Job Title: Assistant Headteacher – SEND and Inclusion
Grade: L12 – L16
Contract Type/Term: Full Time/Permanent
Responsible to: Headteacher
The Headteacher and Governors are looking to appoint an Assistant Headteacher who can demonstrate a passion for education, evidence a track record of successfully leading impactful whole school development, and someone who will invest their enthusiasm, passion and expertise in building better futures for our pupils.
Main purpose: The role as Assistant Headteacher responsible for SEND and Inclusion, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience of all students, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, children looked after (CLA), young carers, and those with mental health and wellbeing needs, including students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges.
To work as a member of the senior leadership team to raise standards, improve student outcomes and increase the aspiration of our school community.
As Assistant Headteacher, under the direction of the Headteacher, your responsibilities will include:
· Strategic Leadership: Overseeing the strategic direction and development of SEND and Inclusion across the school, working closely with the SENDCO, inclusion team, and leadership.
· SEND Support: Providing leadership to the SENDCO and SEND team, ensuring that high-quality, tailored support is in place for students with SEND.
· Inclusion Strategy : Leading initiatives for EAL students, CLA students, young carers, and students requiring complimentary education, ensuring that all are fully supported and integrated within the school community.
· Mental Health and Wellbeing: Championing mental health and wellbeing initiatives to ensure a holistic approach to student care, supporting both academic and emotional growth.
· SEMH Provision: Leading the provision for students with SEMH needs, ensuring that appropriate interventions are in place and contributing to the school’s positive culture.
· Policy and Compliance: Ensuring that SEND and Inclusion policies are in line with national standards and legislation.
· Collaboration: Working in close partnership with teachers, parents, external agencies, and other professionals to ensure effective, multi-disciplinary support for students.
· Data and Impact: Monitoring and evaluating the progress of students with SEND and Inclusion needs, ensuring that all pupils are making positive progress and that interventions are evidence-based and impactful.
What We Are Looking For :
· A qualified teacher with experience in SEND and Inclusion leadership.
· A passion for improving outcomes for students with diverse needs.
· Proven experience of leading teams and driving change within a school or educational setting.
· A thorough understanding of SEND legislation and best practices.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with students, staff, parents, and external agencies.
· A commitment to ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed academically and personally.
· Leadership experience at a senior level within a secondary school setting.
What We Offer:
· A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team.
· Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
· A school community that values inclusivity and collaboration.
· The opportunity to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of students.
If you are a passionate and motivated educational leader with a deep commitment to inclusion and SEND provision, we would love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership and Vision:
· Lead the strategic development and implementation of SEND and Inclusion across the school.
· Ensure that all school policies and practices are inclusive and compliant with SEND and Inclusion legislation.
· Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to monitor the effectiveness of SEND and Inclusion strategies and interventions.
2. SEND Provision:
· Lead and manage the SENDCO and SEND team, providing support, guidance, and strategic direction.
· Ensure high-quality, person-centred provision for students with SEND, including the development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and provision maps.
· Oversee the delivery of tailored interventions to meet the diverse needs of SEND students, ensuring access to the curriculum and extracurricular activities.
3. Inclusion:
· Lead the school’s inclusion strategy, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds (EAL, CLA, young carers) are supported to achieve their full potential.
· Develop initiatives that promote the inclusion of all students in school life, with a focus on those with mental health, wellbeing, and SEMH needs.
· Provide training and guidance for staff on inclusive practices and strategies.
4. Mental Health and Wellbeing:
· Lead on mental health and wellbeing initiatives, fostering a supportive school culture.
· Develop and implement strategies to support the emotional wellbeing of all students, with particular attention to students with SEMH needs.
· Work closely with external agencies to provide additional support for students requiring specialist mental health services.
5. SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health):
· Oversee the provision for students with SEMH needs, ensuring appropriate interventions and support are in place.
· Lead the development of strategies to reduce barriers to learning for students with SEMH challenges.
· Promote positive behaviour management strategies and support systems for students with complex needs.
6. Collaboration and Communication:
· Work closely with the SENDCO, pastoral teams, subject leaders, and external professionals to coordinate and deliver high-quality support.
· Ensure effective communication between staff, parents, and external agencies regarding the support and progress of students with SEND and Inclusion needs.
· Foster an environment of collaboration and understanding, ensuring all stakeholders are engaged in the school’s SEND and Inclusion agenda.
7. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
· Regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of SEND and Inclusion provision.
· Use data to track and monitor the progress of students, ensuring that targeted interventions have a positive impact on achievement and well-being.
· Prepare reports for the Headteacher and governors on SEND and Inclusion provision, progress, and outcomes.