Head of Inclusion

Head of Inclusion (SEND & Safeguarding)

Location: West London
Salary: £47,500 - £53,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (35 hours per week)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced SEND professional to join a specialist post-16 education provider as Head of Inclusion.

This senior leadership position is ideal for a dedicated individual with extensive experience in SEND, further education, safeguarding, and inclusion. The successful candidate will lead the organisation's inclusion strategy, oversee therapeutic services, and act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring learners receive the highest level of support to achieve positive outcomes.

About the Role

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering inclusive practice across the organisation. You will work closely with education, therapy, safeguarding, and external professionals to remove barriers to learning and promote learner wellbeing, engagement, and achievement.

The role includes responsibility for safeguarding, therapeutic provision, annual reviews, admissions support, and leading a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

Key Responsibilities
Inclusion and SEND Leadership
Lead the development and implementation of the organisation's inclusion strategy.
Monitor learner attendance, behaviour, wellbeing, and engagement to identify barriers to learning.
Support staff in implementing effective SEND and inclusion practices.
Promote high expectations and positive outcomes for all learners.
Ensure compliance with SEND legislation, guidance, and best practice.

Safeguarding
Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Lead safeguarding processes and chair safeguarding meetings.
Manage safeguarding concerns and maintain accurate records.
Liaise with families, local authorities, social care teams, police, and other external agencies.
Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively implemented across the organisation.

Therapeutic Services
Lead and coordinate a multidisciplinary therapy team, including Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Counselling, Physiotherapy, and Therapy Assistants.
Ensure therapeutic provision is delivered in line with learner needs and EHCP requirements.
Provide strategic oversight of therapy interventions and support plans.
Manage therapy budgets and resources effectively.
Promote therapeutic approaches that support learning, behaviour, attendance, and wellbeing.

Annual Reviews and EHCP Management
Oversee the planning and delivery of annual review meetings.
Ensure statutory deadlines are met and documentation is completed to a high standard.
Chair complex annual review meetings where required.
Work closely with families and local authority representatives throughout the EHCP process.

Leadership and Management
Contribute to organisational strategy and quality improvement initiatives.
Line manage members of the inclusion and therapy teams.
Produce reports for senior leaders and governance boards.
Support quality assurance, learner outcomes, and continuous improvement activities.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of SEND legislation, safeguarding requirements, and educational developments.

Requirements

Essential

Significant experience working with young people or adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Experience supporting learners with learning difficulties and additional needs.
Strong knowledge of EHCP processes and annual reviews.
Previous leadership and line management experience.
Experience working within SEND or specialist Further Education settings.
Excellent safeguarding knowledge and experience.
Outstanding communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to build strong relationships with learners, families, staff, local authorities, and external professionals.
Enhanced DBS clearance (or willingness to obtain one).

Desirable

QTS, QTLS, SENCO qualification, or working towards one.
Level 3 qualification or above in SEND or a related field.
Degree in a relevant discipline such as Psychology, Social Work, Youth Work, Education, or a related subject.
Experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
Experience within specialist education, charity, or not-for-profit environments.
Prevent and safeguarding training.
Full UK driving licence.

Benefits

Competitive salary package.
Permanent senior leadership opportunity.
Ongoing professional development and training.
Opportunity to lead and shape inclusive practice within a specialist education setting.
Collaborative and supportive working environment.
The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with SEND.
Safeguarding Statement

This position is subject to satisfactory references, an Enhanced DBS check, and all relevant safer recruitment checks. The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff to share this commitment