Vacancies

Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion

Job Introduction

Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion

Leadership Scale L1-L5
Part-Time: 3.5 Days per Week (0.7 FTE)
Required: January 2027 (or sooner by negotiation)

Recruitment Advert

Fleet Infant School is a happy, thriving infant school on the edge of Fleet, surrounded by beautiful woodland that inspires much of our learning. We are proud of our nurturing ethos, ambitious curriculum and commitment to ensuring that every child feels seen, valued and able to flourish.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion to join our dedicated leadership team. This is a key strategic role, leading our inclusive practice and ensuring that every child, regardless of need or background, receives the support, challenge and opportunities they deserve.

The successful candidate will combine strong leadership skills with a passion for inclusion and a determination to secure the very best outcomes for all pupils.

The Role

The role includes responsibility for:

SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator)
Senior Mental Health Lead
Pupil Premium Leader/Champion
Designated Teacher for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children (LAC/PLAC)
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Strategic leadership of inclusion across the school

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

Has a strong track record of improving outcomes for pupils with SEND and vulnerable learners.
Holds, or is willing to work towards, the National Award for SEN Coordination.
Understands the importance of early intervention and inclusive practice.
Has experience of supporting vulnerable pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, children with SEND and those with social, emotional and mental health needs.
Understands the statutory responsibilities relating to Looked After and Previously Looked After Children and is committed to promoting their educational achievement and wellbeing.
Can work effectively with pupils, families, staff and external agencies.
Demonstrates commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Is a strong advocate for equity, inclusion and removing barriers to success for all learners.
Has the vision, resilience and interpersonal skills to contribute positively to the Senior Leadership Team.

We Can Offer:

Happy, enthusiastic children who love learning.
A supportive and collaborative staff team.
Opportunities to shape and develop inclusion across the school.
Engaged families and a welcoming community.
Beautiful woodland grounds that form an integral part of our curriculum and wellbeing provision.
Access to high-quality professional development and leadership opportunities.

Fleet Infant School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, online searches and all safer recruitment requirements.

Job Description

Job Title

Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion

Grade

Leadership Scale L1-L5

Contract

Part-Time (3.5 Days per Week)

Responsible To

Headteacher

Purpose of the Role

To provide strategic leadership for inclusion across Fleet Infant School, ensuring that all pupils, particularly those with SEND, disadvantaged pupils, Looked After and Previously Looked After Children, and those experiencing barriers to learning, achieve their full potential and thrive both academically and emotionally.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion will champion a culture of high expectations, belonging and achievement for every child.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Contribute to the strategic leadership and management of the school as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of the school's inclusion strategy.
Promote an inclusive culture where diversity is valued and barriers to learning are actively addressed.
Support school improvement planning, monitoring and self-evaluation.
Analyse pupil performance and wellbeing data to identify trends and drive improvement.
Work collaboratively with governors, staff and external partners to secure excellent outcomes for all pupils.

SENDCo Responsibilities

Lead and manage provision for pupils with SEND across the school.
Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and relevant statutory requirements.
Oversee the identification, assessment and review processes for pupils with additional needs.
Develop and monitor high-quality SEND support plans and provision mapping.
Coordinate Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes and annual reviews.
Work collaboratively with parents, carers and a range of external agencies.
Support and develop staff through coaching, training and professional guidance.
Monitor the impact of SEND provision and report on outcomes to senior leaders and governors.

Pupil Premium Leadership

Act as strategic lead for disadvantaged pupils.
Monitor the impact of Pupil Premium funding and interventions.
Ensure barriers to learning are identified and addressed.
Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of the school's Pupil Premium Strategy.
Report regularly to senior leaders and governors on impact and outcomes.
Promote high expectations and equitable opportunities for all disadvantaged pupils.

Designated Teacher for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children (LAC/PLAC)

Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of the Designated Teacher for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children.
Champion the educational achievement, attendance, wellbeing and personal development of children in care and those previously in care.
Monitor the progress and attainment of LAC and PLAC pupils and ensure appropriate support is in place.
Lead and contribute to Personal Education Plans (PEPs) and related review meetings.
Work closely with parents, carers, social workers, Virtual School colleagues and other professionals to secure the best possible outcomes.
Promote high aspirations and ensure staff understand the specific needs and challenges faced by children in care and previously in care.
Oversee the effective use of any funding allocated to support these pupils and evaluate its impact.

Senior Mental Health Lead

Lead the school's whole-school approach to emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Promote positive mental health for pupils, families and staff.
Coordinate targeted support for vulnerable pupils.
Develop effective partnerships with external services and agencies.
Deliver or coordinate training and awareness initiatives for staff.
Ensure mental health and wellbeing are embedded within the school's inclusive culture.

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in maintaining a strong safeguarding culture.
Contribute to safeguarding monitoring, recording and reporting systems.
Work with families and external agencies to support vulnerable children.
Attend safeguarding meetings and contribute to multi-agency planning.
Support attendance, welfare and child protection processes as required.
Act as DSL in the absence of the Designated Safeguarding Lead where required.

Teaching and Learning

Support colleagues in delivering high-quality adaptive teaching.
Promote evidence-informed practice that enables all learners to succeed.
Monitor the quality and impact of inclusive classroom provision.
Support staff in meeting the needs of a diverse range of learners.

Leadership and Management

Provide professional leadership and support to teaching and support staff.
Lead staff training related to SEND, inclusion, wellbeing, safeguarding and disadvantaged pupils.
Foster strong relationships with parents, carers, governors and external partners.
Contribute to recruitment, induction and performance management processes as appropriate.
Act as a positive role model who exemplifies the school's values and vision.

General Responsibilities

Demonstrate commitment to the vision, values and ethos of Fleet Infant School.
Fulfil statutory duties and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding, health and safety and equalities.
Maintain confidentiality and professional standards at all times.
Undertake other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Degree-level qualification.
National Award for SEN Coordination (or commitment to achieve it within statutory timescales).

Essential Experience

Successful experience as a teacher with evidence of impact on pupil outcomes.
Experience of leading SEND provision.
Experience of supporting vulnerable pupils and families, including those experiencing disadvantage or additional barriers to learning.
Experience of working collaboratively with external agencies.
Experience of leading initiatives that have improved outcomes for children.

Essential Knowledge and Understanding

Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice.
Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and guidance.
Understanding of effective inclusive practice.
Understanding of strategies to support attendance, wellbeing and engagement.
Knowledge of Pupil Premium accountability and effective use of funding.
Understanding of the educational needs and statutory requirements relating to Looked After and Previously Looked After Children.
Knowledge of effective strategies to improve outcomes, attendance, engagement and wellbeing for vulnerable learners.

Essential Skills and Attributes

Strong leadership and organisational skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to analyse data and evaluate impact.
Ability to inspire, influence and develop others.
Commitment to safeguarding and child-centred practice.
Resilience, positivity and a solution-focused approach.
A strong moral purpose and commitment to inclusion for every child.

Desirable

Previous senior or middle leadership experience.
Qualification or training related to mental health and wellbeing.
Experience as a Senior Mental Health Lead.
Experience of leading Pupil Premium strategy.
Experience as a Designated Teacher for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children.
Experience of leading Personal Education Plan (PEP) processes and working with Virtual Schools.
Experience within an infant or primary school setting.
Experience of successfully managing change and school improvement initiatives.

Visits to school welcomed, please email info@fleet.hants.sch.uk

Closing Date for Applications: Wednesday 7th October 2026

Interview by invitation on Tuesday 13th October 2026.

Safeguarding Statement

Fleet Infant School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, satisfactory references, online checks and all other safer recruitment procedures.