Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion)

Meadow Park Academy is a vibrant, welcoming school in the heart of a diverse community in the Tilehurst area of Reading, the county town of Berkshire.

We believe primary school days should be one of the most exciting periods of anybody's life, as new skills and knowledge are gained every day. Our teachers deliver an engaging curriculum both inside and outside the classroom, at our very own forest school, providing exciting experiences that make learning fun.

Meadow Park Academy is seeking an exceptional and compassionate leader to join our senior team as Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Inclusion. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and drive our whole‑school vision for an inclusive, nurturing and high‑achieving learning environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to thrive. You will lead the strategic development of inclusion, SEND, pupil premium, EAL and wellbeing across the school, ensuring that our curriculum and provision reflect our belief that every pupil deserves excellence. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteachers to champion high-quality teaching and learning, strengthen pastoral systems and ensure that our ethos of belonging and care is embedded in every classroom.

This role is ideal for an experienced SENCO who is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable pupils, skilled in building strong relationships with families and external partners, and confident in leading and inspiring staff. You will oversee provision for pupils with SEND and other vulnerable groups, line manage our dedicated Inclusion Team, act as Deputy DSL, and lead on vital elements of school strategy. If you are an inclusive, collaborative and forward‑thinking practitioner who wants to make a meaningful difference to children’s lives while contributing to a vibrant, supportive school community, we would love to hear from you.

We are committed to investing in the successful applicant's professional development - this will include Thrive Licensed Practitioner training as well as the opportunity for further leadership development such as NPQH.

As Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion), you will work with the school’s senior leadership team to take day-to-day responsibility for co-ordinating specific provisions for individual pupils with SEND, including those with education, health and care (EHC) plans. You will work closely with staff and parents and promote the inclusion of pupils with SEND within our school. You will work predominantly for Meadow Park Academy, however you will also be the named SENCO at one of our small local schools (All Saints Junior School - Home) which is an exciting career opportunity.

Meadow Park Academy (your main place of work) has the following context statistics:

Free School Meals: 39%

SEND: 24%

EHCP: 5%

All Saints Junior School has the following context statistics:

Free School Meals: 9%

SEND: 8%

EHCP: 0%

Our school is proud to be part of Anthem Schools Trust, who together create ambitious and successful schools where every child thrives. Through the Trust, we provide high-quality professional development, coaching and leadership opportunities. This includes a number of specialist Trust-wide roles that offer talented teachers and leaders the opportunity to develop in their career and make an even bigger difference to children and young people.

Anthem Perks

Employee Benefits

At Anthem, we value our employees and are committed to providing a rewarding and supportive working environment. As part of our team, you’ll have access to Anthem Perks, which includes a range of fantastic benefits designed to support your well-being, professional growth, and financial security.

Two week half term - Staff benefit from a two-week half-term break in the autumn term, recognising and supporting wellbeing and retention.

Cycle Scheme - Get a new bike and accessories through our tax-efficient salary sacrifice scheme.

Tech & Home Scheme - Spread the cost of the latest tech and home essentials through convenient payroll deductions.

Corporate Health Cash Plan - Reclaim the cost of everyday healthcare, from dental check-ups to physiotherapy.

Eye Care - Support towards eye tests and glasses for screen users.

Employee Assistance Programme - Free, confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.

Employee Referral Scheme - Recommend a friend and receive a bonus when they join our team.

Anthem Institute - Immerse yourself in amazing CPD opportunities for all roles, networking and learning from specialists in their field.

At Anthem, we believe in supporting our staff, fostering a positive workplace culture, and helping every team member thrive. Join us and enjoy these great benefits as part of your career with Anthem!

Anthem Schools Trust is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We’ll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

Please note that we reserve the right to close the recruitment campaign earlier than this date subject to the volume of applications received. Interviews will be arranged upon receipt of applications. We therefore encourage candidates to submit applications as early as possible.

If you feel you have the skills and experience to support the pupils at Meadow Park Academy, we would be delighted to hear from you. Wewelcome visits to the school and are sure you will experience our nurturing, welcoming atmosphere to get a taste of how rewarding your work will be.

Please contact Kirsty Holehouse (Headteacher) at the school to arrange a visit or further discussion at kholehouse@meadowpark.anthemtrust.uk or telephone 0118 9375562

Furtherinformation can be found in the job description and person specification at the Meadow Park School Career Site. Click here

Please note application should be made through the Meadow Park Career Site, we do not accept CVs.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and require all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the requirements of the person specification and will be subject to the relevant pre-employment checks which will, where applicable, include a health check, an enhanced DBS check, the Children’s Barred List check and satisfactory references.

Anthem will undertake a basic online check for all shortlisted candidates.

It is an offence for an individual who has been disqualified from working with children to knowingly apply for, offer to do, accept, or do any work in a ‘regulated activity’. The position advertised is a ‘regulated activity’.