Assistant Principal for Inclusion and Safeguarding

WORKING WITH US

At Harris Academy Merton we promote the ethos Achievement is Success and believe every student has the right to the highest standard of education so that they can accomplish their aspirations. Our aim is to give every student an educational experience that is enjoyable and holistic so that they develop into responsible, articulate and successful young people.

We combine the traditional values of strong discipline, good manners, respect and pride in appearance with contemporary best practice in teaching and technology. With these core values embedded, we develop our students into confident and capable individuals that have a desire to excel academically and personally now and in the future.

To learn more about the culture and ethos of our academy, our impact within the community and what we can offer you, view our academy page via the "why work at" button.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for an experienced, outstanding leader to join us as Assistant Principal (Inclusion & Safeguarding) supporting the strategic and operational management, development and leadership of Harris Academy Merton, and ensuring the achievement of our ethos, aims and objectives.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead and Prevent Lead, ensuring exemplary standards of student safety, compliance and wellbeing
• Establish and promote a strong safeguarding and inclusive culture within the Academy
• Implement and deliver an effective safeguarding training programme for students, staff and parents
• Oversee Alternative Provision
• Lead the transition of Year 6 into Year 7
• Lead the Early Help provision in the Academy
• Act as the Academy Mental Health Lead
• Act as Designated Teacher for LAC
• Work in conjunction with the Attendance Lead to monitor children who are absent from education and implement appropriate strategies to re-engage them with education
• Oversee the implementation and delivery of the RSHE curriculum ensuring it is fully compliant
• Oversight of high-quality SEND and EAL provision including identification, assessment, progress tracking and the graduated approach
• Oversight of EHCP processes, identification, assessment, progress tracking and the graduated approach
• Oversight of access arrangements and statutory documentation to ensure regulatory compliance
• Coach and empower staff to deliver inclusive, adaptive teaching for SEND
• Drive whole-school improvement through data analysis, strategic planning and targeted interventions
• Build strong, trusted partnerships with student, families, staff and external agencies
• Contribute to the daily life of the school through visible leadership

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are look for a leader who brings expertise, compassion and ambition in equal measure, and who has:

• 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 inclusive and adaptive learning, teamwork and student wellbeing

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Senior Leader Development

With Harris, you will join a large network of likeminded senior leaders and have opportunities to learn from colleagues who are some of the best senior leaders in the country. Our senior leaders can benefit from tailored professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership which will enable you to develop your pedagogy, leadership skills and drive school improvement.

Supported by experienced mentors, you can access national professional qualifications and draw on expert knowledge from dedicated subject consultants who offer invaluable subject and curriculum insight.

Flexible Working

We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual's circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.

Benefits

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

Thank you for your interest in this position. If you would like to discuss this opportunity, or to request a visit, please email the academy via the Why work page on harriscareers.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be help you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.