At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver personalised education to post-16 students with complex needs and lead engaging learning sessions.
- Company: Join Expanse Learning, a values-driven organisation committed to inclusivity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 47 days annual leave, and tailored professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with modern facilities and a supportive staff culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification and experience with post-16 complex SEND.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 41333 £ per year.
Position: Complex Needs Teacher (Post-16) – Leigh College, Expanse Learning – Sale Way, Leigh, WN7 4JY.
Salary: £30,000–£41,333 (Qualified Scale). Work pattern: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Full‑time, 37.5 hrs). Commencement: August 2026. Reporting to: Head of College.
Role Purpose
The Complex Needs Teacher will play a central role in delivering personalised education programmes to post‑16 students with complex needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead high‑quality teaching and learning
- Deliver programmes aligned to EHCP outcomes
- Support students to achieve qualifications and personal development goals
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive and ambitious learning culture through:
- Total Communication
- Small group sessions
- 1:1 learning
- Functional Skills and vocational learning
- Personal development
- Plan and deliver personalised programmes of learning
- Develop Schemes of Work, lesson plans and assessment strategies
- Deliver engaging and differentiated sessions that meet a wide range of learning needs
- Integrate Functional Skills within curriculum delivery
- Support students to develop independence and life skills
- Establish clear learning goals aligned to EHCP outcomes
- Use adaptive teaching approaches suitable for SEND students
- Monitor progress and achievement
- Use appropriate assessment tools to monitor student progress
- Support achievement of RARPA targets and/or academic qualifications
- Maintain ambitious expectations for attendance, engagement and achievement
- Contribute to annual reviews and progress reporting
- Ensure learning leads to a meaningful next step or destination
- Classroom leadership
- Lead and direct classroom support staff
- Create a structured, nurturing, safe and purposeful learning environment
- Use positive behaviour approaches to support engagement
- Implement targeted interventions where required
- Promote student voice and confidence
- Quality & compliance
- Use Databridge Management Information System to record student progress and outcome data
- Maintain accurate student records
- Adhere to internal and external quality assurance standards
- Contribute to the Quality Improvement process
- Support preparation for and participation in Ofsted inspections
- Safeguarding & inclusion
- Safeguard and promote student welfare
- Work within KCSIE and SEND Code of Practice
- Promote equality, dignity and inclusion
- Collaborate with families and professionals
- Wider contribution
- Participate in college development activities
- Support cross‑site collaboration
- Engage in CPD
- Contribute to a positive staff culture
Person Specification – Essential
- PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification
- Post‑16 complex SEND experience
- Knowledge of Ofsted Report Card
- Ability to lead a classroom team
- Strong organisational skills
- Commitment to inclusive practice
Benefits
- Values‑driven culture where individuality is respected and contribution is recognised
- Genuinely collaborative working environment across sites encouraging innovation
- Opportunities to shape provision and influence how we support young people
- Cross‑organisational networking and shared practice opportunities
- Dedicated staff voice and engagement groups helping shape the future of the organisation
Professional Development
- Regular CPD tailored to your development needs
- Access to funded training and educational sponsorship (subject to application)
- Clear opportunities for progression across departments and sites
- Support to develop specialist complex SEND practice
- Opportunities to contribute to wider curriculum and organisational development
Financial
- Competitive salary with pay progression linked to performance
- Access to salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Enhanced sick pay linked to length of service
Wellbeing
- 47 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) and Christmas/New Year shutdown period
- Access to Mental Health First Aiders and 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme
- Access to private medical insurance
- Personal resilience and wellbeing support programme
- Organisation‑wide wellbeing initiatives and campaigns including annual health and wellbeing day
Working Environment
- Modern, well‑equipped facilities
- Free on‑site parking
- Positive and supportive staff culture
Safeguarding Statement
Expanse Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to satisfactory disclosure and clearance prior to employment. It is unlawful for Expanse Learning to employ anyone who is barred from working with children.
Equality Statement
We are committed to achieving equal opportunities in the way we deliver services to the community and in our employment arrangements. Employees will be recruited based on their qualifications and experience to do the work to be performed, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality, religion or belief, political opinion, age, pregnancy & maternity, disability or trade union membership status.
Safe Recruitment
All roles are subject to pre‑employment checks, including:
- Verification of identity
- Two references (one must be from most recent employer)
- Enhanced DBS disclosure if required
- Confirmation of non‑presence on Children’s Barred List
- Medical fitness and right to work in the UK
- Prohibition from teaching checks
- Verification of professional qualifications
- Online searches
How to Apply
Please apply online via the Expanse Learning Jobs section at https://www.expanselearning.co.uk/job-opportunities/. If you encounter any issues accessing the application portal, contact Katie McDermott (Group HR Manager) at katie.mcdermott@expansegroup.co.uk.
Complex Needs Teacher (Post-16) in Wigan employer: Expanse Learning
Expanse Learning is an exceptional employer that fosters a values-driven culture where individuality is respected and contributions are recognised. With a genuinely collaborative working environment, ample professional development opportunities, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, staff can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of post-16 students with complex needs. The modern facilities and supportive staff culture at Leigh College further enhance the experience, making it an ideal place for educators passionate about inclusive education.
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We think you need these skills to ace Complex Needs Teacher (Post-16) in Wigan
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