DAVID SAUL
Wirral,UK
Summary
With 18 years of expertise in ASC, SEMH, and complex needs, this professional excels in therapeutic curriculum design and implementation. Demonstrated leadership in whole-school behaviour and personal development, alongside SEND systems and EHCP processes. Calm, relational, emotionally intelligent and deeply committed to nurturing environments where vulnerable pupils thrive. Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and performance management of staff, with a strong focus on curriculum leadership from intent to impact. Proven ability to design and deliver staff CPD while fostering multi-agency collaboration and family partnerships. Committed to safeguarding contribution and risk-aware practice, with a specialisation in mental health as a MHFA-trained practitioner. Adept at data-informed improvement and strategic planning, aiming to drive educational excellence through innovative approaches.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Specialist SEN Teacher & Senior Management Team Member
Orrets Meadow School
Wirral
01.2007 - 12.2025
- Led ASC, SEMH, inclusion, wellbeing, curriculum development and behaviour approaches across the school.
- Designed and embedded therapeutic curriculum approaches including sensory integration, emotional literacy, regulation systems and wellbeing models.
- Provided leadership in specialist autistic provision, supporting pupils with complex communication and interaction needs.
- Created personalised intervention pathways addressing anxiety, regulation, social skills and emotional wellbeing.
- Led PE, wellbeing and outdoor learning curriculum, ensuring whole-child development through active pedagogies.
- Delivered staff CPD on autism, SEMH, inclusion, mental health, behaviour and therapeutic approaches.
- Coordinated multi-agency input and contributed to high-quality EHCP processes.
- Designed and led residential outdoor learning experiences for 15+ years.
- Contributed to safeguarding culture, risk assessments and pupil welfare planning.
Education
NPQSL – National Professional Qualification - Senior Leadership
Tauheedul College for Teaching and Leadership
09.2016 - 09.2017
Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma - SpLD (Dyslexia)
Edge Hill University
Ormskirk 09.2011 - 09.2012
PGCE - Physical Education and Sports Science
Loughborough University
Loughborough 09.2006 - 06.2007
BA (Hons) - English & Sports Science
Loughborough University
Loughborough 09.2002 - 06.2005
Skills
- ASC, SEMH & complex needs expertise (18 years)
- Therapeutic curriculum design & implementation
- Emotional regulation, sensory integration & wellbeing support
- Whole-school behaviour & personal development leadership
- SEND systems, assessment & EHCP processes
- Coaching, mentoring & performance management of staff
- Curriculum leadership (intent → implementation → impact)
- Designing and delivering staff CPD
- Multi-agency collaboration & family partnership
- Safeguarding contribution & risk-aware practice
- PE, outdoor learning & active pedagogy leadership
- Mental health specialist practice (MHFA trained)
- Data-informed improvement & strategic planning
LEADERSHIP ACHIEVEMENTS
- Led school to multiple national and regional awards including:, AfPE Quality Mark with
- Distinction
- (2017, 2022), Merseyside School of the Year for PE & Sport (2016), School Games
- Platinum
- Award (2017–present), Leeds Carnegie Mental Health Award (2022), Featured in national HMI case study for excellence in PE and Sport Premium use., Led whole-school wellbeing strategy including creation of bespoke wellbeing identification tools and pupil surveys used to drive targeted interventions., Successfully developed curriculum from initial intent through implementation and impact measurement, ensuring high engagement and outcomes for SEND learners., Performance-managed teachers and TAs, supporting professional growth and consistent practice., Delivered CPD across multiple schools as LA Leading Teacher for active learning (Maths of the Day).
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS
- Presented at Youth Sport Trust National Conference showcasing inclusive, wellbeing-driven PE practice.
- Led parent workshops for 10+ years on wellbeing, behaviour, anxiety and mental health.
- Strong community leadership including inclusive sports coaching.
Timeline
NPQSL – National Professional Qualification - Senior Leadership
Tauheedul College for Teaching and Leadership
09.2016 - 09.2017
Postgraduate Certificate / Diploma - SpLD (Dyslexia)
Edge Hill University
09.2011 - 09.2012
Specialist SEN Teacher & Senior Management Team Member
Orrets Meadow School
01.2007 - 12.2025
PGCE - Physical Education and Sports Science
Loughborough University
09.2006 - 06.2007
BA (Hons) - English & Sports Science
Loughborough University
09.2002 - 06.2005