Deputy and Assistant Heads
Opportunities and Support for Deputies and Assistant Heads
Primary Deputies
For experienced teachers who wish to become deputy heads, the course ‘So
You Want to be a Deputy Head?’ aims to increase participants’ knowledge
and understanding of the role so that they can make an informed decision
about whether or not the job is right for them.
When someone is appointed to a deputy headship, they are invited to one
of our termly welcome meetings and they are given a copy of the ‘Primary
Deputy Headteachers’ Handbook’. This booklet was written by
a working group of serving deputies and advisers in Hertfordshire. It provides
hints and tips about how to develop your leadership and management skills
in your day-to-day work in school.
For new deputies, there is also a full induction programme . There are
two sessions each term and deputies are able to join the programme at any
point in the year. Currently, we are covering the following aspects of the
deputy’s role:
- Improving Learning and Teaching – Within the context
of leadership, the principles of learning and teaching are explored as well
as the role of school self-evaluation in effecting improvements.
- Working with Governors – This is about increasing
understanding about the role and responsibilities of governing bodies so
that deputies can successfully engage with them in an effective partnership.
- Building Leadership Capacity and Effective Partnerships – This
session explores how building leadership capacity and strong partnerships
can contribute to school effectiveness.
- Communication Skills – We explore how we can communicate
effectively with a wide variety of people in a range of circumstances.
- Understanding School Finance – This
session aims to help deputies to become skilled in financial planning and
management so that school resources are used effectively.
- Human Resource Issues – Legal requirements and
national guidance are explained to enable deputies to plan ahead and to anticipate
potential problem areas in leading and managing staff.
For experienced deputies, there are opportunities for continuing professional
development through the Primary National Strategy (Leadership Programme)
and through the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH).
Every year there is a County Conference for deputies and assistant heads.
Keynote speakers are usually national figures from a variety of backgrounds
and with a range of experiences and expertise. Our aim is to ensure high
quality input and debate.
From time to time groups of deputies are recruited to help with specific
projects and to help with the organization and facilitation of the annual
conference.
Secondary Deputies
We are currently reviewing our systems for supporting secondary
deputies.
For more details of training courses and conferences view the Training & CPD
Courses available for Secondary.
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