Assistant Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher:
Inclusion, SEND and Safeguarding

0.8 FTE or Full-Time (1.0 FTE)

Permanent

January 2027 Start (or sooner if possible)

This isn’t just another SENDCo role…

Following the appointment of a new Headteacher, Idle CE Primary School is entering an exciting new chapter.

We are looking for an exceptional leader to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of inclusion, safeguarding and pastoral provision across our school.
This role offers a rare opportunity to lead strategically, influence whole-school improvement and make a lasting difference to the lives of children and families.

As our Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, SEND and Safeguarding, you will be at the heart of our mission to ensure every child is known, valued and able to flourish.

Why Idle?

Guided by our vision of Growing Together with Love, Courage and Joy, we are committed to ensuring every child receives the support, challenge and opportunities they need to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

As part of our ambitious development journey, we are investing significantly in:

• Inclusion and SEND provision
• The development of The Hub
• Staff expertise in adaptive teaching
• High-quality safeguarding systems
• Strong partnerships with families and external agencies

This role combines strategic leadership, inclusion, safeguarding and SEND.

This is a non-class-based leadership role. The successful candidate will not have responsibility for a class and will be expected to focus on the strategic and operational leadership of inclusion, SEND and safeguarding across the school. However, as part of the Senior Leadership Team, there may be occasions where the postholder is required to provide short-term classroom cover in exceptional circumstances.

You will:

• Have the opportunity to shape, develop and influence provision across the entire school, rather than simply maintaining existing systems.
• Shape and lead the school's vision for inclusion.
• Champion the needs of vulnerable pupils.
• Lead SEND provision and fulfil the role of SENDCo.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Develop and grow The Hub as a highly effective provision for pupils requiring additional support.
• Support colleagues to become experts in adaptive teaching and inclusive practice.
• Work closely with pupils, families and external agencies.
• Play a central role in school improvement as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Uphold our Christian vision and values.

This is a role for someone who wants to influence whole-school culture, not simply manage systems.

We Are Looking for Someone Who:

• Believes that inclusion is everyone's responsibility and can build a culture where all staff are confident in meeting the needs of every learner.
• Is an outstanding practitioner with successful leadership experience.
• Holds the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO) or is willing to undertake the qualification.
• Has a strong understanding of SEND legislation, inclusion and safeguarding.
• Has experience of leading provision for pupils with a range of additional needs.
• Has a strong understanding of adaptive teaching and Quality First Teaching.
• Can develop, support and challenge colleagues effectively.
• Has experience of working successfully with families and external agencies.
• Is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for vulnerable pupils.
• Shares our commitment to the Christian vision and values of the school.

Why Us?

• A dedicated non-class-based leadership role with the opportunity to focus strategically on inclusion, SEND and safeguarding.
• A key position within the Senior Leadership Team.
• A committed governing board and supportive Headteacher.
• A school where inclusion sits at the heart of decision-making.
• High-quality professional development…