Assistant Head Teacher (Inclusion)

Job Introduction

Assistant Head Teacher (Inclusion)

Are you passionate about making a difference? Would you like to be part of our drive to inspire our school community to be aspirational, ambitious and to “dream big”? Do you believe in the relentless pursuit of excellence?

We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher – Inclusion (Primary) with a strong track record of outstanding SEND practice and whole-school leadership. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will contribute to driving school improvement, with strategic oversight of Inclusion (including Safeguarding) and Pastoral Care. You will bring extensive experience of working with children with a wide range of special educational needs and their families, and demonstrate confidence in collaborating with a range of external professionals and agencies. You will model outstanding practice and have the ability to lead, inspire and manage staff across a diverse school community.This role is predominantly non-class-based, enabling maximum impact on pupil attainment and progress across the school. However, there will be a regular teaching commitment, alongside a strong presence in classrooms to support high-quality teaching, learning, and provision for pupils with SEND.The successful candidate will lead the Inclusion Team, driving forward innovative and impactful strategies and interventions to ensure all pupils are fully engaged and make strong progress. They will ensure provision closely matches the needs of each individual. The role demands a clear understanding of nurture and the social and emotional aspects of learning. We would be particularly interested in someone who has experience of managing alternative provision in a main stream setting.

This inspirational leader will:

• Lead the day-to-day operation and strategic development of the school’s SEND policy, including coordinating the work of external professionals
• Oversee the identification and assessment of pupils with SEND, ensuring appropriate, high-quality interventions are in place
• Advise on the effective deployment of resources to meet pupils’ needs
• Support, coach and train staff in evidence-informed strategies for teaching pupils with SEND, including those with complex needs
• Maintain accurate and compliant SEND records, including SEN Support Plans and reports for external agencies and governor
• Build strong partnerships with parents/carers, ensuring they are fully informed and actively involved in their child’s progress
• Lead review meetings, including EHCP annual reviews and multi-agency meetings
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the impact of SEND provision to senior leaders and governors
• Fulfil statutory SENCo duties in line with the SEND Code of Practice (2014), including leading EHC needs assessments and placement consultations
• Respond effectively to the emerging needs of pupils throughout the school day
• Provide strategic leadership of the school’s Internal Alternative Provision
• Champion inclusion and safeguarding, proactively removing barriers to learning
• Promote and embody our nurturing ethos to support confident, happy and successful learners

About us

King Athelstan is a happy and diverse community school, committed to improving outcomes and opportunities for children in the local area. We offer 2-Year-Old Provision, a 30-hour nursery offer, and a Children’s Centre on site, all aligned with our vision of “Inspiring Excellence.” We pride ourselves on our supportive and dedicated staff team and our strong commitment to high-quality professional development. The welfare and happiness of our children is at the heart of everything we do.

We are close to Kingston Town centre with excellent public transport links and have a large free staff carparkVisits to the school are warmly welcomed.

Please contact the school office to make an appointment.

Closing date: 2nd July 2026

Activities: From Monday 7th July – Interview: Friday 10th July

Safer Recruitment Statement

King Athelstan Primary School is committed to safer recruitment practices and prioritises safeguarding in all aspects of our recruitment process.

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames is an equal opportunities employer. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as 'spent', must be declared. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

All candidates will be asked to complete a suitability declaration. All successful candidates will be subject to;An enhanced DBS check with barred list check; A prohibition from teaching check; A section 128 check; Online searches; Verification of identity, qualifications and right to work in the UK; Satisfactory references.

Our child protection policy and recruitment of ex-offenders policy are available on request from the school office.