Assistant Principal - SEND, Inclusion and Safeguarding

We are seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking leader to provide strategic leadership for SEND, inclusion, attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and safeguarding at Writtle College. The new post holder will lead the development and implementation of the college SEND and Inclusion Strategy, providing leadership for learning support services and inclusion teams, and ensuring effective support and outcomes for students. You will champion inclusive practice across all curriculum and support areas to further develop and enhance inclusion at the college, ensuring that it is front and centre in all we do. Key to success will be reducing achievement gaps and improving learner outcomes through continuous improvements to SEND and inclusive practice.

We have recently modified the focus of this role, to ensure that it reflects our deep commitment to providing the optimum experience, support and nurturing environment for our more vulnerable students and those with higher needs. This will be a key priority going forwards, as our enrolments continue to grow and as we welcome students to more diverse programmes and levels of study.

You will have ample opportunity to bring new ideas, shape practice and make a deep impact on the success and well-being of our students. A key priority will be working collaboratively with colleagues across both Writtle College and ARU, including sharing good practice and role modelling inclusivity.

Our successful candidate will have significant experience of leading SEND and Inclusion provision, supporting High Needs learners and vulnerable groups within an education environment, with a strong understanding of EHCP processes and statutory responsibilities.

Experience of leading quality improvement and inspection preparation is of key importance, as is extensive safeguarding leadership experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead. We are seeking an innovative, entrepreneurial and collaborative leader, who can motivate and inspire staff while demonstrating empathy in supporting and engaging students.

We welcome applications from individuals seeking to step upwards and we will provide support and development to help you succeed and continue your leadership journey. We are equally open to considering candidates from colleges, schools, academies or other education environments, and previous land-based sector experience is not necessary. What matters most is your ability to have a positive impact on the inclusion agenda, inspire colleagues and create a safe, supportive environment, taking forward a specialist institution with ambitious plans for growth.

You will have a degree plus demonstrable professional experience for the role or relevant professional/degree level qualification (chartered where appropriate) appropriate to the specific role being appointed to plus demonstrable professional experience for the role, recognised teaching qualification and/or Assessor and Verifier Awards, minimum level 3 safeguarding qualification or willingness to undertake.

All appointments at ARU Writtle are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Children's Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Shortlisted candidates will be required to disclose any prior disciplinary action or investigation related to sexual misconduct or abuse. This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Benefits include generous holiday entitlement, occupational pension schemes, training and development opportunities, travel to work scheme and a competitive relocation package. ARU has an agile working culture and is committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working.