Assistant Head (Director of Inclusion)Reporting to:
Deputy Head, Teaching and Learning (Senior School)Contract:
Full time, PermanentStatus:
Assistant Head level, sitting on the Deputies teamSalary:
Competitive, dependent on experienceColfe’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 RoleTo provide strategic leadership for learning support and inclusion across the school, ensuring that:pupils receive appropriate and effective supportteachers are equipped and accountable for delivering adaptive teachingreasonable adjustments are implemented consistently and proportionatelyadmissions decisions are informed, transparent and sustainableresources are deployed effectivelythe school meets its statutory and regulatory obligationsprovision contributes positively to pupil outcomes and wellbeing
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipLead the strategic development of learning support provision from ages 3 18Advise the Head, Governors and Senior Management Team on all matters relating to SEND, inclusion and learning supportEnsure that learning support provision reflects the school’s educational aims and strategic prioritiesContribute to whole-school improvement planningBenchmark provision against sector-leading practiceAdmissionsDevelop robust systems for assessing support needs prior to admissionReview applications across all entry points where SEND or significant learning support needs are identified and advise on the school’s ability to meet individual needsSupport transparent communication with families regarding likely provision and limitationsAuthority for Reasonable AdjustmentsThe 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 ManagementEnsure compliance with:Equality Act 2010SEND Code of PracticeJCQ regulationsIndependent School StandardsISI inspection requirementsMaintain robust systems and documentationOversee access arrangements and examination accommodationsAdvise senior leaders regarding legal riskContribute to inspection preparation and readinessLeadership of Learning Support TeamsEstablish clear standards, expectations and accountabilityEvaluate staffing structures and deploymentTeaching and Learning / Staff TrainingPromote adaptive teaching as the primary means of supporting pupilsDeliver training and share information to promote evidence-informed approaches to inclusionMonitor the quality and consistency of provision across departments and year groupsTeaching Assistant Deployment (Senior School)Review and oversee deployment of Teaching AssistantsOversee training of teaching staff in how best to use Teaching Assistants to support pupil progressEvaluate the impact of TA support on outcomesPupil SupportMaintain oversight of pupils receiving learning support across the schoolAnalyse attainment, progress and value-added data for pupils receiving learning supportEnsure timely identification of need and monitor interventions and their effectivenessCoordinate support plans where requiredParent PartnershipBuild constructive and professional relationships with familiesProvide expert guidance where needs are complexEnsure regular communication with parents
Person SpecificationEssentialSignificant leadership experience in SEND, inclusion or learning supportDeep knowledge of SEND legislation and current best practiceStrong understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and reasonable adjustmentsExperience of EHCP and SEND funding in independent and/or maintained schoolsExcellent judgement and decision-making skillsOutstanding communication skillsStrong analytical and organisational skillsEmotional intelligence, resilience and credibilityDesirableQualification in SEND leadership or related fieldExperience of whole-school leadershipExperience of inspection preparation and regulatory complianceExperience within a high-performing independent or state school environment
Personal QualitiesAble to balance compassion with professional boundariesIntellectually rigorousPragmatic and solutions focusedHighly organisedConfident making difficult decisionsCommitted to high expectations for all pupilsWhy This Role MattersColfe’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.
…