Federation Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion Lead)

Teaching Vacancies; Castleford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A compassionate educational federation in Castleford is looking for an exceptional Federation Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Inclusion and SEND. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership, directly shaping inclusive practice across two nursery schools. Candidates should be qualified teachers with experience as SENDCo and strong communication skills. The federation offers a supportive community, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to lead innovative educational practices.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Supportive community

Forward-thinking leadership

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher with the National Award for SEN Coordination (or working towards).
• Experienced SENDCo (early years experience is desirable).
• Knowledgeable in SEND, inclusion, and early years pedagogy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Federation’s strategic vision for Inclusion, SEND, and medical needs.
• Serve as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Lead and inspire teaching assistants and support staff.

Skills

Leadership

Inclusion

Communication

Safeguarding

Strategic Planning

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

National Award for SEN Coordination

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Could you be our champion of inclusion, where futures are shaped through play, nurture and curiosity? The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools is seeking an exceptional Federation Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Inclusion and SEND to join our ambitious and compassionate leadership team.

About Our Federation

We are two highly regarded, maintained nursery schools working in close partnership to provide outstanding early education for children aged 2–4 years. Our practice is rooted in nurture, inclusion and curiosity. Inspired by The Curiosity Approach, our environments invite awe, wonder and independence, enabling children to explore their world with confidence and joy.

About the Role

As Federation Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion), you will play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive practice across both schools. You will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, combining strategic oversight with hands‑on leadership. This role requires a qualified and practising (or recently practising) SENDCo, holding the National Award for SEN Coordination, with substantial experience of leading inclusion in an early years or primary context.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & SEND

• Lead the Federation’s strategic vision for Inclusion, SEND and medical needs.
• Act as Federation SENDCo, ensuring statutory compliance and exemplary inclusive practice.
• Lead and further develop The Garden Room, our enhanced SEND provision for communication and interaction, ensuring highly personalised, child‑centred support.
• Contribute meaningfully to Federation‑wide strategic planning and school improvement.

Safeguarding & Pastoral Care

• Serve as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), promoting a strong and vigilant safeguarding culture.
• Lead on behaviour, attendance and pastoral systems so that every child feels safe, secure and ready to learn.
• Monitor attendance, engagement and outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, removing barriers to participation.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Lead, support and inspire teaching assistants and support staff, including The Garden Room team.
• Develop staff confidence in inclusive, adaptive and trauma‑informed practice.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, reflection and professional growth through coaching and supervision.

Curriculum & Teaching

• Champion inclusive, ambitious and child‑centred teaching across the Federation.
• Support staff in delivering a rich and inspiring curriculum aligned with The Curiosity Approach.
• Model outstanding early years practice rooted in play, relationships and curiosity.

School Improvement & Partnerships

• Lead SEND and inclusion priorities within the School Development Plan.
• Use evidence, data and professional insight to evaluate impact and drive improvement.
• Work closely with external professionals and agencies to secure the very best outcomes for children and families.
• Report clearly and confidently to governors on inclusion, SEND and vulnerable groups.

The Person We’re Looking For

• A qualified teacher with the National Award for SEN Coordination (or working towards).
• An experienced SENDCo (early years experience is highly desirable).
• Knowledgeable and confident in SEND, inclusion, safeguarding and early years pedagogy.
• An experienced DSL or senior safeguarding leader.
• An inspiring leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passionate about developing others and building strong, reflective teams.
• Committed to evidence‑informed, inclusive practice.
• Drawn to the values of The Curiosity Approach.
• Someone who leads with integrity, optimism and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential.

What the school offers its staff

• warm, supportive and forward‑thinking Federation community.
• Skilled, dedicated staff who share a deep commitment to inclusion.
• Genuine opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
• Curious, enthusiastic children who thrive in rich, enabling environments.
• A unique opportunity to lead and further shape The Garden Room, our enhanced SEND provision.
• Leaders and governors who value wellbeing, collaboration and innovation.

Further details about the role

Base: Across both Crigglestone & The Castle Nursery Schools

Closing Date: 3rd February 2026

Applications: Email completed application forms to: [e-mail]

Visits warmly encouraged– come and see our inclusive and curiosity‑driven practice in action!

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.