Job Description
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Assistant Headteacher - Leading Inclusion (SENDCo)l
Leadership Scale: L2-L8 (dependent on experience)
Full-time | Permanent
Start date: 1stSeptember 2026
Closing date:10th May 2026 - midnight
Interviews:week commencing 18th May 2026
Oakfield Primary School is seeking an exceptional and committed Assistant Headteacher to join our welcoming and ambitious two‑form entry primary school in this exciting, new role to lead Inclusion and SEND.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and skilled leader who believes that every child can succeed, and who will ensure that inclusion is central to our vision, practice and decision‑making.
The Role
As Assistant Headteacher leading Inclusion, you will:
Provide strategic leadership of SEND and inclusion across the school
Fulfil the statutory role of SENDCo (holding the National Award for SEND Coordination, or willing to work towards it)
Lead and develop high‑quality graduated responses, ensuring provision meets the needs of all pupils
Work closely with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to drive whole‑school improvement
Champion inclusive practice and high expectations for all learners
Lead and support staff through coaching, modelling and professional development
Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, external agencies and the local authority
Monitor and evaluate impact through effective assessment, tracking and review processes
Form part of the safeguarding team as a Deputy Safeguarding Lead
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a leader who:
Is anexcellent classroom practitionerwith a strong understanding of inclusive teaching
Hasstrong experience of SENDwithin a primary school setting
Holds theNational Award for SEND Coordinationor iscommitted to completing it
Demonstratesleadership capability, with the confidence to influence and inspire others
Has secure knowledge ofSEND legislation, guidance and best practice
Has the confidence and skillset to effectively hold others to account
Is organised, reflective and solution‑focused
Puts the children at the heart of every decision they make
Shares our commitment to safeguarding, equality and pupil wellbeing
What Oakfield Primary School Offers
Asupportive and forward‑thinking leadership team
Enthusiastic, well‑behaved children who are keen to learn
A positive school culture built oninclusion, ambition and care
High‑quality professional development and leadership opportunities
A strong sense of community and shared purpose
Safeguarding
Oakfield Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS and pre‑employment checks.
How to Apply
Visits to Oakfield Primary School are warmly welcomed and encouraged.
To arrange a visit, please contactthe school office: admin@oakfield.essex.sch.uk or 01268 734343
Information about the School
At Oakfield Primary School we have high expectations and good outcomes for our children. We pride ourselves on the good education we offer our children and the excellent opportunities we provide through our foundation curriculum and focus on memorable moments.
It is important to us to develop children who are ready for the next stage of their education and beyond. We place a high emphasis on the well being of our children and work closely with our families to support us with this.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with children to join the Oakfield team.
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and the successful candidate will be expected to undertake the appropriate checks including an enhanced DBS check. We welcome applications from the whole community regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.