Head of Inclusion
Leading Behaviour, Attendance, SEND Excellence, Safeguarding and Innovation
Strategic senior leader providing whole-school direction across behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, SEND and innovation. The postholder serves as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and drives Edgewood's vision for inclusion — where every pupil can Thrive, Belong and Innovate.
The Head of Inclusion will provide strategic leadership for behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, SEND, inclusion and innovation across Edgewood Academy. Working closely with the Headteacher, Directors and senior leaders, the postholder will drive continuous improvement, ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities and lead a culture where every pupil can Thrive, Belong and Innovate. The postholder will hold responsibility for all inclusion-related aspects of the Education Inspection Framework, Independent School Standards, SEND Code of Practice and safeguarding requirements. The Head of Inclusion will also serve as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and play a key role in ensuring pupils are safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential.
“Education adapts to the child — not the other way around.”
Thrive · Belong · Innovate
The three principles that anchor every decision and every classroom at Edgewood.
Thrive
Empowering every learner to achieve their full potential.
Belong
Creating a culture where every pupil feels valued, connected and safe.
Innovate
Using creativity, technology and evidence-informed practice to transform outcomes and remove barriers to success.
We Want Someone Who…
Holds a recognised NASENCO qualification (essential)
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Experienced Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Proven leadership of behaviour, attendance and inclusion
Deep understanding of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework
Strong knowledge of Independent School Standards
Understands how Apple 1:1 technology can break down barriers to learning
Strategic leader capable of driving whole-school improvement
Passionate about Thrive, Belong and Innovate
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the academy's vision for inclusion and belonging
- Develop and implement whole-school inclusion strategies
- Work collaboratively with the Headteacher, Directors and senior leaders to drive school improvement
- Monitor and evaluate inclusion outcomes and pupil progress
- Lead staff development relating to inclusion, SEND and wellbeing
SEND and Inclusion
- Hold overall responsibility for SEND leadership and provision
- Maintain and utilise the NASENCO qualification
- Ensure statutory compliance relating to SEND
- Oversee EHCP implementation, annual reviews and intervention programmes
- Promote high-quality adaptive teaching and inclusive classroom practice
- Ensure every pupil receives appropriate support to succeed
Behaviour and Attendance
- Lead behaviour and attendance strategies across the academy
- Develop therapeutic and restorative approaches
- Analyse behaviour and attendance data to identify trends and priorities
- Implement targeted interventions that improve engagement and outcomes
- Work with pupils, families and external agencies to remove barriers to attendance
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in all safeguarding matters
- Promote a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
- Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings
- Maintain accurate safeguarding records and systems
- Ensure compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education and safeguarding legislation
- Monitor vulnerable pupils and coordinate support plans where required
Innovation and Technology
- Champion innovation across the academy
- Lead the strategic implementation of Apple 1:1 devices
- Ensure technology is used to remove barriers to learning and participation
- Support staff in developing innovative and inclusive teaching approaches
- Evaluate the impact of technology on engagement, independence and achievement
Ofsted and Independent School Standards
- Lead all inclusion-related elements of inspection readiness
- Monitor compliance with Independent School Standards
- Ensure excellence within Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and Leadership and Management
- Support Quality of Education through inclusive practice and SEND provision
- Contribute to self-evaluation, school improvement planning and quality assurance
Essential Requirements
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCO)
Experience as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Significant leadership experience in SEND and Inclusion
Strong understanding of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework
Strong understanding of Independent School Standards
Experience leading behaviour and attendance improvement
Knowledge of SEMH and therapeutic approaches
Understanding of Apple 1:1 technology and inclusive digital practice
Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills
Safeguarding Commitment
Edgewood Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS, references, employment history verification, right to work checks and qualification verification where applicable.
How to Apply
Read the guidance, complete the application form, and email it with a covering letter to Kate.Manning@Edgewood-academy.com.