At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead behaviour, attendance, and inclusion strategies to create a supportive school culture.
- Company: Outcomes First Group, committed to wellbeing and work/life balance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic pupils and their families.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and proven leadership experience in specialist settings.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering every pupil to thrive.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance – and we’re putting wellbeing first. We’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW – and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Location: Ryecroft School, Walsall, West Midlands WS2 7BH
Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:00pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: December 2025
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship
About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who is passionate about creating a school culture where every pupil feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. Ryecroft School is a specialist provision for autistic pupils, including those with additional challenges such as learning disabilities and behaviours. You will lead behaviour, attendance, and inclusion across the school, shaping a positive, nurturing environment that empowers pupils socially, emotionally, and academically. Working closely with pupils, staff, families, and external professionals, you will embed consistent, high-expectation practices while celebrating individuality and diversity. In this role, you will have the opportunity to influence whole-school culture, support staff development, and ensure all pupils have equitable access to learning in a safe, structured, and empowering environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of whole-school behaviour, attendance, and inclusion strategies, promoting a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.
- Monitor and review behavioural trends and attendance, using data to guide interventions and celebrate improvements.
- Ensure all pupils have equitable access to the curriculum through personalised support and inclusive teaching practices.
- Support and develop staff through coaching, guidance, and CPD to embed positive behaviour, engagement, and inclusive approaches.
- Collaborate with families, external agencies, and wider stakeholders to enhance pupil wellbeing, attendance, and engagement.
- Contribute fully to the Senior Leadership Team, supporting the Headteacher with whole-school initiatives, operational priorities, and strategic development.
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
- Proven leadership experience, ideally within a specialist setting for autistic pupils or pupils with additional challenges.
- Strong knowledge of behaviour management, safeguarding, and inclusive practice for pupils with autism and learning difficulties.
- Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff while maintaining a calm and solution-focused approach.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
About Us
Ryecroft School is an independent day school in Walsall, providing specialist education for autistic children and young people aged 4–18 years. We focus on meeting the unique learning needs of autistic pupils, including those with additional challenges such as learning disabilities and behaviours that may present as a result of their diagnoses. Our new school, which opened in September 2024, has a capacity for 60 pupils and is designed to support learners with autism and complex needs in a safe, nurturing, and structured environment.
Why join Options Autism?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.
Assistant Headteacher - Behaviour, Attendance and Inclusion in Walsall employer: Acorn Care and Education
Contact Detail:
Acorn Care and Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher - Behaviour, Attendance and Inclusion in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s culture and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around behaviour, attendance, and inclusion strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you can positively impact the school environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining #teamOFG and contributing to a positive school culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher - Behaviour, Attendance and Inclusion in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Headteacher role. Highlight your experience with behaviour management and inclusion strategies, as these are key to what we're looking for at Ryecroft School.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for creating a supportive school culture shine through in your application. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate both pupils and staff, so share specific examples of your past successes!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us quickly see how you fit into our vision for a nurturing environment at Ryecroft School.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of behaviour management, attendance strategies, and inclusion practices. Brush up on the latest trends and research in these areas, especially as they relate to autistic pupils and those with additional challenges.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for creating a supportive school culture shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to empowering pupils and fostering an inclusive environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to behaviour and attendance. Think about real-life examples where you’ve successfully implemented strategies or interventions, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.
✨Engage with the Panel
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, the team you'll be working with, and how they measure success in behaviour and inclusion. This shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in the role.