Ambitious about Autism
Assistant Headteacher of Inclusion, Safeguarding and DSL
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Assistant Headteacher – Inclusion, Safeguarding and DSL
Location: TreeHouse School, Woodside Ave, London, N10 3JA
Hours: Permanent, full time (37.3 hours per week)
Salary: £62,541 to £66,744 per annum
Start date: January 2027
About TreeHouse School:
TreeHouse School, part of Ambitious about Autism, is an Ofsted outstanding specialist school supporting children and young people aged 4–19 with autism and complex learning needs. We are committed to providing an exceptional learning environment where every pupil can thrive and achieve their full potential.
About the role:
We are looking for a resilient and values-led Assistant Headteacher of Inclusion, Safeguarding and DSL to join our Senior Leadership Team.
This is a pivotal role with responsibility for safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil welfare for autistic children and young people with complex needs.
- Lead on child protection and safeguarding, working closely with our team of deputy and assistant DSLs and with external partners including Social Care, Health, Police, LADO, and Prevent.
- Provide strategic oversight of inclusion, behavior, wellbeing, healthcare, therapeutic support, Positive Behavior Support (PBS), and least restrictive practice, working collaboratively with education, nursing, and wider multidisciplinary teams.
- This is not an office-based role. You will need to have a strong presence across the school, supporting pupils, families, and staff, providing visible leadership, and responding calmly and effectively when complex situations arise.
What we are looking for:
- Has strong safeguarding experience and ideally experience as a DSL or Deputy DSL.
- Has a good understanding of autism, SEND, and complex needs, with experience in an education or specialist setting preferred.
- Could be an experienced education professional, SEN specialist, or social worker with substantial relevant experience and a strong understanding of education.
- Is confident making difficult safeguarding decisions, managing referrals, and escalating concerns when necessary.
- Is resilient, persistent, and able to manage complex cases involving vulnerable children.
- Can build strong relationships with pupils, families, staff, and external agencies.
- Can lead and develop staff, ensuring safeguarding training, recording, and procedures are consistently followed.
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What we offer:
- You will be well supported by an experienced safeguarding team, Senior Leadership Team, and receive regular supervision and mentoring.
- There will also be opportunities to develop your expertise through DSL, trauma-informed, autism, and CALM training.
- This is an opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives of autistic children and young people, while leading a team and helping shape excellent safeguarding and inclusive practice across the school.
- If you are a confident safeguarding professional who combines expertise with compassion, resilience, and determination, we would love to hear from you.
Important Dates:
- Shortlisting date: Friday 2nd of October
- Outcome of application: Friday 2nd/Monday 5th of October
- Interview date: Friday 9th and Tuesday 13th of October
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
Ambitious About Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organization. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, color, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.
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Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations.
We recognize disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.
Safeguarding:
Ambitious About Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
The safeguarding responsibilities of the post are as per the job description and person specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.
The safeguarding responsibilities of the post are as per the job description and person specification.
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