Assistant Headteacher -Inclusion

Wimbledon,South West London

ASAP Start

£60,000 Per Annum

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.

We are seeking an experienced and committed leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Head – Inclusion. This is a key strategic and operational role, working closely with the Deputy Headteacher to ensure the effective day-to-day running of the online school and the continuous development of inclusive practice.

This is a full-time, office-based role in Wimbledon, where you will play a visible and active role within the leadership team, supporting staff and embedding strong practice across the provision. Following successful completion of six months in post, there will be the opportunity to move to a hybrid working model, combining remote working with on-site responsibilities.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in safeguarding, inclusion, behaviour, and attendance within a virtual learning environment, ensuring that all pupils are supported to engage meaningfully and achieve their full potential.

The Assistant Head – Inclusion will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, taking responsibility for safeguarding practice across the online school in line with statutory guidance, with particular attention to the demands of remote education and digital safeguarding. They will oversee complex safeguarding cases and lead effective multi-agency collaboration to support pupils and families, ensuring that interventions are timely, coordinated, and impactful.

They will champion inclusion across the school, working closely with clinical teams and teaching staff to develop and embed strategies that support pupils with neurodiverse and complex needs. A strong focus will be placed on ensuring that all pupils can access and benefit from online learning, particularly those who may struggle with engagement.

The role includes oversight of behaviour and engagement, ensuring that staff apply consistent and effective strategies within virtual classrooms and that pupils are supported to participate positively. In addition, the postholder will lead on attendance, developing and implementing approaches to improve engagement and address barriers in partnership with families and external agencies.

A key aspect of the role is quality assurance, including monitoring safeguarding, inclusion, behaviour, and attendance practices to ensure high standards are maintained. The Assistant Head -Inclusion will ensure that records are accurate, risk assessments are robust, and the school is fully prepared for internal and external review, including inspection.

The role also involves leading staff development, identifying training needs, and delivering high-quality professional development in areas such as safeguarding, inclusion, behaviour, and engagement. Line management of pastoral staff will form part of the role, alongside contributing to performance management processes and fostering a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

* Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) & Families and School Together (FAST) provision

* Fulfil the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, adapting procedures to the online context, including digital safeguarding and remote welfare monitoring. Lead and manage the FAST provision, including virtual family liaison, partnerships, and direct online family support.

* Take responsibility for a small but highly complex caseload of pupils and families requiring intensive intervention, often delivered remotely.

* Coordinate and lead multi-agency assessment and care planning (Early Help, CIN, CP, LAC), ensuring effective virtual collaboration and communication.

* Maintain oversight of partnership working, ensuring effective remote liaison with parents/carers, commissioners, Local Authorities, and other professionals.

* Refer safeguarding concerns appropriately to Local Authorities in consultation with the Headteacher. Refer cases to the Channel Programme where there are concerns regarding radicalisation

* Promote a positive, inclusive, and respectful online school culture.

* Work with SLT, Pastoral Care Coordinators, and middle leaders to implement effective behaviour and engagement strategies in virtual classrooms

* Oversee tracking, analysis, and reporting of pupil attendance and online engagement.

* Develop and implement strategies to improve participation in live lessons and online learning activities.

* Work with families and external agencies to address barriers to engagement

Key Experience & Qualifications:

* Degree-level professional qualification in Social Work or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS / QTLS

* Recent proven experience (minimum of 2 years) as an effective Designated Safeguarding Lead, ideally within a specialist provision.

* Relevant experience within areas of specialism as defined below:

* Pupils at high risk of aggressive and/or sexualised behaviour.

* Pupils presenting with high risk and/or complex co-morbid mental health issues at Tier 3 and 4.

* Pupils who are highly vulnerable to exploitation including those at risk of sexual exploitation and vulnerable young mothers.

* Pupils with complex offending, substance misuse and/or significant gang related issues.

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 Wimbledon.

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