safeguarding policy and please click here to view the policy and procedure for employment of ex-offenders.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Important Information

Agencies need not apply.

Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas.