At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inclusion strategies and support young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation dedicated to making a difference in young people's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape inclusive practices.
- Other info: Join a diverse workplace committed to equality and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of young people while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in SEND, safeguarding, and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 53000 £ per year.
Salary: £47,500 - £53,000 per annum (contract permanent, full-time, 35 hours per week, location Hillingdon).
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Head of Inclusion to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead our inclusive practice for young people aged 16-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This is a strategic leadership role overseeing inclusion, safeguarding, therapeutic services and learner support within a specialist post‑16 education setting. The successful candidate will also act as the organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). You will work closely with learners, families, staff, local authorities and external agencies to ensure outstanding support, positive learner outcomes and compliance with statutory responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and implement the organisation's Inclusion and Safeguarding Strategy.
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Oversee safeguarding systems, referrals, case management and multi‑agency working.
- Manage and coordinate therapeutic services, including Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Counselling and Physiotherapy.
- Lead annual reviews and ensure EHCP provision is effectively delivered.
- Support learners to overcome barriers to learning, attendance and engagement.
- Train and support staff on SEND, inclusion and safeguarding best practice.
About You
- Significant experience in SEND and Further Education or specialist post‑16 provision.
- Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes and inclusive practice.
- Experience leading safeguarding and supporting vulnerable young people.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.
- Ability to influence, advocate and achieve positive outcomes for learners.
- Previous Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) experience.
- Leadership experience within SEND, specialist education or social care settings.
- Relevant safeguarding, SEND or leadership qualifications.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to shape and lead inclusion strategy across a growing specialist provision.
- Make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with SEND.
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
Safeguarding & Equality
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including references and an Enhanced DBS check. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Head of Inclusion in London employer: Veritas-Education-Recruitmen
As a leading specialist education provider in Hillingdon, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where every team member can thrive. Our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values diversity, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence in education.
Contact Details:
Veritas-Education-Recruitmen Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Inclusion in London
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Veritas-Education-Recruitmen.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Veritas-Education-Recruitmen!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Veritas-Education-Recruitmen, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Veritas-Education-Recruitmen or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Inclusion in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Veritas-Education-Recruitmen:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Veritas-Education-Recruitmen! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Veritas-Education-Recruitmen
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
