Assistant Principal - Inclusion

Lower Meadow Primary School; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Lower Meadow Primary Academy is seeking an Assistant Principal - Inclusion to join the Senior Leadership Team. The role leads inclusion, SEND and pastoral care, works with families and external partners, and ensures high-quality provision for pupils with additional needs.

You will provide strategic leadership, manage the Inclusion and Pastoral Team, and be responsible for safeguarding, attendance and behaviour systems within a whole-school improvement agenda.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead inclusion, SEND and pastoral areas.
• Qualified SENCo with National Award for SEN Coordination.
• Experience leading SEND provision and supporting vulnerable pupils.
• Strong safeguarding, attendance, behaviour and pastoral systems knowledge.
• Able to analyse data to drive improvement and secure outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for inclusion, SEND and pastoral provision.
• Fulfil SENCo duties with high-quality identification and provision.
• Lead systems for attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and safeguarding.
• Develop Inclusion and Pastoral Team to support pupils and families.
• Ensure robust SEND processes, including EHCPs and reviews.
• Build partnerships with families and external agencies to secure outcomes.
• Drive high expectations and embed inclusive practice across teaching.
• Contribute to school-wide leadership and improvement as SLT member.

Skills

Inclusive leadership

SENCo qualification

SEND provision

Safeguarding

Attendance & pastoral

Job description

Assistant Principal - Inclusion

Lower Meadow Primary Academy
Full Time | Permanent
Leadership Scale LS2-6

About Lower Meadow Primary Academy

Lower Meadow Primary Academy is a welcoming and ambitious school committed to ensuring every child feels valued, supported and empowered to achieve their full potential. We believe that inclusion is at the heart of exceptional education and that every pupil deserves the opportunity to attend, engage, succeed and thrive. Through strong relationships, high expectations and a collaborative approach with families and external partners, we strive to remove barriers to learning and create an environment where all children can flourish.

We are seeking an exceptional, values-led leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Principal - Inclusion. This is a significant whole-school leadership opportunity for an individual who is passionate about supporting children and families, developing outstanding provision and driving meaningful improvement across inclusion, SEND and pastoral care.

As a non-teaching member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will have the capacity and influence to lead strategic developments, support staff, work closely with families and ensure the best possible outcomes for all pupils.

The Role

The Assistant Principal - Inclusion will provide strategic and operational leadership across inclusion, SEND, safeguarding, attendance, behaviour and pastoral care. Working closely with the Principal and leadership team, you will help shape the school's vision and ensure that inclusive practice remains central to decision-making, culture and school improvement.

You will lead and develop a skilled team of inclusion and pastoral professionals, ensuring children receive timely support and that barriers to learning, attendance and achievement are successfully addressed.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for inclusion, SEND and pastoral provision across the school.
• Fulfil the statutory duties of SENCo, ensuring high-quality identification, assessment and provision for pupils with additional needs.
• Lead and develop systems that support attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and safeguarding.
• Manage and develop key members of the Inclusion and Pastoral Team to deliver outstanding support for pupils and families.
• Ensure robust SEND processes, including EHCP applications, reviews and effective use of available resources and funding.
• Build strong partnerships with families, local authorities and external agencies to secure the best outcomes for children.
• Drive a culture of high expectations, ensuring inclusive practice is embedded throughout teaching and learning.
• Contribute to whole-school leadership, strategic planning and continuous school improvement as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

What We Are Looking For

• A highly effective and inspirational leader with a strong commitment to inclusion and equity.
• A qualified SENCo who holds the statutory National Award for SEN Coordination.
• Significant experience of leading SEND provision and supporting vulnerable pupils.
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding, attendance, behaviour and pastoral systems.
• The ability to analyse information, develop effective provision and secure positive outcomes for children.
• A collaborative leader who can build strong relationships with staff, pupils, families and external professionals.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complex casework and statutory processes effectively.
• A commitment to maintaining ambitious expectations for every child, regardless of circumstance or need.

Why Join Lower Meadow?

This is a unique opportunity to take on a senior leadership role where inclusion is central to the school's vision and future development. You will have the autonomy, support and capacity to make a tangible difference to the lives of children and families while helping shape the strategic direction of the school.

We strongly encourage prospective candidates to visit the school and experience first‑hand the warm, inclusive culture of Lower Meadow Primary Academy. Visits provide an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues, explore the school environment and learn more about our ambitious vision for every child.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public‑facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.