At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team supporting adult learners with additional needs and ensure their success.
- Company: Join Middlesbrough College, a supportive and inclusive educational environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, health perks, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in learners' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting learners with complex needs and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and a commitment to safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 28485 - 30390 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Additional Learning Support (ALS) Team Leader (Adults & Apprentices) to lead and coordinate Learning Support Assistants supporting adult learners and apprentices with additional and high needs. This role is key to ensuring learners with social, emotional, mental health, behavioural and complex needs are effectively supported to engage, progress and succeed within adult education and apprenticeship programmes. You will provide day-to-day leadership of ALS staff, oversee timetabling and absence cover, and lead on specialist interventions and support planning. You will play a vital role in safeguarding learners and promoting a safe, inclusive learning environment across adult and apprenticeship provision.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise a team of Learning Support Assistants, including timetabling and sickness absence cover.
- Act as lead practitioner for specialist support and behavioural interventions for individuals and small groups.
- Design and implement behavioural strategies to support learners with High Needs.
- Develop and manage support plans for a caseload of High Needs learners, working closely with tutors and curriculum teams.
- Lead on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) within the assigned directorate.
- Support learner transition, assessment, guidance and enrolment, ensuring opportunities to disclose ALS needs.
- Liaise closely with the High Needs Coordinator and external agencies, including health and care providers.
- Ensure Service Level Agreements are in place with external support agencies.
- Deliver training sessions for new staff as part of the College induction programme.
- Provide in-class and exam support where appropriate, including notetaking, reading, writing, and prompting.
- Undertake staff appraisals in line with College policy.
- Actively engage in continuous professional development and service improvement activities.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Level 2 qualification in supporting learners in an educational setting (or commitment to complete).
- Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
- Certificate in Behaviour Management (desirable).
- Team Teach qualification (desirable).
- Teaching or training qualification (desirable).
Experience
- Experience supporting learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
- Experience working with disengaged learners aged 14–19 (up to 24 with SEN).
- Experience working effectively with external agencies to support learners with complex needs.
- Proven track record of supporting learners to engage and achieve (desirable).
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong knowledge of SEN and barriers to learning, particularly SEMH.
- Experience of completing and contributing to EHCP reviews.
- Excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to motivate, manage, and develop staff effectively.
- High level of IT competence and ability to prioritise under pressure.
- A professional, flexible, and proactive approach with a strong commitment to safeguarding.
Why Join Us?
- Substantial annual leave entitlement plus holiday purchase scheme.
- Health & Wellbeing; free gym membership, 24/7 counselling for you and your family.
- Family-friendly policies: flexible hours and a supportive work environment.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential support including counselling, legal and financial advice.
- Professional development: extensive training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities.
- Funded CPD opportunities, regular staff development training, and paid volunteering days.
- Access to discounted hair and beauty treatments at our onsite salon.
- College benefit scheme – College Extras: Up to 15% cashback at top retailers & restaurants, Discounted gift cards for big brands, Home & tech upgrades via salary sacrifice, Cycle to Work scheme, Discounted onsite car parking.
Safeguarding Our Students
Middlesbrough College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. All staff are expected to share this commitment. If you are successful, you'll be required to complete thorough pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. All posts at Middlesbrough College involve regulated activity and are therefore exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.
Right to work
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Recruitment Process
Applications are shortlisted for interview as they are received, and so early application is encouraged. We reserve the right to commence the interview process and close the vacancy prior to this date.
Equality & Diversity
Middlesbrough College is an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is valued. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make recruitment decisions based on skills and experience. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively support applicants with disabilities.
Contact
For further details and to discuss the role in more detail, please contact Craig Duggan, Director of Inclusive Learning & ALS on C.Duggan@mbro.ac.uk
Additional Learning Support Team Leader (Adults & Apprenticeships) employer: Middlesbrough College Group
Contact Detail:
Middlesbrough College Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Additional Learning Support Team Leader (Adults & Apprenticeships)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with adult learners or have experience in additional learning support. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college and its values. Understand their approach to supporting learners with high needs and think of examples from your experience that align with their mission. This will show them you're not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and support strategies. We all know interviews can be nerve-wracking, so rehearsing will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the amazing work we do at Middlesbrough College.
We think you need these skills to ace Additional Learning Support Team Leader (Adults & Apprenticeships)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Additional Learning Support Team Leader. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: When detailing your past roles, focus on your experience with adult learners and those with additional needs. We want to see how you've made a difference in similar settings, so share specific examples!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Middlesbrough College Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of supporting learners with social, emotional, and mental health needs. Brush up on your knowledge of EHCPs and behavioural strategies, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your leadership experience, especially in managing teams or coordinating support for learners. Think about times when you’ve successfully motivated staff or implemented effective support plans.
✨Engage with the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities listed in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you would approach timetabling, absence cover, and working with external agencies to support learners with complex needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the college’s approach to safeguarding or how they measure the success of their learning support programmes. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the institution.