Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion, Behaviour & Safeguarding)

Assistant Headteacher - Inclusion, Behaviour & Safeguarding.

An exciting leadership opportunity has arisen within a forward-thinking provision setting in North Essex.

We are seeking a dynamic, resilient, and compassionate senior leader to take on a key strategic and operational role focused on behaviour, attendance, safeguarding culture, and reintegration support. This is a highly impactful position within a specialist learning environment supporting children and young people who require significant additional pastoral, emotional, and behavioural support to re-engage with education.

This role would suit an experienced or aspiring leader who is passionate about inclusion, trauma-informed practice, and improving outcomes for some of the most vulnerable learners in education.

About the Role

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping a positive, consistent, and relational approach to behaviour, attendance, and school culture. Working closely with senior leadership, staff teams, and external agencies, you will help ensure that every learner is supported to feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn.

Key aspects of the role include:

Leading on behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding culture across the setting

Supporting whole-school improvement planning with a focus on vulnerable learners

Coaching, mentoring, and supporting staff to deliver consistent and effective practice

Promoting high expectations while embedding relational and restorative approaches

Supporting reintegration pathways for learners experiencing barriers to attendance or engagement

Working closely with families, carers, and external professionals to support consistent provision

Using data and insight to monitor progress and inform strategic decisions

Contributing to the wider leadership and development of the provision

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a leader who demonstrates:

Leadership & Influence

Experience contributing to school improvement and leading whole-school initiatives

Ability to support, develop, and hold staff to account in a constructive and supportive way

Calm, consistent leadership style with the ability to work effectively in high-challenge environments

Teaching, Learning & Curriculum Understanding

Strong understanding of how to adapt learning to meet diverse and complex needs

Experience of supporting high-quality, inclusive practice across a range of learners

Ability to use assessment and data to support holistic progress and reintegration outcomes

Behaviour, Inclusion & Wellbeing

Strong understanding of trauma-informed and relational approaches to behaviour

Experience supporting learners with social, emotional, and mental health needs

Ability to lead de-escalation approaches and promote a safe, regulated environment

Experience supporting attendance challenges linked to emotional-based barriers

Safeguarding & Multi-Agency Working

Strong safeguarding knowledge and commitment to child protection

Experience working with external agencies including education, social care, and health services

Commitment to supporting safe reintegration and improved outcomes for learners

What We Offer

A highly supportive leadership team and collaborative working environment

Opportunities for professional development in alternative provision and inclusive leadership

The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people

A values-driven culture focused on second chances, relationships, and positive futures

Additional Information

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is required

This is a senior leadership role within an alternative provision setting

Interviews are scheduled to take place in mid-July 2026