Deputy Head of Inclusive Learning (SEND), Leeds

Luminate Education Group are recruiting for a Deputy Head of Inclusive Learning (SEND). As Deputy Head of Inclusive Learning (SEND), the post holder will support Luminate Education Group in the implementation of the SEND Code of Practice and in ensuring the group meets legal and statutory requirements for all SEND learners. The post-holder will also play a pivotal role in the rollout and implementation of government SEND reforms. They will support the Head of Inclusive Learning (SEND) in all aspects of delivery in relation to SEND across the organisation, ensuring that the SEND department is outward-looking and collaborative in its approach to working with cross-college teams. The post-holder will work collaboratively across Luminate Education Group to drive and embed practices that deliver an outstanding experience for all SEND learners, including those with high needs, and other/additional vulnerabilities or disadvantages thus ensuring all learners have a quality learning experience with outcomes comparable to their peers.

What You Will Do

• You will lead and champion inclusive learning across the college, driving the SEND agenda to ensure outstanding outcomes for students with additional needs.
• Working closely with curriculum teams and senior leaders, you will embed research-informed, inclusive teaching practices, remove barriers to learning, and support students to achieve successful progression into further education, employment and adulthood.
• You will design and deliver high-quality CPD for staff, equipping colleagues with the confidence and skills to meet the needs of increasingly diverse learners.
• You will provide expert advice, lead strategic projects with internal and external partners, and promote innovative approaches that enhance the student experience and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• You will support the leadership of the SEND department through effective line management, quality assurance and performance improvement.
• Working collaboratively across the college, you will contribute to strategic planning, budget management, data quality, inspection readiness and continuous improvement, helping to create an inclusive culture where every learner can thrive.

About You

• Previous experience of working positively with young people and adults.
• Thorough and up to date knowledge of Government policy in relation to SEND and education and skills, including its funding and curriculum/qualification reform.
• Expertise, knowledge and understanding of the Sector.
• Proven experience of successfully managing staff in an educational setting.
• Previous experience managing and utilising data to inform quality improvement and guidance, including planning, monitoring and reviewing.
• Able to foster a culture of reviewing and improving current practice, using reflection to identify areas for development for self, colleagues and service provision.
• Passion for equitable and inclusive pedagogy.

Benefits

• Annual leave: Curriculum and Management: 44 days plus bank holidays; Curriculum support and business support: 39 days plus bank holidays.
• Pension schemes with generous employer contributions: Teachers Pension Scheme, Local Government Pension Scheme, Peoples Pension Scheme.
• CPD opportunities: Annual staff conference plus 2 additional staff development days.
• Qualifications including PGCE, Apprenticeships, Leadership and Management courses.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives: Family Friendly Policies, discounted onsite spa (Printworks) and gym (Park Lane).
• Travel and commuting: Discounted travel available through Metro card, Northern Rail, First Bus, Arriva Bus and Cycle to work schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities: Please speak to the recruiting manager regarding flexible opportunities as these differ between roles.

About Us

Leeds City College is one of the largest further education institutions in the country and is one of the biggest providers of apprenticeships regionally. We provide a vibrant and diverse learning environment, delivering excellent and innovative education which is supportive, inspiring and life changing. Leeds City Colleges values put students first and are at the heart of everything the college does. We are committed to lifelong learning and investing in our staff. You'll have access to a broad variety of training and professional development designed to help you continually develop and grow. We offer a wide range of job vacancies, and our large size means there are always exciting opportunities to progress. Join us on the journey to being the best that we can collectively be for our students, apprentices, staff and our stakeholders.

SAFEGUARDING

At Luminate Education Group we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all our students including children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow the Safer Recruitment requirements and best practice as set out within Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance. All successful applicants will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment checks which include an enhanced DBS check, online checks and must have two satisfactory references. Please be aware that it is a criminal offence to apply for this post if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity in connection to children.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in recruitment is key to our Groups values. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that embraces equality, diversity and inclusion in all its forms, where every candidate is treated with fairness, respect, and equity. Our recruitment processes are designed to ensure equal opportunities, remove bias, and promote a diverse talent pool. We continually assess and improve our practices to ensure that every individual, regardless of background, has an equal chance to succeed. By championing EDI, we aim to create a workforce that reflects the richness of our communities and drives innovation through diverse perspectives.

RECRUITMENT AGENCIES

We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not forward any unsolicited CVs in relation to any of our advertised roles or speculatively. If we require support with any of our vacancies we will get in touch with agencies directly. We do not recognise submissions of unsolicited or speculative CV applications from recruitment agencies. We shall not be liable for any fee/commission in the event we employ a candidate that may have been submitted as an unsolicited/speculative application from an uninstructed recruitment agency.