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Job title and organisation: Federation Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion Lead) - Federation of Crigglestone & The Castle Nursery Schools
Salary: L1 - L5
Hours: Full Time (Term Time Only)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Crigglestone & The Castle Nursery Schools, Wakefield
Closing Date: Tuesday 3 February 2026

Start Date: ASAP

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.

This is a rare and rewarding opportunity for an experienced SENDCo and inclusive leader to make a profound difference at the earliest and most formative stage of education. If you believe every child deserves to feel safe, understood, celebrated and inspired, we would love to hear from you.

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.

In our Federation, inclusion is not an add‑on — it is at the heart of everything we do.

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.

• 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

You will be:

• A qualified teacher with the National Award for SEN Coordination.
• 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.

• A 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.

Base: Across both Crigglestone & The Castle Nursery Schools

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

The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

The above post is not a Leeds City Council vacancy and has been advertised on behalf of the relevant organisation. To apply please follow their application instructions.