Head of Inclusion Base (SEMH)

Head of Inclusion Base (SEMH)

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Teachers Pay Scale UPS + TLR depending on experience

Required from September 2026

West Hill Primary School is seeking an inspiring, compassionate and skilled leader to become our Head of Inclusion Base, leading our specialist provision for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

This is a pivotal leadership role for a professional who believes deeply in relational practice, trauma‑informed education and inclusive pathways, and who is passionate about ensuring all children feel safe, understood and able to thrive.

‘Ready to learn, Inspired to achieve, Prepared for life’

West Hill Primary is a one form entry school situated in the centre of Wandsworth, London with excellent transport links.

We are proud to be a caring, inclusive community school. Our pupils represent the full diversity of this vibrant part of London with over 50% coming from ethnic minority backgrounds and a large proportion of pupils with EAL and SEN. We celebrate our diversity, it is what makes our school strong, as it provides a wide enrichment of life for our pupils and an understanding and respect for our differences.

About the Role:

As Head of the Inclusion Base, you will provide strategic leadership and day‑to‑day operational oversight of our SEMH provision within a mainstream primary school. You will shape and deliver a therapeutic, nurture‑based model of education that supports emotional regulation, positive identity, engagement in learning and – where appropriate – planned reintegration into mainstream classes.

You will work closely with senior leaders, teachers, support staff, families and external professionals to ensure that SEMH provision at West Hill is graduated, aspirational and fully integrated within our whole‑school inclusion strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the vision, development and refinement of a relational, trauma‑informed SEMH base

• Deliver a structured SEMH curriculum integrating nurture, emotional regulation, life skills, therapy‑informed practice and personalised learning

• Ensure behaviour support is relational rather than punitive, recognising behaviour as communication

• Oversee SEMH‑specific assessment and review processes, including Boxall Profile and strength‑based monitoring

• Lead SEND processes for pupils in the provision, including EHCP consultations, annual reviews and multi‑agency work

• Design and implement graduated integration and reintegration pathways

• Recruit, develop and support a skilled SEMH staff team through reflective practice and high‑quality CPD

• Build strong partnerships with families and external agencies

• Take strategic responsibility for safeguarding and wellbeing within the inclusion base

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has substantial experience working with pupils with SEMH needs in school or specialist settings

• Demonstrates a deep understanding of trauma‑informed, attachment‑aware and nurture‑based practice

• Has proven ability to lead emotionally demanding provision while promoting staff wellbeing

• Has strong knowledge of the National Curriculum, SEND processes and inclusive teaching and learning

• Is confident working with safeguarding frameworks and multi‑agency professionals

• Is reflective, resilient and committed to inclusive, strengths‑based practice

Desirable qualities include:

• Experience establishing or leading SEMH provision

• National SENCo Qualification

• Specialist training or qualifications in SEMH, SEND, mental health or inclusion leadership

What We Offer:

• A school community committed to inclusion, relational practice and child‑centred values

• The opportunity to shape and lead a specialist provision with senior leadership support

• A strong culture of collaboration, reflection and professional development

• The chance to make a genuine, lasting difference to children’s lives

Visits to West Hill Primary are welcomed and encouraged for anyone considering applying for this post.

Viewings will be held week beginning Monday 11th May 2026. To book in a visit please contact

To apply please download an application pack from the Wandsworth Council website which can be found via the ‘visit website’ button at the top of this page.

Completed applications should be returned to the School Business Manager by email - 
Closing Date: 15 May 2026 (at 9am)    
Interviews and selection tasks: week commencing 18 May 2026

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to safer recruitment checks including an online search and enhanced DBS check. xwzovoh
 

CVs are not accepted.

West Hill Primary School

5 Merton Road

Wandsworth

London

SW18 5ST

Email:

Headteacher: Mr Richard Milsom