Integrity Education Solutions are supporting a unique independent SEN and therapeutic education group based in London, delivering specialist provision for children and young people with SEN, SEMH, neurodiverse needs, and complex mental health profiles.
They are seeking an experienced Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion & Safeguarding) to join the senior leadership team within a community and outreach-based alternative provision in East London. This role is ideally suited to a professional with a background in Social Work, safeguarding leadership, or SEN education, who is passionate about inclusive, trauma-informed practice and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners. This is a strategic leadership role, with responsibility for inclusion, safeguarding, pastoral care, and multi-agency working, supporting pupils to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide inspirational leadership across inclusion, safeguarding, and pupil wellbeing, promoting high expectations for all learners
* Work closely with the Headteacher to drive school improvement, inclusion strategy, and safeguarding culture
* Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), overseeing referrals, risk assessments, child protection processes, and case management
* Lead on pastoral care, contextual safeguarding, and behaviour support, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment
* Embed therapeutic, trauma-informed, and relational approaches across the provision
* Oversee curriculum and provision development to ensure high-quality teaching and learning for pupils with SEN and SEMH needs
* Lead effective multi-agency working, liaising with Social Care, CAMHS, YOT, Police, Virtual Schools, and other external agencies
* Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, and local authorities
* Monitor and analyse pupil data, attendance, behaviour, and progress to inform strategic decision-making
* 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 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ideally within an SEN, SEMH, or alternative provision
* Significant experience working with children and young people with complex needs, including those:
* 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
* Proven success in leading inclusive practice and improving outcomes for neurodiverse learners
* Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, including KCSIE, Working Together, SEND Code of Practice
* Confident in multi-agency collaboration, risk management, and early intervention
* Resilient, reflective, and committed to child-centred and strengths-based practice
Why Join This Provision?
* Senior leadership opportunity within a specialist SEN and therapeutic setting
* Ability to shape inclusion, safeguarding, and pastoral strategy
* Work within a relationship-based, trauma-informed environment
* Competitive salary and supportive leadership structure
* Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of highly vulnerable young people
Integrity Education Solutions is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants must share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment checks