Job Introduction
Assistant Headteacher & SENDCo (0.5 FTE)
Interviews : Week beginning 19 October 2026
Slade Nursery School and Day Nursery is seeking an experienced and dedicated Assistant Headteacher and SENDCo to join our leadership team on a part-time basis. As an inclusive nursery serving a diverse community, we are committed to providing exceptional early years education and ensuring that every child is known, valued and supported to succeed. Working closely with the Headteacher, you will play a key role in leading high-quality provision, championing inclusion, and securing positive outcomes for all children, particularly those with SEND.We place positive relationships at the heart of everything we do and are looking for a leader who shares our commitment to creating a nurturing, respectful and ambitious learning environment for children, families and staff.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced early years leader with a strong commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and continuous improvement to contribute to the strategic development of our nursery. If you share our passion for giving every child the very best start in life, we would love to hear from you.
Job Description
Job Purpose
To provide strategic leadership and management of Early Years and SEND provision across Slade Nursery School, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and inclusion. The postholder will support the Headteacher and senior leadership team in driving school improvement, raising attainment, and promoting a positive, inclusive learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and manage Early Years and SEND provision, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance and best practice
• Inspire and motivate staff to deliver high-quality teaching and learning
• Contribute to whole-school strategic planning, self-evaluation, and improvement initiatives.
• Lead professional development and INSET across the school and with external partners.
• Manage performance of staff through appraisal and support systems.
• Coordinate recruitment, induction, and deployment of staff.
• Oversee teaching resources and supply cover arrangements.
• Model and promote effective and inclusive teaching strategies.
• Support colleagues in planning, assessment, and curriculum delivery.
• Lead improvements in teaching and learning, particularly in Early Years and SEND.
• Promote positive behaviour for learning and inclusion across the school.
• Lead assessment and pupil tracking systems across teams or the whole school.
• Analyse and interpret pupil data to inform planning and raise attainment.
• Use IT-based tracking software to monitor progress and identify areas for intervention.
• Champion safeguarding and the welfare of all pupils.
• Maintain and develop systems to safeguard pupils effectively.
• Promote inclusive practices and positive behaviour management strategies.
• Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and Early Years statutory guidance.
• Work with parents, carers, governors, and external agencies to raise standards.
• Represent the school in multi-agency meetings and partnerships.
• Engage with the wider community to support school improvement.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• NASENCO or equivalent leadership qualification
• Proven leadership experience in a primary school setting
• Experience of leading Early Years and SEND provision
• Evidence of supporting staff development and improving teaching quality
Skills and Knowledge
• Strong understanding of Early Years and SEND statutory frameworks
• Knowledge of effective teaching, learning, and assessment strategies
• Ability to lead change and manage conflict sensitively
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Awareness of school financial systems and governance
Personal Attributes
• Positive, energetic, and flexible approach to work
• Commitment to safeguarding and professional development
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards
• Passion for inclusive education and raising pupil outcomes
All applications must be submitted on an OCC application form. For the full job specification please visit our website.
Please note that we are unable to accept CV applications. If you have specific questions or would like to arrange a visit, please contact the office on: recruit@slade-nurs.oxon.sch.uk or telephone (01865) 750670.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
