Vacancies
We currently have vacancies in our federation for:
- Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion Lead)
- Teaching Assistants
Scroll down for more details.
Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and expect all members of staff to share this commitment.
All positions are subject to a DBS check, completion of a medical check and references will be sought.
Candidates and volunteers are encouraged to read the federation Education Safeguarding policy and safeguarding information on our website.
Applications for advertised posts will only be accepted on the official Wakefield application form. CV's are not accepted at our school. All references will be verified. Conditional offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.
In our federation we have a culture of vigilance, staff are trained on safer recruitment practices. All staff will be given a thorough induction into their new role.
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Federation Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion Lead) - Full Time
(Term Time Only - Teacher's Pay and Conditions)
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Inclusion and SEND to join our forward-thinking leadership team.
This senior leadership role requires a qualified and practising (or recently practising) SENDCo holding the National Award for SEN Coordination and with substantial experience leading inclusion within an early years or primary setting.
About Us
We are two vibrant, inclusive maintained nursery schools working in strong partnership to provide high-quality early education for children aged 2–4.
Our ethos is rooted in nurture, inclusion, and curiosity. Inspired by The Curiosity Approach, our environments celebrate awe, wonder, and independence—helping every child to explore, question, and thrive.
Our vision: Nurture Children’s Natural Curiosity
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the Federation’s strategic direction for Inclusion, SEND, and medical needs.
- Act as Federation SENDCo, ensuring statutory compliance and exemplary practice.
- Oversee The Garden Room (enhanced SEND provision for communication & interaction), ensuring exceptional, individualised support.
- Contribute to Federation-wide strategic planning and improvement as part of SLT.
Safeguarding & Pastoral Care
- Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), promoting a strong safeguarding culture.
- Oversee behaviour, attendance, and pastoral systems to ensure children feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.
- Monitor attendance and outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, addressing barriers to engagement.
Staff Leadership & Development
- Lead and support teaching assistants and support staff, including The Garden Room team.
- Ensure staff are confident and well-trained in inclusive, adaptive practice.
- Foster teamwork and professional growth through coaching and reflective supervision.
Curriculum & Teaching
- Champion inclusive, ambitious teaching that meets diverse needs.
- Support staff in delivering a rich, inspiring curriculum aligned with The Curiosity Approach.
- Model outstanding, child-centred practice.
School Improvement & Evaluation
- Lead SEND and inclusion within the school development plan.
- Use data and evidence to evaluate impact and drive improvement.
- Work effectively with external partners to secure the best outcomes for children and families.
- Report regularly to governors on outcomes for SEND and vulnerable groups.
Essential Skills & Qualities
- Qualified teacher with the National Award for SEN Coordination.
- Recent experience as a SENDCo (EYFS experience is desirable).
- Strong knowledge of inclusion, SEND, safeguarding, and early years pedagogy.
- Experience as DSL or senior safeguarding leader.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to inspire and develop teams.
- Commitment to reflective, evidence-informed practice.
- Passion for The Curiosity Approach and inclusive education.
- Integrity, optimism, and a belief in every child’s potential.
We Offer
- A warm, collaborative, and forward-thinking Federation community.
- Skilled, supportive staff teams committed to inclusion and lifelong learning.
- Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
- Enthusiastic children who love to learn in curiosity-rich environments.
- A unique opportunity to lead and further develop The Garden Room SEND provision.
Further Information
Base: Across both Crigglestone & The Castle Nursery Schools
Closing Date: 10th December 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 15th December 2025
Applications: Email completed application forms to:
kquinn@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk
Visits warmly encouraged – come and see our inclusive and curiosity-driven practice in action! Please contact The Castle 01924 664787 or Crigglestone 01924 251151 to arrange a visit.
The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
For an application form, please visit:
Teaching Assistant Vacancies - Apply Now!
The Federation of Crigglestone and The Castle Nursery Schools are Curiosity Approach settings. We have high aspirations for all of our children. We provide children with safe, secure and nurturing environments which enable them to become ‘thinkers and doers’ of the future. We aim to spark curiosity, awe, wonder and a love of learning for all of our children, giving them the firm foundations to develop as successful lifelong learners.
We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and committed Teaching Assistants to join our dedicated Early Years team.
What we are looking for:
- Qualified early years practitioners with an approved Level 3 or above qualification
- Previous experience of working in Early Years is essential
- Knowledge of the Curiosity Approach is desirable but not essential
- Good oral and written communication skills
- A thorough understanding of good Early Years practice, with the passion and enthusiasm to ensure that all children make the best possible progress in a stimulating and nurturing environment.
- A team player
The role will involve:
- Taking responsibility for the observation and monitoring of the needs of their key children.
- Thinking educationally & creatively to provide a full range of stimulating activities to develop their physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, in line with The Curiosity Approach.
- Working as part of a dynamic team providing support for all the children in the setting.
- Facilitating and enabling the children by providing appropriate levels of support and interaction in their self-chosen play.
- Prioritising the health, welfare and the safety of the children.
- Engaging in regular continuous professional development, linked to school development priorities
The successful applicants will join a caring and committed federation staff team who create an inclusive, happy and successful learning environment for our children.
Every child and adult is valued at our school, and we provide good opportunities for CPD.
The positions are subject to a DBS Disclosure check, completion of a medical check and references will be sought. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and expect all members of staff to share this commitment.
These are federation Teaching Assistant posts, so will be based at either school depending on the numbers of children and level of need.
Application forms can be sent to: Crigglestone Nursery School, High Street, Crigglestone, WF4 3EB or emailed to kquinn@crigglestonecastle.wakefield.sch.uk
The successful applicants will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form and provide criminal conviction information.
Visits to either of our schools will be warmly welcomed. Please contact us to arrange a visit.
This post is 31.25 hours per week.
08:45 to 15:30 Mon-Fri, Permanent, Term Time Only
Pay Range: £23,500 - £23,893 (Full Time Equivalent, Actual Salary £16,596 - £16,873 Pay Award Pending).
Starting pay depends on experience.
