Full-time | Location: EAST FINCHLEY
Start date: SEPTEMBER
About the Role We are seeking an inspirational and strategic Assistant Headteacher to lead and develop pastoral support and inclusion across the school.
This is a key leadership role focused on ensuring that every pupil—regardless of need or circumstance—can access learning, feel safe, and thrive. You will shape whole-school systems, lead inclusive practice, and drive initiatives that have a lasting impact on pupils and their families.
Main Purpose of the Role
Lead and develop the school’s pastoral support provision with a strong focus on inclusion
Ensure all pupils, including those with additional needs, are fully supported and included in school life
Design, implement, and evaluate whole-school strategies that promote wellbeing, engagement, and access to learningWhy This Role Matters
Pastoral care and inclusion are central to our ethos. This role ensures that vulnerable learners are not only supported but actively enabled to succeed. You will lead systems that directly improve attendance, engagement, emotional wellbeing, and educational outcomes.
Key Areas of Responsibility You will provide strategic leadership across the following areas:
Parental Engagement Strategy – Strengthen home-school partnerships to support pupil wellbeing and progress
Support for Anxiety-Related Absence – Develop accessible curriculum pathways and re-engagement strategies, including remote learning
Personalised Timetables – Oversee provision and casework for pupils requiring highly individualised support
Regulation Support Plans – Lead implementation and staff coaching to ensure consistent practice
Sensory Environment Adaptations – Improve and coordinate inclusive learning environments
PSHE and RSE Curriculum Leadership – Ensure statutory, inclusive and accessible curriculum delivery
Social Understanding Curriculum – Develop provision supporting social communication and emotional literacy
SCERTS Framework Implementation – Lead training and embedding of SCERTS across the school
Transitions Support – Improve support for micro-transitions and major pupil transitions between phases or settingsLeadership Responsibilities
Contribute to whole-school leadership and improvement planning
Deputise for senior leaders when required
Engage with governance and Trust-level leadership, providing data-informed reporting
Lead and develop staff through coaching, CPD, and performance management
Support recruitment, induction, and professional development of staff
Model inclusive and therapeutic approaches to teaching and learningSafeguarding and Pastoral Systems
Ensure safeguarding is embedded across all pastoral and inclusion work
Lead systems for assessment, monitoring, and intervention planning
Track pupil progress through person-centred plans and EHCP targets
Work closely with families and external agencies to support holistic outcomesCollaboration and External Working
Build strong partnerships with families
Work with multidisciplinary and external professionals to support complex needs
Contribute to multi-agency approaches to pupil wellbeing and inclusionPolicy, Data, and Resources
Develop and implement inclusion and pastoral policies
Use data effectively to monitor impact and inform decision-making
Manage and oversee budgets linked to pastoral and inclusion provisionPerson Specification Qualifications
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Relevant professional development in SEND, inclusion, pastoral care, or SCERTS
Leadership training (desirable)Experience
Experience teaching in a school setting
Leadership of pastoral and/or inclusion initiatives
Experience supporting pupils with SEND, including sensory and anxiety-related needs
Experience working with families and external agencies
Experience developing curriculum areas such as PSHE/RSE and remote learning
Experience coaching and supporting staffSkills and Knowledge
Strong understanding of SCERTS and therapeutic approaches
Knowledge of inclusion, differentiation, and sensory-informed practice
Ability to lead curriculum development and inclusive provision
Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills
Ability to use data to drive improvement
Understanding of safeguarding requirements
Financial and budget management capabilityPersonal Qualities
Commitment to inclusion and high expectations for all pupils
Empathy, patience, and a person-centred approach
Collaborative and solution-focused mindset
Resilience and professionalism under pressure
Commitment to reflective practice and ongoing developmentEssential Role-Specific Experience
Leading parental engagement strategies
Supporting pupils with anxiety-related absence or school avoidance
Managing complex casework and personalised timetables
Developing and implementing regulation support plans
Leading sensory/environmental adaptations
Leading PSHE and RSE curriculum development
Implementing SCERTS or similar frameworks
Supporting transitions across settings and phases
Coaching staff in inclusive and therapeutic approachesDesirable Experience
Senior or middle leadership experience in pastoral or inclusion roles
Experience in specialist SEND or special school settings
Training in SCERTS, trauma-informed practice, or sensory integrationSafeguarding Statement We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced safeguarding checks.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background or protected characteristics
Salary description
£55000.00 - £85000.00 per year