Assistant Headteacher/DSL

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

Job title:  Assistant Headteacher/DSL
Location: Riseley Green School, Riseley, Reading, Berkshire RG7 1QF
Salary:     Up to £48,000 per year depending on experience (not pro rata)
Hours:     37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am-4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time only
Start:        February 2026
UK applicants only; no sponsorship available

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!

A Unique Leadership Opportunity

Are you ready to help build something extraordinary from the ground up?

Riseley Green School is opening as part of the expanding Options Autism family — and we are seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher / Designated Safeguarding Lead to help define our culture, set uncompromising standards, and transform young lives from day one.

This is more than a leadership post. It is a rare opportunity to shape an inclusive, nurturing and ambitious specialist setting where safeguarding, wellbeing and exceptional SEND practice are embedded into everything we do.

If you are driven by impact, innovation and meaningful change — this is your moment.

About the Role

This is a pivotal, high-impact leadership position suited to an experienced SEN professional who thrives in collaborative environments and embraces challenge with clarity, resilience and vision.

Working closely with the Headteacher, teaching teams and in-house therapy services, you will:

• Lead and embed outstanding safeguarding practice across the school
• Drive high-quality SEND provision and inclusive practice
• Shape whole-school improvement from the earliest stages of development

You will combine strategic leadership with visible, hands-on engagement — including some PPA cover — ensuring you remain closely connected to classroom practice and pupils’ lived experiences.

This is leadership with visibility, purpose and integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring exemplary standards of pupil safety, compliance and wellbeing
• Lead and develop high-quality SEND provision, including oversight of EHCP processes, assessment, progress tracking and the graduated approach
• Drive whole-school improvement through data analysis, strategic planning and targeted interventions
• Build strong, trusted partnerships with pupils, families, staff and external agencies
• Coach and empower staff to deliver inclusive, adaptive teaching for complex SEND needs
• Oversee transitions, access arrangements and statutory documentation to ensure regulatory compliance
• Contribute to the daily life of the school through visible leadership and agreed teaching/PPA cover

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a leader who brings expertise, compassion and ambition in equal measure.

You will have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Proven experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Experience working within specialist or highly inclusive settings
• A strong understanding of complex and diverse SEND profiles
• Excellent knowledge of statutory safeguarding and SEND frameworks
• A child-centred, collaborative leadership style with safeguarding at its core
• A genuine passion for personalised learning, teamwork and pupil wellbeing

Most importantly, you believe every child can succeed — and you are relentless in removing barriers so they can.

About Us

Riseley Green School is an independent specialist school opened in May 2025 in Riseley, Reading, Berkshire, for autistic young people aged 4–16, with a capacity of 60 pupils.

We provide a nurturing, structured environment tailored to each child’s needs, fostering academic, social, and emotional growth. Small classes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, and personalised programmes ensure every pupil can thrive and reach their full potential. Our dedicated team works closely with families to support wellbeing, independence, and the development of essential life skills.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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