Colfe's School seeks to appoint an exceptional educational leader in this new senior role of Assistant Head (Director of Inclusion). This is a whole-school strategic leadership role responsible for shaping and leading provision for pupils with learning differences, additional needs and barriers to learning from Nursery to Sixth Form, although its operational focus will be on the senior setting, Y7 to 13. The successful candidate will combine educational expertise, strategic vision, sound judgment and professional authority. They will ensure that pupils are supported effectively while maintaining the school's commitment to academic ambition, independent learning and high expectations for all pupils. This is not a traditional SENCo role. The Assistant Head (Director of Inclusion) will be a senior leader with significant influence over teaching and learning, admissions, staff development, pastoral provision and school improvement.
- pupils receive appropriate and effective support
- teachers are equipped and accountable for delivering adaptive teaching
- reasonable adjustments are implemented consistently and proportionately
- admissions decisions are informed, transparent and sustainable
- resources are deployed effectively
- the school meets its statutory and regulatory obligations
- provision contributes positively to pupil outcomes and wellbeing
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the strategic development of learning support provision from ages 3-18
- Advise the Head, Governors and Senior Management Team on all matters relating to SEND, inclusion and learning support
- Ensure that learning support provision reflects the school's educational aims and strategic priorities
- Contribute to whole-school improvement planning
- Benchmark provision against sector-leading practice
Admissions
- Develop robust systems for assessing support needs prior to admission
- Review applications across all entry points where SEND or significant learning support needs are identified and advise on the school's ability to meet individual needs
- Support transparent communication with families regarding likely provision and limitations
Authority for Reasonable Adjustments
- Ensure compliance with:
- Equality Act 2010
- SEND Code of Practice
- JCQ regulations
- Independent School Standards
- ISI inspection requirements
- Maintain robust systems and documentation
- Oversee access arrangements and examination accommodations
- Advise senior leaders regarding legal risk
- Contribute to inspection preparation and readiness
Leadership of Learning Support Teams
- Establish clear standards, expectations and accountability
- Evaluate staffing structures and deployment
Teaching and Learning / Staff Training
- Promote adaptive teaching as the primary means of supporting pupils
- Deliver training and share information to promote evidence-informed approaches to inclusion
- Monitor the quality and consistency of provision across departments and year groups
Teaching Assistant Deployment (Senior School)
- Review and oversee deployment of Teaching Assistants
- Oversee training of teaching staff in how best to use Teaching Assistants to support pupil progress
- Evaluate the impact of TA support on outcomes
Pupil Support
- Maintain oversight of pupils receiving learning support across the school
- Analyse attainment, progress and value-added data for pupils receiving learning support
- Ensure timely identification of need and monitor interventions and their effectiveness
- Coordinate support plans where required
Parent Partnership
- Build constructive and professional relationships with families
- Provide expert guidance where needs are complex
- Ensure regular communication with parents
Essential
- Significant leadership experience in SEND, inclusion or learning support
- Deep knowledge of SEND legislation and current best practice
- Strong understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and reasonable adjustments
- Experience of EHCP and SEND funding in independent and/or maintained schools
- Excellent judgement and decision-making skills
- Outstanding communication skills
- Strong analytical and organisational skills
- Emotional intelligence, resilience and credibility
Desirable
- Qualification in SEND leadership or related field
- Experience of whole-school leadership
- Experience of inspection preparation and regulatory compliance
- Experience within a high-performing independent or state school environment
Personal Qualities
- Able to balance compassion with professional boundaries
- Intellectually rigorous
- Pragmatic and solutions focused
- Highly organised
- Confident making difficult decisions
- Committed to high expectations for all pupils
Contract: Full time, Permanent
- Status: Assistant Head level, sitting on the Deputies team Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
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Assistant Head (Director of Inclusion) in Lee employer: COLFE'S SCHOOL
Colfe's School is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, perfect for those passionate about nurturing young minds. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on safeguarding, employees enjoy a fulfilling career in education, working alongside dedicated colleagues in a vibrant community. The term-time only schedule allows for a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for individuals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
