At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide high-quality support for learners with additional needs.
- Company: Oldham College, a leading further education provider in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: 49 days holiday, pension contributions, free breakfast Fridays, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by championing inclusive practices and supporting student success.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus experience in supporting learners with SEND.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Oldham College
Oldham College is one of the largest further education providers in Greater Manchester, supporting thousands of students each year to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need for their future. We work closely with local employers, universities, and community partners to deliver education and training that meets the needs of our region. Our staff play a vital role in creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students and colleagues can thrive. Every role at the College contributes to helping people achieve their potential.
About The Role
As Additional Learning Support Team Leader, you will play a key role in leading and developing a high-quality support service that enables learners with additional needs to thrive. Working closely with the Head of Additional Learning Support, you will provide day‑to‑day leadership to support staff, ensuring learners receive effective, personalised, and inclusive support that enables them to achieve their goals. You will lead and coordinate learning support provision across the College, champion inclusive practice, develop staff capability, and work collaboratively with curriculum teams, parents, carers, employers, and external agencies. This is an opportunity to make a real impact by driving continuous improvement, promoting innovation, and creating an environment where every learner can succeed.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, and support Additional Learning Support staff to ensure high‑quality, learner‑focused support provision across the College.
- Coordinate and monitor support provision for learners with additional needs, ensuring support is responsive, effective, and contributes to positive learner outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with curriculum teams, parents/carers, employers, and external professionals to ensure learners receive personalised support that enables achievement and progression.
- Drive continuous improvement across the service through quality monitoring, staff development, coaching, and promoting inclusive practice.
- Support the development and implementation of systems, processes, and innovative approaches that enhance learner experience and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
- Carry out duties in line with College policies and procedures, including safeguarding and equality commitments.
Skills and Experience
- Qualified to GCSE level (or equivalent) including English and Maths, alongside a relevant qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning or equivalent.
- Significant experience supporting learners with SEND, including knowledge of inclusive practice, additional needs, and learner support approaches.
- Experience of leading, supervising, coordinating, or developing staff or teams within an education or support environment.
- Strong organisational, communication, and relationship‑building skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively across teams.
- Ability to use learner information, data, and performance measures to evaluate support provision, identify improvements, and drive positive outcomes.
Why Join Us
We offer a supportive working environment with opportunities to develop and progress. Benefits include:
- 49 days’ holiday, supporting work‑life balance, including 30 bookable days plus bank holidays, efficiency days, and Christmas closure.
- Pension contributions of 16.8%.
- Free counselling and wellbeing support.
- Retail discounts through our benefits platform.
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies.
- Paid special leave.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Free breakfast Fridays.
- On‑site facilities including canteens and a day nursery.
- Free parking and electric car scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
Inclusion and Flexibility
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. We support the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving personnel, veterans, and military families. Flexible working options may be available depending on the role.
Safeguarding
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to pre‑employment checks, which may include an enhanced DBS check, DfE barred list check, online searches, and references. It is a criminal offence under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 to apply for regulated activity roles if barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.
Use of AI in Applications
We recognise that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. If you do use AI, please ensure the information you submit accurately reflects your own skills, experience, and achievements. You may be asked to discuss your application during the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Please review the job description and person specification and submit your application by the closing date. Join us and be part of a College where together, we invest in your future.
Learning Support Team Leader in Oldham employer: onlyFE
Oldham College is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the growth and development of its staff. With generous benefits such as 49 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and various training opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Greater Manchester, the College collaborates closely with local employers and community partners, ensuring that every role contributes meaningfully to the success of learners and the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Team Leader in Oldham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Oldham College on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about supporting learners with additional needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to leadership and inclusive practices. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios, so think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our team at Oldham College.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Team Leader in Oldham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Learning Support Team Leader role is all about. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:When you're putting together your application, don’t just list your qualifications. Share specific examples of how you've supported learners with additional needs in the past. We want to know how you've made a difference and how you can bring that to our team!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone who fits well with our inclusive culture, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what drives you. Authenticity goes a long way in making a connection.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Oldham College and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at onlyFE
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Team Leader inside out. Familiarise yourself with Oldham College's mission and values, especially their commitment to inclusivity and support for learners with additional needs. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve driven continuous improvement or championed inclusive practices. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these experiences to enhance the learning support service at Oldham College.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, such as curriculum teams, parents, and external agencies. Prepare to discuss how you’ve built relationships in previous roles and how you plan to foster collaboration at Oldham College to ensure personalised support for learners.
✨Data-Driven Decisions
Be prepared to talk about how you use data and performance measures to evaluate support provision. Share examples of how you've identified areas for improvement and implemented changes based on data analysis. This will show that you’re not just passionate about support but also strategic in your approach.
