Assistant Head Teacher for Inclusion and SEND
Assistant Head Teacher: Inclusion and SEND
Location: Waltham Forest
Salary: Outer London Leadership Scale L4-L9
Type of Contract: Permanent Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026
Inclusion isn’t a strategy at South Grove Primary – it’s the foundation.
This is more than a leadership role. This is an opportunity to shape inclusive excellence at South Grove, and to influence a whole-school approach that celebrates every child’s potential.
South Grove Primary is seeking a visionary Assistant Head Teacher for Inclusion. The successful candidate will lead SEND provision, champion inclusive practice, and contribute to strategic school improvement at a senior level.
Why This School?
Serving a vibrant, multicultural community, the school is known for its nurturing ethos, and high expectations. It has the deep rooted belief that education should be exciting and inclusive for all.
It’s a place where development of the whole child is at the heart of what we do, where well-being, emotional literacy, and equity are central to every classroom.
You will join a team that is committed to breaking down barriers to learning and building a culture where every child is seen, supported and empowered to succeed.
Who We’re Looking For
This is an ideal next step for an experienced SENCo or senior leader who is ready to drive meaningful, system-level change.
You will:
- Lead whole-school SEND and inclusive strategy with clarity, care, and passion
- Develop and embed best practice across EYFS to Year 6 and the Special Resourced Provision for Autism
- Coach, support and upskill colleagues across the staff team
- Build strong partnerships with families, agencies, and the wider community
- Contribute to developing the inclusion strategy for South Grove through collaboration and innovation both within the LA and others.
What You’ll Bring
- Qualified Teacher Status and substantial primary/early years experience
- National Award for SEND Coordination
- Proven leadership in SEND, inclusion, and/or pastoral development
- Strong working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice
- Emotional intelligence, resilience, and a passionate commitment to equity
In Return, You’ll Receive
- A permanent role in a school where inclusion is truly prioritised
- Inspiring pupils who are eager to learn and thrive in a supportive environment
- A team of dedicated, skilled professionals who believe in collaborative leadership
- Access to high-quality CPD and opportunities for career advancement
- A chance to influence not just our school, but a forward-thinking one adapting to the National and Local changing climate of inclusion and SEND provision in collaboration with other schools
This is your chance to lead with purpose – transforming lives while shaping inclusive practice from the inside out.
Would you like to learn more? Let’s start the conversation.
For a confidential chat, call Julie Maltwood on 0208 521 6000
Email your application to hr@southgrove.waltham.sch.uk
Or apply via our website.
Visits to the school are very much encouraged and welcomed.
Visit Days: These can be arranged once you have contacted the school.
Closing date: Sunday 17th May 2026
Short-Listing: Monday 18th May 2026
Interviews: Thursday 21st May/Friday 22nd May 2026
Equal Opportunities
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives: - Promoting equality of opportunity - Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage - Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels. - Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all. Respecting Diversity is a core Council value. To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme. For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy
How to apply
Email address for return of applications: hr@southgrove.waltham.sch.uk