Assistant Headteacher: Senco & Inclusion Lead - Full-time

Swingate Primary School, Lordswood

• Ref:MED887-2549-143L
• Posted:07/05/2026
• Pay:L4 - L9 (Dependent on experience)
• Start Date:Sept 2026
• App Close Date:18/05/2026 at 23:00
• Interviews:Thur 21 May 2026

Advert

**PLEASE APPLY ON OUR SCHOOL APPLICATION FORM HERE**

Swingate Primary School is seeking to appoint an exceptional Assistant Headteacher: SENCo & Inclusion Lead to join our Senior Leadership Team.

Our Vision

At Swingate, we believe that:

"We all flourish from a wealth of learning experiences that positively impact on academic, physical and emotional success."

Our character values of Bravery, Responsibility, Empathy and Resilience are not just words - they are lived every day by our pupils and staff and underpin everything we do.

Why Swingate?

Swingate is a large, successful and inclusive primary school with a strong reputation both locally and beyond.

Our inclusive provision is a genuine strength. Ofsted recognised that:

“Pupils with SEND do well… their needs are identified accurately… and addressed through carefully matched support to help these pupils achieve highly.”

This is echoed by governors, who recently praised the team’s dedication and impact:

“Everything I saw was fantastic… it really shows your dedication… being inclusive really does make a difference to those children.”

Our staff are proud to work here. High levels of staff retention and positive wellbeing survey outcomes reflect a culture where colleagues feel supported, valued and genuinely enjoy being part of our community.

Our pupils are happy, motivated and eager to learn, thriving in an environment where they feel safe, known and encouraged to succeed.

About the Role

This is a key strategic leadership role with responsibility for:

• SEND (as SENCo)
• Inclusion and vulnerable groups (including Pupil Premium and EAL)
• Safeguarding (Deputy DSL)

You will work closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to:

• Drive standards and improve outcomes for all pupils
• Lead and develop a highly respected and established SEND team
• Ensure every child - especially the most vulnerable - flourishes academically, physically and emotionally

This is a non-class-based role, allowing you to focus fully on leading, developing and embedding exceptional inclusive practice across the school.

We Are Looking For Someone Who:

• Has experience in teaching and school leadership, with a track record of impact
• Has SEND experience, including securing strong outcomes
• Holds the National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCo) or equivalent
• Has experience of leading and developing others to improve inclusive practice across a school
• Has a proven ability to improve outcomes for vulnerable pupils
• Builds strong, positive relationships with pupils, staff, families and external professionals
• Embodies our character values of bravery, responsibility, empathy and resilience

We Offer:

• A welcoming, inclusive, fun and ambitious school community
• A highly respected SEND provision with strong foundations already in place
• A supportive, forward-thinking and collaborative Senior Leadership Team
• Opportunities to shape whole-school strategy and grow as a senior leader
• A culture where staff wellbeing is prioritised and valued
• The chance to make a genuine, lasting difference to children’s lives

Visits

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and strongly encouraged.

**PLEASE APPLY ON OUR SCHOOL APPLICATION FORM HERE**

Information about the school

We are a brilliant, large three-form entry (including a Nursery), inclusive, successful school with extensive woodland grounds and friendly staff. We aim to inspire our children to be Brave, Resilient, Responsible and Empathetic. Our curriculum is child-centred, creative and progressive.

We are part of the Bluebell Federation comprising of Swingate, Horsted and Burnt Oak Primary Schools.

Our teachers work collaboratively to reduce workload and we have an impressive sporting profile. We are a beacon school and staff and pupil well-being is valued and promoted. Swingate has a strong leadership team that welcomes and encourages children and staff to reach their true potential. Check out our Twitter account: @SwingatePrimary.

We offer a fantastic wellbeing package including a pension scheme, carefirst and training and development opportunities

Job Contact Information

• Name:Jenny Baker
• Address:Swingate Primary School, Sultan Road, Lordswood, Kent, ME5 8TJ
• Telephone: 01634 336472
• Email: hrteam@thebluebellfederation.co.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description & Person Specification