Federation Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion Lead)
Crigglestone Nursery School, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 3EB26 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
3 February 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
7 January 2026
Job details
Job role
- Assistant headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: Term Time Only in line with teachers pay policy
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L1 – L5
What skills and experience we're looking for
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.
About Our Federation
We are two highly regarded, maintained nursery schools working in close partnership to provide outstanding early education for children aged2–4 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.
Our shared vision: ‘Nurturing children’s natural curiosity’
In our Federation, inclusion is not an add-on — it is at the heart of everything we do.
About the Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & SEND
- Lead the Federation’s strategic vision forInclusion, 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.
Safeguarding & Pastoral Care
- 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.
Staff Leadership & Development
- 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.
Curriculum & Teaching
- 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.
School Improvement & Partnerships
- 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.
The Person We’re Looking For
You will be:
- A qualified teacher with the National Award for SEN Coordination (or working towards).
- 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.
What the school offers its staff
- warm, supportive and forward-thinking Federation community.
- Skilled, dedicated staff who share a deep commitment to inclusion.
- Genuine opportunities forprofessional development and leadership growth.
- Curious, enthusiastic children who thrive in rich, enabling environments.
- A unique opportunity to lead and further shapeThe Garden Room, our enhanced SEND provision.
- Leaders and governors who value wellbeing, collaboration and innovation.
Further information about the job
Base: Across both Crigglestone & The Castle Nursery Schools
Closing Date:3rd February 2026
Applications: Email completed application forms to:kquinn@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk
Visits warmly encouraged– come and see our inclusive and curiosity-driven practice in action!
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Upload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Crigglestone Nursery School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 2 to 4
- Education phase
- Nursery
- School size
- 88 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 2 to 4
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Crigglestone Nursery School website
- Email address
- jhunter@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 01924 664787
We are two vibrant, inclusive maintained nursery schools working in strong partnership to provide high-quality early education for children aged 2–4.
Our ethos is rooted in nurture, inclusion, and curiosity. Inspired by The Curiosity Approach, our environments celebrate awe, wonder, and independence—helping every child to explore, question, and thrive.
Our vision: Nurture Children’s Natural Curiosity
Arranging a visit to Crigglestone Nursery School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email jhunter@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk.
School location
Similar jobs nearby
Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed
Find more school jobs in Wakefield and West Yorkshire