Head off ! Well done ! The biggest hurdle is getting started on a job like this, it isnt the easiset way to learn bout amending a car, but there wont be much that scares you by the time youve finished.
Take the head to a specialist to have valve(s) replaced, they dont charge all that much and have the tools etc to do the job. They may well advise regrinding the valve seats, get them to do it, its a machine shop job. Its worth having them clean, crack- and pressure-test the head, if its scrap you'll find out.
OR diy, get tools youll never use again, 8 pots to put the bits in, kitchen table in the warm and lots of time. You'll never grind the valves by hand on a "modern" engine so dont bother.
Buy a pukka head gasket set from the specialist (you get loads in the set, other gaskets youll need and a few you wont. If the engine has stretch bolts replace them with new, if only for peace of mind, I dont think you'll want to do this again in February. Brr.
When putting back together its much easier to have a second person help you lower the head on, make sure it goes on square and doesnt nick the gasket. Follow the instructions to the letter when doing up the main bolts. People often use chalk or paint/tippex to mark the bolts as they do them.
While the head is off you have far better access to the rest of the engine, change things like waterpump, cambelt (and rollers, tensioners). Flush the coolant out and drain.
Finally change oil and coolant for new. Car should run like new.
Dont expect to get it done in an afternoon. A trained mechanic would take about a day to do all this, you/'ll take lots longer as you work out how to etc.
good luck
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