; no sponsorship availableJoin #teamOFG and enjoy a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW)!We’re trialling a 4DWW — 80% of the hours for 100% of your pay!* At this school, it will launch once we have a full team in place, so there’s never been a better time to join and help shape the future!A Unique Leadership OpportunityAre 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 RoleThis 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 schoolDrive high-quality SEND provision and inclusive practiceShape whole-school improvement from the earliest stages of developmentYou 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 ResponsibilitiesAct as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring exemplary standards of pupil safety, compliance and wellbeingLead and develop high-quality SEND provision, including oversight of EHCP processes, assessment, progress tracking and the graduated approachDrive whole-school improvement through data analysis, strategic planning and targeted interventionsBuild strong, trusted partnerships with pupils, families, staff and external agenciesCoach and empower staff to deliver inclusive, adaptive teaching for complex SEND needsOversee transitions, access arrangements and statutory documentation to ensure regulatory complianceContribute to the daily life of the school through visible leadership and agreed teaching/PPA coverWhat We’re Looking ForWe 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 LeadExperience working within specialist or highly inclusive settingsA strong understanding of complex and diverse SEND profilesExcellent knowledge of statutory safeguarding and SEND frameworksA child-centred, collaborative leadership style with safeguarding at its coreA genuine passion for personalised learning, teamwork and pupil wellbeingMost importantly, you believe every child can succeed — and you are relentless in removing barriers so they can.About UsRiseley 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 AssurancePension scheme with options to increase contributions“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checksFlexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:Health, wellbeing and insurance benefitsHundreds of UK and international discountsCycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness coverFamily 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.#1
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