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- Tasks: Lead a specialist provision for pupils with SLCN and ASC, ensuring high-quality teaching and support.
- Company: Riversdale Primary School, a nurturing and ambitious school in Greater London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional autonomy, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape inclusive education and lead a dedicated team in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND leadership, knowledge of EHCP processes, and strong strategic thinking skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic Senior Leadership Team and engage with passionate staff and families.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 63000 £ per year.
Salary: UPS + SEN + TLR (dependent on experience)
Job Introduction
Required from September 2026 or earlier.
Are you an experienced SEND leader ready to shape and lead a high-quality specialist provision within an ambitious, inclusive mainstream school? Riversdale Primary School is seeking an exceptional practitioner to lead our Resource Base for pupils with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). This is a senior leadership role with significant strategic responsibility, including membership of the Senior Leadership Team and fulfilment of the statutory SENCo role for the Resource Base in the first instance. This is not solely a classroom-based post. It is a leadership position requiring strong strategic thinking, statutory knowledge and the ability to secure consistently excellent provision and outcomes.
About the Role
The Head of Resource Base will provide strategic and operational leadership of the provision, ensuring:
- Full compliance with the SEND Code of Practice, DfE guidance on resource bases and statutory EHCP requirements,
- High-quality, evidence-informed teaching across informal, semi-formal and formal pathways,
- Precise implementation of Section F provision within EHCPs,
- Robust assess–plan–do–review cycles and outcome-focused SEND Support Plans,
- Effective leadership, deployment and development of specialist staff,
- Rigorous monitoring of pupil progress and impact of interventions,
- Strong, professional engagement with families and multi-agency partners.
The postholder will:
- Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of SENCo for the Resource Base,
- Deputise for the current SENCo/DHT as required,
- Lead annual reviews and transition processes for resource base pupils,
- Provide formal reports to governors where required,
- Lead admissions to the Resource Base in line with statutory processes in conjunction with the SENCo/DHT and Headteacher,
- Contribute to borough-wide SEND strategy and local authority development work, where appropriate,
- Promote and disseminate evidence-informed practice across the school.
Our provision operates across three classrooms with clearly defined informal, semi-formal and formal pathways. Pupils move fluidly between pathways according to individual learning profiles and readiness. Integrated SaLT and OT provision is embedded within teaching, ensuring therapeutic approaches inform daily practice.
About You
We are seeking a credible and knowledgeable SEND leader who:
- Has substantial experience teaching pupils with ASC and SLCN,
- Demonstrates deep understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes and DfE guidance on resource bases,
- Has experience of leading annual reviews and writing high-quality statutory reports,
- Can design ambitious, personalised curricula and secure measurable outcomes,
- Is confident leading and developing a specialist team,
- Has experience advising colleagues on inclusive practice and reasonable adjustments,
- Is able to analyse data and use it strategically to improve provision,
- Has experience of working effectively with families and multi-agency professionals,
- Is willing to complete (or already holds) the National Award for SEN Coordination,
- Experience of working in a resource base or specialist setting, delivering autism-specific training and leading whole-school SEND development would be advantageous.
You will be organised, resilient and intellectually rigorous, with high expectations and a clear moral purpose.
About Us
Riversdale Primary School is a nurturing, ambitious and values-led school. We are proud to hold Gold: Rights Respecting School (UNICEF) status and to celebrate our rich multicultural diversity. Our children are happy, exceptionally well behaved, eager to learn and supportive of one another. Riversdale Primary School holds Flagship School status with the Inclusion Quality Mark, reflecting our whole-school commitment to inclusive practice. Our Resource Base sits at the heart of this commitment and plays a key strategic role in shaping inclusive provision.
You will join:
- A dynamic and skilled Senior Leadership Team,
- Passionate and dedicated teaching and support staff,
- Supportive governors and engaged families,
- Strong Local Authority partnerships.
What We Offer
- A senior leadership role with genuine strategic influence,
- The opportunity to lead and further develop an established specialist provision,
- Professional autonomy within a supportive and ambitious leadership culture,
- The chance to make a lasting difference to children with complex communication and social needs.
We strongly encourage prospective candidates to visit the school to see the provision in action.
For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact Svenja Taylor in the school office.
An Application Form, Job Description and Person Specification can be downloaded below.
For enquiries regarding the application process, please contact Nadia Caldecott, HR Officer.
Completed applications should be submitted by the closing date: Friday 13th March 2026 (midnight).
Shortlisting: Monday 16th March 2026
Interviews: Friday 20th March 2026
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. CVs will not be accepted.
Riversdale Primary School, 302a Merton Road, Wandsworth, London SW18 5JP
Interim Headteacher – Steven Sousa
Head of Resource Base for Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) - Riversdale Primary School - Greater London employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Resource Base for Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) - Riversdale Primary School - Greater London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to research Riversdale Primary School. Familiarise yourself with their values, recent achievements, and the specific needs of their Resource Base. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to SEND leadership and be ready to discuss your experience with SLCN and ASC. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking! Be prepared to discuss how you would lead the Resource Base and implement effective strategies for pupil progress. Think about specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led initiatives or improved outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the school's vision for the Resource Base or how they support staff development. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Resource Base for Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) - Riversdale Primary School - Greater London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND: When writing your application, let your passion for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting pupils with SLCN and ASC, and how you’ve made a difference in their learning journeys.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of the Head of Resource Base role. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious and inclusive school environment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and how you fit into our team at Riversdale Primary School.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary forms and information you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and the specifics of EHCP processes. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but that you can apply it in practice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past. Highlight your experience in developing staff and improving outcomes for pupils with SLCN and ASC. This role is all about leadership, so make sure you demonstrate your capability.
✨Engage with Families and Partners
Think about how you’ve successfully worked with families and multi-agency professionals before. Be ready to share specific instances where your communication skills made a difference in supporting pupils’ needs.
✨Bring Evidence to the Table
Be prepared to discuss data analysis and how you’ve used it to inform your practice. Show them you can monitor progress effectively and adapt strategies based on what the data tells you. This will highlight your strategic thinking and commitment to continuous improvement.
