Learning and Development Manager

Learning and Development Manager.

Why would YOU want to JOIN US at New Meaning Foundation?

NMF is NOT a school. We are alternative, we are informal, we are bespoke. In learning and development, we believe that one size does not fit all. NMF offer a range of bespoke alternative and further education provision for people aged 14-16, 16-19, 19+.

If the formality and structure of mainstream education didn’t work out for them or life experiences have been blocking their path, many learners show low attainment and engagement.

This can mean that people feel that doors are closed to them.

They may display disinterest or negativity, rebellious attitudes or behaviours or there may be a sense of hopelessness or a lack of trust, confidence or self-belief.

Many young people have not tuned into something that works for them.

Something needs help them to flick the switch and move forward.

Often adults perceived (or real) barriers to work might date back to when they were young, or life may have been challenging more recently.

The reasons are often complex.

NMF chooses to work with these folk, and we do whatever we can to help them to find their own direction, to develop their strengths, to find self-esteem and create self-belief.

We want to help learners to become inspired, energised, activated and then to see that there is a way they can take more control of their future.

For 14–16-year-olds our Alternative Provision involves partnering with the school where the young person is registered. For 16–19-year-olds we offer a year-long further education accredited programme as an alternative to sixth form college. For adults we have a range of options.

We are known for modular construction and offer courses including tiling, carpentry, plumbing and decorating. We can offer on-the-job work experience of trades. And alongside or standalone for other learners we offer functional skills often coached one-to-one; Employability, Pro-Active Work Skills and Foundations for Future all help learners develop life and work skills that can enable a dramatic change in their situation.

Everyone deserves the chance to learn to earn.

Our Motto is:

Building Strengths. Building Futures. Building Lives.

NMF facilitate those who achieved few or no qualifications at school (or who struggled or opted out of a mainstream school), to discover their unique strengths and abilities, to uncover how best to learn their way in the world and to then move on to earn their own living.

Helping and inspiring young people, 14 – 25, usually with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) – sometimes neglected, often NEET or outside of the conventional education pathways – to uncover their strengths, talents and abilities.

Some at our construction base at Waterbeach.

Some in the comfort and safety of their own homes or at a neutral venue.

We are a small and highly motivated team focussed on supporting learner’s own versions of their life goals rather than trying to push our motives and outcomes.

New Meaning started operations in 2006 and we have helped hundreds of young people improve their self-esteem and build their strengths, self-efficacy and self-confidence. Over 60% of young people have progressed on to employment, voluntary occupations, or further training / education.

Key responsibilities:

Mostly this role is about managing, coordinating, supporting, assessing and improving your colleagues delivery while helping them ensure all targets are hit, that accelerated and active learning is delivered in an energetic and uplifting manner, and helping motivate, enthuse, energise and activate these colleagues in their work – so all in the team are walking, talking role models.

Management, coaching, feedback, development and fulfilment in delivery to a cohort of mixed EHCP 16+ and Alternative Provision learners from a small team of SEN tutor and construction tutor colleagues and valued Teaching Assistants.

Ensuring curricula are custom built so that provision matches individual learner needs and is delivered to standard and on time.

Ensuring internal and external quality standards are met and Internal / External Quality Assurance is completed on time.

Completion of EHCP and other learner reports (delegated to Tutors).

Liaison with local authority case workers to ensure NMF delivery meets need and to improve and refine the offers as may be needed.

To develop new learning offers if / as necessary to support the learners that want to come to our provision.

50% direct learning delivery (approx.) / 50% management / supervision / IQA

This is a full-time, permanent role based at Waterbeach.

Closing date: 30.1.25

Interviews: ASAP – first interview potentially online

Essential qualifications:

Teaching qualification minimum level 3 is desirable – but not essential – as full training can be given to the right candidate.

Safeguarding level 4 also desirable – but can be acquired.

Construction and / or Construction Teaching experience preferred but not essential.

Salary: £30-40+K full-time or pro-rata part-time

A full enhanced DBS will be required

You will have:

Excellent communication, active listening, facilitation, empathy and coaching skills – Most importantly the ability to adapt your working style and approach to interaction with colleagues in order to help them develop effectively.

A pro-active, helpful, sharing, \”no-blame\” – supportive teamwork ethos.

Empathy and understanding for colleagues fresh into roles and for the young people and perceptive understanding of their many challenging circumstances

The desire to help learners to identify and to move on to achieve their genuine authentic life and work goals

Professionalism – with safeguarding as your overriding priority when working with learners, parents, and external parties

A good understanding of social issues (eg County Lines, SEMH, SEND and the ongoing impact of COVID on young people and mental health) and a willingness to develop those colleagues who report to you whatever stage of their career.

Use of your own car to travel to different venues during the working day for which mileage expenses will be paid

Job Type: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

50% direct delivery / 50% supervision, development, IQA.

Pay: £30- 40,000.00+ per year

Hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits: Casual dress Company pension 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.

Apply with a CV and short covering note explaining why you are a great choice for us – to:

john.evans@newmeaningfoundation.org

www.newmeaningfoundation.org

New Meaning Foundation

Charity Number: 1184616

Registered Address:

Unit 1 Camboro Business Park

Oakington Road Girton

Cambridge CB3 OQH

Learning Centre:

The Rubb Building

Waterbeach Barracks

Denny End Lane

Waterbeach Cambridge

Office Address:

Future Business Centre

Kings Hedges Road

Cambridge CB4 2HY