The Role

We are seeking an experienced and committed leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Head – Inclusion. This is a key strategic and operational role, working closely with the Deputy Headteacher to ensure the effective day-to-day running of the online school and the continuous development of inclusive practice.

This is a full-time, office-based role in Wimbledon, where you will play a visible and active role within the leadership team, supporting staff and embedding strong practice across the provision. Following successful completion of six months in post, there will be the opportunity to move to a hybrid working model, combining remote working with on-site responsibilities.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in safeguarding, inclusion, behaviour, and attendance within a virtual learning environment, ensuring that all pupils are supported to engage meaningfully and achieve their full potential.

The Assistant Head – Inclusion will act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, taking responsibility for safeguarding practice across the online school in line with statutory guidance, with particular attention to the demands of remote education and digital safeguarding. They will oversee complex safeguarding cases and lead effective multi-agency collaboration to support pupils and families, ensuring that interventions are timely, coordinated, and impactful.

They will champion inclusion across the school, working closely with clinical teams and teaching staff to develop and embed strategies that support pupils with neurodiverse and complex needs. A strong focus will be placed on ensuring that all pupils can access and benefit from online learning, particularly those who may struggle with engagement.

The role includes oversight of behaviour and engagement, ensuring that staff apply consistent and effective strategies within virtual classrooms and that pupils are supported to participate positively. In addition, the postholder will lead on attendance, developing and implementing approaches to improve engagement and address barriers in partnership with families and external agencies.

A key aspect of the role is quality assurance, including monitoring safeguarding, inclusion, behaviour, and attendance practices to ensure high standards are maintained. The Assistant Head -Inclusion will ensure that records are accurate, risk assessments are robust, and the school is fully prepared for internal and external review, including inspection.

The role also involves leading staff development, identifying training needs, and delivering high-quality professional development in areas such as safeguarding, inclusion, behaviour, and engagement. Line management of pastoral staff will form part of the role, alongside contributing to performance management processes and fostering a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement.

About You

The successful candidate will be a qualified Social Worker (holding a recognised Social Work qualification and current registration with Social Work England), with significant experience of safeguarding and working with children and families with complex needs. They will bring a strong understanding of statutory processes, multi-agency working, and risk management.

They will be an experienced and confident leader, capable of operating strategically while remaining closely involved in operational practice. They will have a deep understanding of inclusion and the barriers faced by vulnerable pupils, and be able to adapt approaches effectively within an online education environment.

Strong communication, organisational skills, and the ability to build effective relationships with pupils, families, staff, and external professionals are essential, alongside a clear commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.

Why Work with Us?

At TCES, we value our staff as much as we value our pupils. Joining our team comes with a fantastic package of benefits:

• Hybrid working after 6 months – start in our Wimbledon office to settle in, then enjoy flexible working from home.
• Competitive salary – reflecting your skills, experience, and the impact you make.
• Generous annual leave – take the time you need to recharge and maintain your wellbeing.
• Professional development – access to ongoing training, leadership development, and support for career progression.
• Employee Assistance Programme – confidential advice and support whenever you need it.
• Therapeutic and clinical support – work within a clinically informed model with access to specialists.
• Supportive culture – a team-focused environment that values collaboration, innovation, and staff wellbeing.

We invest in our people because we know happy, supported staff make the biggest difference to the lives of our pupils.