Assistant Headteacher – Pastoral, Inclusion and SENDCo

About the job

Key information

• Salary Range: L1 to L5
• Hours/Contract: Full Time/Permanent
• Start Date: As soon as possible
• Closing Date: 30 November 2026
• Interview Date: TBC

At Wiveliscombe Primary School, we believe that children thrive when they feel known, valued and understood. We want every child to belong, to enjoy their learning and to have the support they need to make the most of their time with us.

We are looking for an Assistant Headteacher to lead pastoral care, inclusion and SEND. This is an important role within our Senior Leadership Team, offering the opportunity to shape provision across the school, work closely with families and staff, and help ensure that the needs of individual children remain at the heart of our decisions.

We are seeking someone who combines a clear strategic vision with warmth, sound professional judgement and the ability to turn that vision into practical improvements for children.

What will I be doing?

Wiveliscombe Primary School is part of a community with a strong sense of connection. Our relationships with families and the wider community matter to us, and we value the contribution that everyone makes to school life. Our governors provide strong governance and are committed to the school’s development, the wellbeing of our pupils and the best possible outcomes for children.

You will lead the development of our inclusive practice, strengthening the support available to children with SEND and those whose pastoral, emotional or wider circumstances affect their experience of school. You will help staff identify needs early, plan effective support and evaluate whether that support is making a difference.

A key part of the role will be overseeing and developing The POD, our school-based resource designed to support pupils at Wiveliscombe Primary School. The successful candidate will help ensure that its provision is purposeful, carefully planned and closely connected to pupils’ wider learning, development and belonging within our school.

We also recognise the importance of getting things right from the earliest years. The postholder will work in partnership with The Paddocks nursery in Wiveliscombe and its Early Years SENDCo, helping to strengthen communication, transitions and the identification and support of children with additional needs as they move towards school and through the early stages of their education.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

You will be an experienced and reflective teacher who understands that inclusion is not simply a collection of interventions, but a commitment shared by the whole school. You will be able to lead colleagues with clarity and encouragement, build trusting relationships with parents and carers, work effectively with external professionals and use evidence to evaluate the impact of provision.

You will bring the confidence to make difficult decisions when needed, alongside the compassion to listen carefully to children and families. You will understand the importance of safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and high expectations for every pupil.

This is a non-class-based leadership role, with no timetabled class-teaching commitment. It provides the opportunity to focus on strategic leadership, SEND, pastoral care and the development of inclusive provision across the school.

What is in it for me?

• A key leadership role in a school with a strong community spirit and a clear commitment to inclusion.
• A supportive handover period with our current SENDCo, allowing time to understand existing provision, develop relationships and maintain continuity for pupils, families and staff.
• The opportunity to shape the future development of The POD.
• Partnership working with The Paddocks nursery and its Early Years SENDCo.
• Strong governance and a shared commitment to school improvement.
• The opportunity to work closely with the Headteacher and colleagues across the school to make a tangible difference to children’s experiences and outcomes.

Supporting documents and information

f you are motivated by the difference that thoughtful, consistent and ambitious inclusive leadership can make, we would welcome your application.

To apply: Please download an application form for teaching posts from the school website. Please submit your application to office@wiveliscombeprimary.com by 30 November 2026.

Wiveliscombe Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to the relevant pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and other checks required for the role.

Apply on the Wiveliscombe Primary School website

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