Assistant Head (Director of Inclusion)
Reporting to:
Deputy Head, Teaching and Learning (Senior School)
Contract:
Full time, Permanent
Status: Assistant Head level, sitting on the Deputies team
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience 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. Purpose of the Role
To provide strategic leadership for learning support and inclusion across the school, ensuring that:
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
Key Responsibilities
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 The Asst Head (Director of Inclusion) will serve as the school's lead professional adviser regarding reasonable adjustments and will be expected to exercise sound professional judgement and provide clarity in situations where competing interests or expectations exist. Compliance, Inspection and Risk Management
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
Person Specification
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
Why This Role Matters Colfe's believes that inclusion and ambition are complementary, not competing, principles. The Asst Head (Director of Inclusion) will help ensure that pupils receive the support they need while developing the independence, resilience and confidence required to flourish both in school and beyond. This role represents a significant investment in educational excellence, pupil wellbeing and the long-term development of the school. Application procedure:
The recruitment process will require all applicants to complete an application form, and details of two referees, who will be contacted prior to interview, in accordance with the School s Safer Recruitment procedures.
Applications should be sent by 12noon on Monday 26th October. Colfe s reserves the right to appoint to this post before the closing date if necessary.
Colfe s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
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