Assistant Headteacher - Inclusion
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
A unique leadership opportunity to shape inclusive excellence in Early Years and KS1
Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion
Salary: Inner London Leadership Scale L4–L8
Location: Barking and Dagenham
Interviews: Week commencing 19th May 2025
This is more than a leadership role – it’s a chance to transform lives.
An outstanding East London infant school, part of a dynamic and forward-thinking federation, is seeking an inspiring Assistant Headteacher with a passion for Inclusion. This is a pivotal role in a setting that believes inclusion is not just a policy, it is a way of being. The successful candidate will lead on all aspects of SEND and inclusive practice, ensuring that every child thrives and achieves, regardless of their starting point.
Serving a richly diverse community, the school is renowned for its nurturing ethos, ambitious curriculum, and commitment to professional excellence. It is a place where early education is taken seriously, where emotional literacy and belonging sit at the heart of the learning environment, and where leadership at all levels is cultivated and celebrated.
This role is ideal for an experienced SENCO or senior leader who wants to lead system-wide change and be part of an innovative team driving inclusive practice both within the school and beyond. You will work closely with the senior leadership team and external professionals to lead strategic development of provision for pupils with SEND, EAL, and other vulnerabilities, and will play a key role in shaping culture, policy, and pedagogy.
Are you a leader who can:
-
Champion inclusion across the whole school community with vision, integrity, and rigour
-
Lead and develop high-quality SEND provision that secures exceptional outcomes
-
Empower staff through coaching, collaboration, and professional development
-
Foster outstanding partnerships with families, external agencies, and local services
-
Work strategically within a values-led federation, contributing to wider school improvement
-
Bring deep knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and a commitment to continual learning
You will need:
-
QTS and substantial experience in a primary/infant setting
-
The National Award for SENCOs (or willingness to undertake it)
-
A track record of impact in inclusive leadership and/or SEND coordination
-
Emotional intelligence, resilience, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential
In return, the school offers:
-
Joyful, articulate, and curious children who love learning
-
A passionate, talented staff team committed to equity and excellence
-
Outstanding CPD pathways and support for career progression
-
The unique opportunity to shape inclusion in a school with a national and international reach
-
A collaborative, forward-looking federation that values innovation and invests in people
This is a career-defining opportunity for a leader who believes that inclusion is the cornerstone of excellence in education. If you're ready to make a genuine difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Curious to know more?
Get in touch for a confidential chat. Whether this is the role or one of several exciting next steps, we can explore what’s right for you.
You can:
Respond to this advert
Call Elisha on 0203 011 4848
Or upload your CV via our website
Now is the perfect time to explore the opportunities your experience has made possible.