Inclusion Leader (SENDCO and DSL)

John Hampden Primary School, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HU

17 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 January 2026

• Closing date

  20 October 2025 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  3 October 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • SENDCo (special educational needs and disabilities coordinator)
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time: Full Time, Monday to Friday
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: Main Scale/Upper Pay Scale: £32,916 - £51,048
• Additional allowances:

  TLR2 (1) - £3,527

What skills and experience we're looking for

Are you a passionate, experienced, and knowledgeable leader ready to lead and develop our INCLUSION TEAM and make a positive impact on the lives of children in our school.

Our INCLUSION LEADER is part of our senior leadership team, fulfilling the roles of SENDCO and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). They also lead and manage our Inclusion Team that includes a family links worker and Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA).

We are a vibrant, inclusive, and high-performing primary school where every child is nurtured, challenged, and celebrated. We believe in THE HAMPDEN WAY and use this to guide our thinking and behaviour. We are KIND. We try our BEST. We are a TEAM.

Our school needs an exemplary INCLUSION LEADER who:

• Has a wealth of experience and deep knowledge of SEND provision, legislation, and inclusive teaching strategies.
• Has a proven track record of leading, shaping, and innovating SEND practice with measurable outcomes for pupils and their families.
• Is qualified as a SENDCO or committed to achieving the qualification within 18 months
• Can inspire, challenge, and support colleagues in delivering high-quality provision.
• Is able to demonstrate energy and dynamism and keen to make a difference.
• Is a team player who listens to and values the opinions of others, while bringing their own ideas and initiative.
• Is a resilient leader who can positively manage difficult and emotional conversations and communications with our families
• Is an experienced DSL or is ready and experienced enough to take on this role in our school
• Has experience of leading programmes of early help and support for vulnerable families
• Can effectively lead our Inclusion Team comprising of a Family Links Worker and Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
• Has experience of effective multi-agency working
• Who has a forensic eye for detail to ensure robust safeguarding policies, practices and procedures are in place and being operated effectively

What the school offers its staff

In supporting our school you will get:

• To be an integral member of our SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
• To dedicate 100% of your time to your leadership role as this is a non-teaching position
• To work with amazing, creative, fun and high-achieving children
• To work with a very supportive and dedicated team
• To work in a community with team/family spirit in abundance
• Access to professional development and training.
• To work with very supportive governing body, parents and children

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Visits to the school are encouraged and warmly welcomed. To arrange a visit please email office.2591@john-hampden.oxon.sch.uk, or call the school office on (01844) 212291.

If you would like to apply, please complete and return the attached application form to admin.2591@john-hampden.oxon.sch.uk

Closing date for applications - Monday 20th October 2025

Interviews to be held - w/c 20th October 2025

Commitment to safeguarding

John Hampden Primary School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and other pre-employment checks.

Applying for the job

This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Upload additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Inclusion Leader Job Description and Person Specification.docx - 106 KB (opens in new tab)

About John Hampden Primary School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, ages 3 to 11
• Education phase: Primary
• School size: 448 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 3 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: John Hampden Primary School website
• Email address: admin.2591@john-hampden.oxon.sch.uk
• Phone number: 01844 212291
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/john-hampden-primary-school

Local authority maintained school for 3 to 11 year olds.

Arranging a visit to John Hampden Primary School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email admin.2591@john-hampden.oxon.sch.uk.

School location

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