Learning Support Lead for Inclusion and Support in Buxton

About The University

We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground‑breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region. We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.

About The College/Department

University of Derby Buxton is a vibrant and unique campus set in the heart of the Peak District, combining a rich history with a forward‑looking approach to education. Based in the iconic Devonshire Dome, the Buxton campus is home to specialist programmes such as hospitality, culinary arts, events, tourism and hair and beauty. The campus is designed to provide students with hands‑on, real‑world learning experiences, supported by industry‑standard facilities and strong links to local, national and international employers. With its blend of practical training, academic expertise and professional partnerships, Buxton offers an environment where students can develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel in dynamic and competitive industries. Set within the stunning natural landscape of Derbyshire, the campus also offers an inspiring backdrop for study and personal growth. At Buxton, students are encouraged to explore, innovate and thrive, making it an exceptional place to learn and build a successful future. University of Derby Buxton is rated ‘Good’ by OFSTED in all inspection areas, including teaching, learning & assessment, outcomes for learners, personal development, behaviour & welfare; and has a team of dedicated staff who take pride in supporting learners towards their study and career goals. This is a fantastic opportunity to join our team on our journey to becoming an outstanding provider.

About The Role

This role requires a passion for inclusion and advocacy in supporting learners with special educational needs/disabilities to achieve meaningful employment. We are seeking a dedicated Learning Support Lead to join our team at the University of Derby – Buxton campus. In this exciting position, you will have line‑management responsibilities by leading a team of Job Coaches who provide systematic instruction in workplace settings. Close collaboration with employers will be essential to secure high‑quality, supportive work placements, ensuring learners develop the required skills and confidence for sustainable paid employment. Additionally, you will manage Access to Work funding, ensuring that learners receive appropriate support and that placements remain financially sustainable. Safeguarding all learners is paramount in this vital role. The role requires flexibility, resilience under pressure and the ability to work outside normal hours as needed, plus the openness to ongoing professional development through CPD and progression within FE inclusion roles. This is a part‑time vacancy – 32 hours per week.

About You

The role requires a Level 4 qualification in SEND (or equivalent), Level 2 Maths/English (or commitment to achieve), and proven leadership within inclusive education, with experience in supporting learners of SEND. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to inclusion and advocating for learners with SEND to access meaningful, sustainable employment. You should have demonstrable experience in leading teams, supporting both young people and adults with diverse disabilities and a proven ability to identify learning needs, design and deliver individual learning plans, and monitor progress using college systems. Key skills include excellent organisational and communication abilities, proactive problem‑solving, attention to detail and a strong customer‑focused approach, with safeguarding knowledge for children and vulnerable adults.

Principal Accountabilities

• To support the Senior Curriculum Leader in effectively managing the Learning Support Team on the relevant campus.
• Ensure effective utilisation of support workers for both L4LW and mainstream students which is in line with Local Authority requirements.
• Work closely with the Senior Curriculum Leader to ensure funding requirements are complied with.
• Ensure systems are in place to effectively support all students to achieve their full potential.
• The post‑holder is expected to fully engage with and carry out all safeguarding responsibilities as required by the role.
• Day‑to‑day supervision and allocation of Job coaches to meet the needs of the Curriculum Teams.
• Work in collaboration with Senior Curriculum Leader in the formulation, delivery and monitoring of students, including assessment and review.
• Utilising your depth and breadth of knowledge of specialist support requirements to ensure the breadth of support options meet the needs of a diverse group of students whose requirements range from general learning support through to those with profound and complex needs.
• Work across curriculum to ensure all students have a positive work experience and that the support provided is appropriate to the activities.
• Ensure that all support staff undertake appropriate recording and monitoring of student progress through the College tracking systems.
• Ensure that the support provided actively supports academic staff in creating effective learning environments.
• Work with the Senior Curriculum Leader and other Support Leader to ensure a consistent approach across College sites.
• Monitor and review all required documentation (including Educational Health and Care Plans) to ensure support plans meet the individual needs of the students, and ensure that these are kept up to date at all times.
• In conjunction with the Senior Curriculum Leader, liaise with external stakeholders (schools, SENCOs, Local Authorities) to ensure the smooth transition of students both in to, and out of, the College.
• Ensure that support strategies are appropriate to enhancing the progression opportunities for students.
• Undertake daily supervision of the team including managing staff allocation (covering schedules of work), sickness cover, staff recruitment and assisting in the DPR process.
• Attend / arrange cover for Open Days and Interview Evenings to support with enquiries in relation to student support needs.
• Provide cover for other members of administrative teams as and when required.
• Undertake CPD to maintain up to date knowledge appropriate to the role.
• Comply with the University’s Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Adopt the University’s Core Values and Underpinning Behaviours.
• Work flexibly and undertake any duties, as required relevant to the level of the post.
• To comply with the requirements of Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults, Prevent, Health and Safety, Quality and other University policies including Equal Opportunities, Risk Management and Equality and Diversity.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• Hold a relevant Level 4 qualification (such as SEND) or equivalent experience.
• Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English or a willingness to achieve within an agreed timescale.

Experience

• Experience and knowledge of working with students with a range of disabilities, including knowledge of Autism, ADHD, Asperger’s and Dyslexia.
• Experience in job coaching or vocational education.
• Experience of supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Evidence of taking an effective role in team leading.
• Evidence of a high level of commitment to inclusion and participation in education and work.
• Desire to be innovative in breaking down barriers to inclusion.
• Knowledge of SEND legislation and inclusive education practices.
• Proven ability to identify learning needs, plan and deliver individual learning and support plans.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative to establish requirements and develop satisfactory solutions.
• Good problem‑solving skills.
• Good communication skills – both verbal and written.
• Attention to detail and good presentation of work.
• A commitment to live and promote the University values and behaviours.
• Strong customer focus.
• Demonstrable knowledge of safeguarding requirements for both children and vulnerable adults.

Business Requirements

• Willingness to work outside of normal hours at times as relevant to achieving targets and meeting the needs of the College.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Self‑motivated and able to use initiative to prioritise workload.
• Completed DBS check with child barred list.
• Prohibited from Teaching check (academic only).
• Willingness to provide support at University events from time to time e.g. Graduation, Clearing and Open Days (some of these events occur outside of normal working hours, such as evenings and weekends).

Desirable Criteria – Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in education, social care or employment support.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Relevant professional body membership.

Desirable Criteria – Experience

• Experience of supporting learners through systematic instruction.
• Experience of supporting learners with range needs in liaison with specialist organisations and teaching staff.
• Experience in job coaching or vocational education.

Desirable Criteria – Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Familiarity with the Supported Internship model and bespoke employment programmes.
• A clear understanding of the styles of curriculum associated with Further Education.
• Knowledge of SEND legislation and inclusive education practices.
• Interested in contributing to the development of new systems and services.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata).
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers.
• Discounted onsite gym.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• A flexible working environment.
• A commitment to personal and professional development.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Sam Knowles, Senior Curriculum Leader via s.knowles@blc.ac.uk. For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.

Important Information

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility: The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

DBS check: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post. To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.

Equity, diversity and inclusion: The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex and sexual orientation. We are Disability Confident Employers, demonstrating our commitment to disability inclusion, and invite applicants to highlight adjustments they may require to ensure equitable participation in our recruitment processes. Further, we are committed to ensuring an environment which is trans and non‑binary‑inclusive for all our staff, students, partners and visitors, and continuously review our policies, guidance and training. When applying to join the University, you can choose your preferred title, including the gender‑neutral title ‘Mx’. We also ask our candidates if they would like to share their preferred pronouns. This is voluntary but demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity for trans and non‑binary candidates. Once employed, you can add pronouns and preferred names onto our system. The University of Derby undertakes anonymised shortlisting during the staff recruitment process. This means that, when shortlisting, panel members will not be able to see an applicant’s name and will see an applicant number instead. This demonstrates the practical steps we are taking to remove barriers to recruitment by minimising the possible impact of our unconscious bias. However you identify, we actively celebrate the knowledge, experience and talents each person brings. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds; therefore we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who will help our leaders and teams be more reflective of our student population.

Environmental Sustainability

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities. In line with the University’s strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University’s objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.