Assistant Headteacher -Inclusion
Acton- West London
ASAP Start
£55,000- £62,000
Forever Education is supporting a unique independent SEN group delivering therapeutic, trauma-informed education for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN), SEMH, and neurodiverse learning profiles.
They are seeking a passionate, dynamic, and experienced Assistant Headteacher with a focus on Inclusion to join the senior leadership team ASAP. This is a strategic role, offering the opportunity to shape the vision, culture, and direction of the school, ensuring that all pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. The successful candidate will lead on inclusion, safeguarding, pastoral care, and multi-agency working, embedding therapeutic approaches and supporting staff to deliver outstanding outcomes for vulnerable learners.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide inspirational leadership, promoting high expectations for pupils and staff
* Work closely with the Headteacher to drive school improvement, inclusion strategy, and continuous professional development
* Lead on pastoral care, safeguarding, contextual safeguarding, and pupil wellbeing, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment
* Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), overseeing risk assessments, referrals, and complex case management
* Develop and embed therapeutic, trauma-informed approaches across the school
* Oversee curriculum and provision development to ensure high-quality teaching and learning for neurodiverse learners
* Foster strong relationships with parents, carers, and external agencies, including Social Care, CAMHS, YOT, and local authority teams
* Monitor and analyse pupil data, attendance, behaviour, and progress to inform strategic decisions
* Support staff development through mentoring, coaching, supervision, and performance management
Key Experience & Qualifications:
* Degree-level professional qualification in Social Work or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS / QTLS)
* Minimum 2 years’ experience as a DSL, ideally within a specialist SEN or SEMH setting
* Extensive experience working with children and young people with complex needs, including:
* At risk of criminal or sexual exploitation (CCE / CSE)
* Affected by contextual safeguarding concerns, gang involvement, or serious youth violence
* Presenting with Tier 3 / Tier 4 mental health needs
* Demonstrable success in leading inclusive education and improving outcomes for neurodiverse learners
* Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, multi-agency collaboration, risk management, and early intervention frameworks
* Resilient, reflective, and committed to child-centred, therapeutic practice
Why Join This Provision?
* Lead inclusion, safeguarding, and pastoral strategy from the outset
* Work within a therapeutic, trauma-informed, and relationship-based environment
* Competitive salary and supportive leadership team
* Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people in Acton.
If you are interested in this Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion) opportunity, interviews can be arranged immediately
Apply for this Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion) opportunity by sending your CV to Katie at Forever Education You will be contacted by your personal consultant (if shortlisted)
Forever Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all candidates to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check