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.

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

We are seeking a leader who demonstrates:

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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