Job Title: Assistant Headteacher (with Teaching Responsibilities and SENDCo Role)

Employer: Ruardean C of E

Salary: L1-L4 (£49781-£53601)

Start date: 1st January 2026

Location: Ruardean C of E Primary School

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time

DBS Check: Enhanced

Closing date: Friday 3rd October 2025

Shortlisting: Tuesday 7th October 2025

Interviews: Tuesday 21st October 2025

Visits to the school: Monday 22nd September 3:30pm, Tuesday 23rd September 4pm, Thursday 25th September at 1:30 and 3:30 pm Friday 26th September 3:30 pm (Please contact the school office to book onto a visit).

At Ruardean C of E Primary School we believe in nurturing the Love of Learning, Love of Life, and Love of One Another. As a small, close-knit village primary school, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, inclusive environment where every child is known, valued, and supported to flourish both academically and personally.

The Role

The Headteacher, in collaboration with the Governing Board, is actively seeking a dedicated and passionate Assistant Headteacher to join our leadership team. This is a strategic and hands-on role combining leadership, class teaching and responsibility as the school’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo).

The successful candidate will work closely with the Headteacher to drive school improvement, promote high-quality teaching and learning, and ensure all pupils – especially those with additional needs – receive the support they need to thrive.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who wishes to gain experience within leadership whilst broadening their knowledge of SEND. As a school we will be able to support you on this journey and offer you the opportunity to train as SENDCo as well as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) if these are qualifications you do not yet have.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Support the Headteacher in the day-to-day leadership and management of the school.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of the school development plan.
• Foster a culture that reflects our core values: Love of Learning, Love of Life, and Love of One Another.
• Lead on areas of whole-school development as agreed with the Headteacher.
• Act as a role model for staff, pupils, and the wider community.

Teaching & Learning

• Deliver high-quality, inclusive teaching within a mainstream class.
• Model best practice in teaching, learning, and classroom management.
• Support colleagues through mentoring, coaching, and team teaching as required.
• Use assessment effectively to inform planning and raise standards across the school.

SENDCo Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic development of SEND provision across the school.
• Identify pupils with SEND and ensure appropriate provision is in place to meet their needs.
• Coordinate, monitor, and review EHCPs and individual support plans.
• Work in close partnership with staff, parents, external agencies, and the local authority.
• Ensure the school meets all statutory requirements regarding SEND.
• Work in collaboration with the teacher in the Communication and Interaction Centre to ensure high standards and a supportive learning environment.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Experience in a primary school teaching role.
• Proven leadership experience (e.g. as a phase leader, subject leader, or part of SLT).
• National Award for SEN Coordination (or willingness to complete within 3 years).
• A clear commitment to inclusive education and the well-being of all pupils.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire, support, and lead others with compassion and clarity.

Desirable:

• Previous experience as a SENDCo or within a SEND-focused role.
• Experience as a DDSL
• Experience working in a small or rural primary school setting.
• Understanding of multi-agency working and the SEND Code of Practice.

We Offer:

• A supportive and welcoming school community.
• Enthusiastic, kind, and inspiring children who Love to Learn.
• A committed and caring team of staff and governors.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A beautiful village setting with strong community links.

For further information or to arrange a visit to our school, please contact the school office in on 01594 542461 or email ruardean.recruitment@ruardean.gloucs.sch.uk

If you are shortlisted for the post, we will ask you to complete a self-declaration on your
criminal record.

Our policy on employment of ex-offenders is on our vacancies page, under vacancy downloads. https://www.ruardeancofeprimaryschool.com/vacancies

As part of our due diligence within safer recruitment in schools, we will be carrying out online searches to help identify any incidents or issues which may need to be explored at interview. These searches will include, but will not be limited to, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and Google. Any anomalies in either your application form or as a result of your online search will be addressed by the school either prior to your interview or during the interview.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff, and volunteers, to share the same commitment. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check.