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At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!This is your opportunity to help shape something truly special at Riseley Green School, our brand-new specialist school that opened in May 2025 in Riseley, Reading, Berkshire.With capacity for 60 pupils aged 416 years, we support children and young people with autism (ASC) and complex needs providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.Job title: Assistant Headteacher/DSLLocation: Riseley Green School, Riseley, Reading, Berkshire RG7 1QFSalary: Up to 48,000 per year depending on experience (not pro rata)Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am-4:30pmContract: Permanent | Term Time onlyStart: February 2026UK applicants only; no sponsorship availableAre you ready to play a defining role in a brand-new specialist school? Riseley Green School is opening its doors as part of the growing Options Autism family, and we are looking for an inspirational Assistant Headteacher / DSL to help shape the schools culture, systems, and future from the very beginning.This is a rare opportunity to help create an inclusive, nurturing, and aspirational environment where safeguarding, wellbeing, and high-quality SEND provision sit at the heart of everything we do.About the RoleThis pivotal leadership role is ideal for an experienced SEN professional who thrives on impact, collaboration, and innovation. Working closely with the Headteacher, teaching teams, and our in-house therapy services, you will lead outstanding safeguarding and SEND practice while contributing to whole-school improvement.Youll balance strategic leadership with hands-on involvement, including some PPA cover, ensuring you remain closely connected to classroom practice and pupils daily experiences.Key ResponsibilitiesAct as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the highest standards of pupil safety and wellbeingBuild strong, trusting relationships with pupils and familiesLead and oversee all EHCP processes, ensuring clarity, quality, and impactManage and support smooth transitions into, within, and beyond the schoolCoach and support staff to adapt teaching for complex and diverse SEND needsWork collaboratively with teachers and therapists to embed a strong graduated approachOversee meaningful baselining, assessment, and progress trackingShape, deliver, and review the schools SEND improvement planAnalyse whole-school trends to continuously refine provisionChampion staff development through targeted training and high-quality CPDEnsure access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, and equality duties are metWork closely with behaviour and wellbeing teams to maintain a calm, supportive environmentMaintain accurate, compliant SEND records across the schoolProvide PPA cover as part of weekly responsibilitiesQualified Teacher Status (QTS)Experience working in specialist or inclusive settingsStrong understanding of complex and diverse SEND profilesCommitment to personalised learning, teamwork, and pupil well-beingWhat Were Looking ForQualified Teacher Status (QTS)Proven experience as a Designated Safeguarding LeadExperience working in specialist or inclusive settingsStrong understanding of complex and diverse SEND profilesA child-centred, collaborative approach with safeguarding at the corePassion for personalised learning, teamwork, and pupil wellbeingThis is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believes in the potential of every child and wants to make a lasting difference within a specialist SEN school.About UsRiseley Green School is an independent specialist school for autistic young people aged 4 to 16 years.Situated on the outskirts of Reading, Berkshire, the school provides a distinctive blend of education and support tailored to a diverse range of pupil needs and abilities. Riseley Green School opened in May 2025 and has a capacity for 60 pupils. The school caters to pupils with autism (ASC) and complex needs, offering a nurturing and structured environment where each child can thrive.For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are a leading provider of specialist education, delivering innovative approaches that produce measurable outcomes for neurodivergent young people and young adults.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 runningWhy join Options Autism?We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so youll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.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.BenefitsYour health and wellbeing are important to us, so youll get an exceptional reward package including:Life AssurancePension scheme with options to increase your contributionsYour Wellbeing Matters access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checksAnd a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package thats right for you, including:A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits100s of discount options valid in the UK and abroadCycle to Work SchemesElectric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness coverFamily Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.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