Lecturer and Programme Leader: inclusive Practice (SEND Curriculum) in North East

Lecturer and Programme Leader: inclusive Practice (SEND Curriculum)

Rural Skills and Specialist SEND

Location: Northumberland

Salary: £31,375 to £40,912 per annum

PostType: Full Time

ContractType: Permanent

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Friday 17 July 2026

Reference: 0476-26

About The College

Kirkley Hall Campus is Northumberland College’s second largest site and a centre of excellence for land-based, animal and outdoor education. It is part of the Education Partnership North East, the top performing college group in the North East for the third year running. Set within 400 acres of stunning Northumberland countryside, it provides access to specialist, industry‑standard facilities that support practical, hands‑on learning. Our on‑site residential provision was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2025.

Specialist Programme and Incentives

Employees who transition into further education teaching may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme, a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers. For roles in high‑need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive (formerly levelling‑up premium) payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

About the Role

The role is full time and permanent and is based at Kirkley Hall, Northumberland College. It is an exciting period of growth for our specialist SEND provision, which includes a range of programmes designed to meet the needs of learners with varying levels of need and complexity. The successful candidate will lead the communication programme that supports learners with learning difficulties, disabilities, and communication needs, ensuring outstanding learner experiences and positive outcomes. The role includes a range of professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute to regional and national SEND initiatives, partnerships, and sector‑leading practice.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead a specialist SEND programme area, ensuring high quality curriculum planning, delivery, assessment, and learner outcomes.
• Plan, prepare and deliver high quality, sequenced learning through personalised and learner‑centred schemes of learning.
• Provide an outstanding learner experience through exemplary teaching, learning, assessment, and support.
• Develop and implement strategies that promote communication, independence, preparation for adulthood, employability, and personal development.
• Lead curriculum innovation and quality improvement activities to ensure continuous enhancement of provision.
• Monitor learner progress, attendance, engagement, and achievement, implementing timely interventions where required.
• Work collaboratively with learning support teams, therapists, external agencies, families, and employers to ensure learners receive holistic support.
• Support and develop staff within the programme area through coaching, mentoring, and professional development activities.
• Actively engage in reflective practice and contribute to wider college quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in college recruitment, transition, open events, and marketing activities as required.

Qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training or equivalent teaching qualification.
• Degree or Level 5 qualification in a relevant subject area.
• SEND qualification or willingness to work towards one is desirable.
• Experience of teaching within Further Education, specialist education, or SEND settings.
• Experience of working with learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
• Experience of supporting learners with communication needs, autism spectrum conditions, and complex learning needs.
• Experience of planning, delivering, and assessing personalised learning programmes.
• Experience of monitoring learner progress and implementing effective interventions to improve outcomes.
• Experience of leading or coordinating a curriculum programme or area of responsibility.
• Strong understanding of EHCPs, person‑centred planning, preparation for adulthood outcomes, and inclusive practice.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to build positive relationships with learners, families, employers, and external agencies.

What’s in it for you?

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays (Excluding Term Time Only contracts).
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role).
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme – depending on role.
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care, and health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free gym access available at Bede Campus.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply. As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high‑performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.