At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the school's Learning Support provision for students with diverse needs.
- Company: An independent school near Rye, known for its inclusive and nurturing environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive multidisciplinary team.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and dynamic educational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status, SEND qualification, and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
This school is an independent school located near Rye. The school is known for its inclusive and nurturing environment, with a strong emphasis on personalised learning, high expectations and aspirational outcomes for all students. There is a highly collaborative culture across academic, pastoral and therapeutic teams, with a transdisciplinary approach to supporting students. The school places significant value on professional development and evidence-based practice, ensuring staff are equipped to deliver exceptional outcomes.
As Head of Learning Support, you will provide strategic leadership for the school's SEND provision, overseeing specialist teaching, therapies, intervention teams, and Teaching Assistants. You will play a key role in ensuring that all students receive high-quality, tailored support that enables them to thrive academically and personally.
You will lead on provision mapping, ensuring support is effectively planned, delivered and evaluated across the school. You will oversee statutory processes, including Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), annual reviews and examination access arrangements, ensuring full compliance with current regulations and best practice.
Working closely with the Deputy Head (Academic), you will support high-quality teaching and learning across the school, providing guidance on evidence-based strategies for supporting students with dyslexia and co-occurring needs. This will include contributing to CPD, departmental development and whole-school improvement priorities.
The role also includes line management of a large, multidisciplinary team, including specialist teachers, therapists, intervention staff and teaching assistants. You will ensure a coordinated, transdisciplinary approach, aligning classroom teaching, intervention and therapeutic support.
In addition, you will oversee admissions assessment processes, support student transition, and maintain strong relationships with parents, external professionals and agencies. You will also contribute to the development of external outreach and traded services, including training and advisory work with schools and organisations.
This is a senior leadership role offering the opportunity to shape and develop a highly effective learning support provision within a specialist educational setting.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Qualified Teacher Status and a good honours degree
- A postgraduate SEND qualification (ideally Level 7 dyslexia/SpLD)
- Significant experience working with students with dyslexia and co-occurring SpLDs
- Proven leadership or management experience within a school setting
- Strong understanding of SEND legislation, including EHCP processes and the SEND Code of Practice
- Experience managing provision mapping and delivering effective interventions
- Knowledge of examination access arrangements and JCQ regulations
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to analyse data, monitor progress and implement improvement strategies
- Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills
- A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and high expectations for all students
Desirable:
- Current APC or relevant professional registration
- Experience delivering training or outreach services
- Experience working at a whole-school, trust or advisory level
What you'll get in return:
- A senior leadership position within a specialist and supportive environment
- The opportunity to shape and lead a highly impactful Learning Support provision
- A collaborative, multidisciplinary team structure
- A strong focus on professional development and evidence-based practice
- A varied role combining leadership, strategy and direct impact on student outcomes
- Competitive salary in line with experience
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Head of Community in Rye employer: Hays
This independent school near Rye is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment that prioritises personalised learning and high expectations for all students. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a collaborative culture, staff are empowered to deliver outstanding educational outcomes while enjoying the benefits of a supportive multidisciplinary team. The role of Head of Learning Support not only allows for strategic leadership but also provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student success in a specialist educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Community in Rye
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Community in Rye
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Hays, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
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How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Hays might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Hays.
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Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
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Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
