Interim Head of Additional Learning Support in London

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.

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