Inclusion Manager

Hillingdon Manor School; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work Scheme

Job summary

Groveside School in Reading is seeking a dedicated Inclusion Manager to lead on safeguarding and pupil welfare for students aged 7-16 with special educational needs. You will manage safeguarding practices, support staff, and build strong relationships with pupils and families.

The role requires an experienced pastoral professional who can navigate complex emotional needs and create effective strategies for student success.

Qualifications

• Experienced in pastoral care, safeguarding and supporting young people with additional needs.
• Calm, resilient and approachable, with the ability to respond confidently to challenging situations.
• Skilled at building trusting relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead effective safeguarding and pastoral strategies for pupil wellbeing.
• Manage safeguarding concerns and staff training as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Collaborate with families and professionals for positive outcomes.
• Monitor behaviour and incident trends using data.
• Provide support during periods of crisis.

Skills

Pastoral care

Safeguarding

Behaviour strategies

Strong communication

Relationship building

Education

Qualified Designated Safeguarding Lead

Job description

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• Range

Inclusion Manager

Groveside School

• Reading
• Permanent

Salary: £30,000 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday

At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work

Job Title: Inclusion Manager
Location: Groveside School, Reading, RG2 7AY
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday – Friday
Salary: £30,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Are you passionate about safeguarding, pastoral care and helping young people overcome barriers to learning and thrive?

At Groveside School, we’re looking for a dedicated and resilient Pastoral & Safeguarding Lead to play a key role in ensuring our pupils feel safe, supported, understood and ready to learn.

This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced pastoral professional who can combine strong safeguarding knowledge with a genuine passion for building positive relationships. You’ll lead on safeguarding and pupil welfare, support staff with effective behaviour strategies and provide a calm, consistent presence for young people who may need additional support.

You’ll work closely with pupils, families, teaching staff and the wider multidisciplinary team, using your expertise and behaviour data to identify needs, strengthen pastoral practice and help every young person make positive progress.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead effective safeguarding, pastoral and pupil welfare strategies, ensuring the safety and emotional wellbeing of all pupils.
• Act as a key Designated Safeguarding Lead, managing concerns, referrals, records, meetings and staff safeguarding training.
• Monitor behaviour, safeguarding and incident trends, using data to identify needs and inform positive interventions.
• Provide guidance on Positive Behaviour Profiles, Behaviour Support Plans and positive handling, helping staff develop consistent and effective approaches.
• Build strong, restorative relationships with pupils, providing direct support during periods of crisis or difficulty.
• Work collaboratively with families, social care, education professionals and multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes.
• Lead pastoral briefings and support staff to develop high-quality pastoral practice.
• Oversee rewards and points systems, community projects and opportunities such as on-site work experience.

What you will bring

• Experienced in pastoral care, safeguarding and supporting young people with additional needs.
• A qualified or experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead, with a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and legislation.
• Calm, resilient and approachable, with the ability to respond confidently to challenging situations.
• Highly organised with excellent administration and record-keeping skills.
• Skilled at building trusting relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• A strong communicator who can motivate others and promote positive pastoral practice.
• Creative, solution-focused and able to bring out the best in young people.
• Someone who can thrive in a dynamic environment while maintaining a sense of humour and perspective.

About Us

Groveside School is a Special Educational Needs School for Pupils 7 - 16 years old with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils.

To the ideal candidate, Groveside School offers the following opportunities:

• To work in a school that is passionate about all achievement for all pupils.
• To work with fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic and engaging curriculum.
• To begin your journey with a strong induction programme tailored to your experience and needs.
• To engage collaboratively within a very supportive environment where professional development is an essential aspect of our daily practice.
• To be committed to creating exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.We are committed to the 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.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

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

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

Wherever you work – whether in a city location or one of our more rural settings – you’ll be part of one dynamic family, aiming high and dreaming big, and helping the people we work with achieve their own personal goals

Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday

With amazing teams working across our family of brands – Acorn Education, Options Autism, Momenta Connect and Blenheim Schools– we offer a huge range of exciting career opportunities.Take a closer look and discover how fulfilling your career could be.

Meeting the social and emotional needs of pupils who have faced trauma or adversity, equipping them for life’s important steps.

Supporting autistic pupils to value their uniqueness and access the world in their own way.

At Momenta Connect we support young people to overcome barriers and engage with education.

We are committed to enabling outstanding futures for all children through a portfolio of inclusive, high-quality independent and international schools.