At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Discrete Learning Department to support learners with additional needs.
- Company: Dynamic educational institution focused on inclusive learning and development.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible working days, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to excellence in education and learner outcomes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of learners with SEND and high needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership within Further Education and a strong understanding of SEND.
Have you got the right qualifications and skills for this job Find out below, and hit apply to be considered.
Interim Head of Additional Learning Support
Location
Bedfordshire
Contract Type
Interim Day Rate Contract
Duration
Initial 3-Month Assignment
Working Pattern
5 days per week preferred; 3-4 days per week will be considered for the right candidate.
Day Rate
Competitive, dependent upon experience
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Interim Head of ALS to lead our Discrete Learning Department and drive excellence in provision for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (LDD), and High Needs learners.
Reporting to senior leadership, the successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership across the department, ensuring learners receive outstanding support, achieve positive outcomes, and develop the knowledge, skills, independence, and confidence required for adulthood, employment, and further progression.
This role requires an experienced FE leader with a strong understanding of inclusive education, SEND provision, high needs funding, EHCP processes, curriculum development, and quality improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Lead the strategic direction and operational management of the Discrete Learning Department.
- Develop and implement a vision that promotes high aspirations and outstanding outcomes for learners with SEND.
- Ensure curriculum pathways effectively meet learner needs, local priorities, and employer requirements.
- Support the college's wider inclusion, equality, diversity, and accessibility agenda.
- Curriculum and Quality
- Lead quality improvement initiatives across the department to improve learner outcomes, attendance, achievement, and progression.
- Monitor and evaluate curriculum performance through data analysis, observations, learner feedback, and quality audits.
- Ensure programmes are ambitious, inclusive, and aligned with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
- Support preparation for Ofsted inspections and external quality reviews.
- SEND and Learning Support Provision
- Oversee the effective delivery of specialist learning support across discrete provision.
- Ensure learners receive appropriate support, interventions, and reasonable adjustments.
- Lead annual reviews and EHCP processes in collaboration with local authorities, parents/carers, and external agencies.
- Ensure compliance with SEND legislation, funding requirements, and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Team Leadership
- Lead, develop, and motivate curriculum managers, teachers, learning support staff, and specialist practitioners.
- Foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous professional development.
- Manage staffing resources effectively to ensure high-quality learner support and curriculum delivery.
- Provide coaching and leadership to managers and practitioners across the department.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build effective relationships with local authorities, schools, parents/carers, employers, awarding organisations, and external support agencies.
- Represent the college at partnership meetings and SEND forums.
- Develop pathways that support learner transition into further education, supported internships, employment, independent living, and community participation.
- Operational Management
- Manage departmental budgets, funding allocations, and resources effectively.
- Monitor high needs funding arrangements and ensure provision meets agreed learner outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, funding, and regulatory requirements.
- Contribute to college-wide strategic initiatives and leadership activities.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Significant leadership experience within Further Education, specialist SEND provision, sixth form, or post-16 education.
- Proven experience leading provision for learners with SEND, learning difficulties, and high needs.
- Experience managing curriculum, quality improvement, and learner support functions.
- Strong understanding of EHCP processes, annual reviews, and local authority partnerships.
- Successful experience leading teams and delivering measurable improvements in learner outcomes.
Essential Knowledge and Skills
- Thorough understanding of SEND legislation and inclusive education practices.
- Knowledge of High Needs funding and post-16 SEND provision.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong data analysis and quality improvement capabilities.
- Ability to manage change, resources, and strategic projects effectively.
Desirable
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), PGCE, Cert Ed, or equivalent teaching qualification.
- Leadership qualification or relevant management training.
- Experience of supported internships, preparation for adulthood programmes, and employability pathways.
- Experience supporting Ofsted inspection activity.
- Key Deliverables During the Interim Assignment
The successful interim will be expected to
- Conduct a review of the current Discrete Learning provision.
- Assess curriculum effectiveness, learner outcomes, attendance, and progression.
- Review staffing structures, support deployment, and resource allocation.
- Strengthen EHCP processes, annual reviews, and stakeholder relationships.
- Develop and implement an improvement plan with clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
- Provide visible leadership and operational stability during the interim period.
- Candidate Profile
We are keen to hear from experienced
- Heads of Learning Support
- Heads of SEND
- Heads of Inclusive Learning
- Curriculum Managers for Supported Learning
- Assistant Principals (Inclusion/SEND)
- Directors of Learning Support
- Directors of SEND and High Needs Provision who have a proven track record of delivering high-quality outcomes for learners with additional needs within Further Education.
Please click here to find out more about our Key Information Documents.
Please note that the documents provided contain generic information. xiskglj If we are successful in finding you an assignment, you will receive a Key Information Document which will be specific to the vendor set-up you have chosen and your placement.
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Interim Head of Additional Learning Support in Ampthill employer: Real Staffing
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