Assistant Headteacher (Early Years & SENDco) - Barford Primary School

September 2026 Start | Leadership Scale L1–L5 | Permanent Position

Are you ready to shape the very start of a child’s learning journey—and make it extraordinary?

We are seeking a dynamic, creative, and passionate Assistant Headteacher to lead our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and drive inclusive practice as our SENDCo.

This is a unique opportunity to take a strategic leadership role in a thriving school community, with your first year being non‑class based, allowing you to focus on impact, innovation, and whole‑school improvement.

Salary:£51,773 - £57,137

Permanent, full time.

32.5 hours per week.

Step into a role where you will ignite excellence in Early Years, shaping outstanding practice through expert pedagogy and a deep understanding of how young children learn and develop. You will be a passionate champion of inclusion, ensuring every child—particularly those with SEND—flourishes, feels valued, and achieves their full potential. With creativity and vision, you will transform and enrich our EYFS provision, crafting inspiring indoor and outdoor environments where curiosity thrives, and the environment truly becomes the third teacher.

As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will play a vital role in driving whole‑school improvement, bringing energy, innovation, and high expectations. You will lead the exciting development of our Forest School provision, embedding meaningful outdoor learning experiences that nurture resilience, independence, and wonder.

Alongside this, you will mentor and inspire trainee teachers, shaping the educators of tomorrow, while building strong partnerships with staff, families, and external agencies to ensure every learner is supported, challenged, and celebrated.

This is more than a role—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference.

What We’re Looking For

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in Early Years education
• Proven success in raising standards and improving outcomes
• A strong understanding of the EYFS curriculum and high‑quality learning environments
• A genuine passion for inclusion and supporting children with SEND
• A collaborative leader with energy, creativity, and vision
• A great sense of humour—we believe it matters!

What We Offer

• A supportive and forward‑thinking school community
• Full professional development, including NPQ for Special Educational Needs Coordination (NPQSEN)
• The opportunity to shape and lead an evolving Early Years provision
• A leadership role where your ideas and expertise will truly make a difference

If you are an inspirational leader ready to take the next step and transform Early Years provision, we would love to hear from you.

Join us—and help every child get the very best start.

Closing date: 13th May 2026.

Interviews will take place on Monday 18th May 2026.

Barford Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

All successful applicants will require an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In line with the requirements set out in KCSIE 2025, an online search will also be carried out on short‑listed candidates to help identify and incidents or issues.

The outcome of the online search may be that may be discussed at interview.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, please refer to schools Employment of ex‑offenders policy and Safeguarding and Child protection policy available on the school website.

Ofsted 2023 ‘The school has high ambitions for all pupils!’

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