Assistant Headteacher - Behaviour, Attendance and Inclusion

Acorn Care and Education; Walsall; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Walsall is seeking an Assistant Headteacher focused on Behaviour, Attendance, and Inclusion. This pivotal role involves leading strategies to foster a supportive school culture tailored to autistic pupils. Candidates should hold Qualified Teacher Status and possess proven leadership experience in specialized education settings. Offering a unique 4-day working week scheme, the position comes with competitive salary and various wellbeing benefits.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Health and wellbeing benefits

Discount options

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Family Growth Support

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a specialist setting for autistic pupils.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and inclusive practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of behaviour, attendance, and inclusion strategies.
• Monitor behavioural trends and attendance, guiding interventions.
• Ensure equitable access to the curriculum for all pupils.
• Support staff development through coaching and guidance.
• Collaborate with families and external agencies to enhance pupil wellbeing.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong knowledge of behaviour management

Excellent communication skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Job description

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance – and we’re putting wellbeing first.

We’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW – and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Title: Assistant Headteacher – Behaviour, Attendance and Inclusion
Location: Ryecroft School, Walsall, West Midlands WS2 7BH
Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:00pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: December 2025
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship

About the Role

This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who is passionate about creating a school culture where every pupil feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. Ryecroft School is a specialist provision for autistic pupils, including those with additional challenges such as learning disabilities and behaviours. You will lead behaviour, attendance, and inclusion across the school, shaping a positive, nurturing environment that empowers pupils socially, emotionally, and academically. Working closely with pupils, staff, families, and external professionals, you will embed consistent, high-expectation practices while celebrating individuality and diversity.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to influence whole-school culture, support staff development, and ensure all pupils have equitable access to learning in a safe, structured, and empowering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of whole-school behaviour, attendance, and inclusion strategies, promoting a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.
• Monitor and review behavioural trends and attendance, using data to guide interventions and celebrate improvements.
• Ensure all pupils have equitable access to the curriculum through personalised support and inclusive teaching practices.
• Support and develop staff through coaching, guidance, and CPD to embed positive behaviour, engagement, and inclusive approaches.
• Collaborate with families, external agencies, and wider stakeholders to enhance pupil wellbeing, attendance, and engagement.
• Contribute fully to the Senior Leadership Team, supporting the Headteacher with whole-school initiatives, operational priorities, and strategic development.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• Proven leadership experience, ideally within a specialist setting for autistic pupils or pupils with additional challenges.
• Strong knowledge of behaviour management, safeguarding, and inclusive practice for pupils with autism and learning difficulties.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff while maintaining a calm and solution-focused approach.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.

About Us

Ryecroft School is an independent day school in Walsall, providing specialist education for autistic children and young people aged 4–18 years. We focus on meeting the unique learning needs of autistic pupils, including those with additional challenges such as learning disabilities and behaviours that may present as a result of their diagnoses. Our new school, which opened in September 2024, has a capacity for 60 pupils and is designed to support learners with autism and complex needs in a safe, nurturing, and structured environment.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

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