Deputy Head of Learning Support (SEND) in Liverpool

To further support The City of Liverpool College in effectively supporting all learners, an exciting new opportunity has been created within the Learning Support Team for a Deputy Head of Learning Support (SEND). The Deputy Head of Learning Support will support and deputise for the Head of Learning Support to ensure the successful delivery of an outstanding assessment of need process. In addition to supporting and deputising for the Head, as an effective manager, you will have responsibility for the management and delivery of our exam access arrangements service, student assessments of need and the quality of this service. This role will be instrumental in the management and oversight of an effective, collaborative and impactful team, embedding effective support of learners into every classroom, at every opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Learning Support to manage a team of Assessors ensuring that the assessment process and recommendations are in line with both internal and external deadlines and meets the guidelines of awarding bodies and JCQ.
• Undertake line management and appraisal of designated group of staff within the team.
• Oversee data production for your area of responsibility, working with the Head and HNF Co-ordinators to ensure that funding is claimed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with Heads of School, Teachers and Pastoral Support Leaders and staff to ensure students’ needs are met within their normal way of working.
• Support the Head of Learning Support to manage the effective and efficient production of Individual Teaching Plans through supportive discussion and interviews with learners to inform teachers and support teams based in the learners’ strengths and attributes and promoting strategies for independence.
• Offer advice and support on new support strategies and appropriate technologies – enabling independence and future proofing learners’ skills to enable independence and progression.
• Identify and carry out the assessment of students with Specific Learning difficulties/disabilities and complete exam assessments in accordance with the college process and JCQ guidelines.
• Support the Head of Learning Support to oversee and manage the planning of individual learning programmes and provide support which best meets the learners’ needs as determined through the assessment process.
• Advise students and staff in adapting materials to enable access for those with a specific learning difficulties/disability and those with SEND.
• Liaise with the exams team with regards to applications for access arrangements.
• Manage appropriate deadlines for completion of EAA ensuring that information is submitted in a timely manner.
• Implement a quality process which ensures the high quality of learning support assessment and the accurate, appropriate and timely sharing with relevant staff.
• Work with staff to identify the most appropriate technology/equipment to meet the needs of individual learners and assist learners in using technology.

Knowledge / Experience

• Significant successful practice in supporting learners with learning difficulties/disabilities/ or special educational needs (including assessing for EAA and teaching 1:1 and small groups).
• Extensive working knowledge of inclusive practices in education, assessing the needs of students and apprentices, and the implementation of strategies to support their development.
• Ability to work to deadlines and liaise appropriately with staff, at all levels, to support sharing of assessment findings to inform inclusive teaching, learning and assessment.
• Experience of working with a wide range of SEND, learners with an EHCP and disadvantaged learners.
• Experience of effective team working and promoting effective relationships between staff and students.
• Ability to develop supportive working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of statutory EHCP processes, including the SEND Code of Practice, and experience of supporting students to track progress over time and celebrate success towards outcomes in annual reviews.
• Detailed understanding of curriculum developments and national initiatives in additional learning support.
• Knowledge of good safeguarding practice and experience of implementing safeguarding practices.
• Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and reasonable adjustments in an education setting.

Skills and Attributes

• Kindness and extensive knowledge of person-centred practice.
• A passion and interest in creating outstanding and enjoyable experiences for all learners.
• Leadership and inter-personal skills.
• Ability to manage and resolve a range of situations in the best interests of the students.
• Ability to contribute to the whole College experience.
• Effective communicator.
• Flexible approach.
• Logical approach to problem solving.
• Excellent IT, information management and reporting skills.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience working with SEND students in a Further Education setting, including supporting students with a variety of learning difficulties and disabilities.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent, or significant experience within SEND teaching/support.
• A recognised qualification related to SEND EAA Assessors’ Qualification.
• Significant and demonstrable management experience in an educational environment (FE desirable).
• Knowledge of SEND legislation, including the SEND Code of Practice and the Equality Act 2010.
• Proven experience of liaising with and developing positive, collaborative working relationships with teaching teams, parents, outside agencies and local authorities.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands effectively.
• Proven ability to design/deliver appropriate CPD to support staff and teachers.
• High levels of computer literacy facilitating accurate and timely data reporting.
• Ability to manage to tight deadlines and conflicting priorities.
• Awareness and understanding of the SEND landscape and policies and the impact on the Further Education Sector.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of delivering SEND related training.

Benefits

As a valued member of our College community, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits, dedicated wellbeing support, and meaningful opportunities for professional growth and development.

• Pension Scheme: You’ll be part of the Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 20.20%, one of the best pension packages in the sector.
• Leave entitlement: Up to 30 days annual holiday allowance, plus 1 wellbeing day. You’ll also benefit from 5 to 7 days statutory closure and 2 further days closure at Easter.
• Employee Benefit Platform: As part of your role, you’ll have access to the COLC Employee Benefits Platform, a one-stop hub for a wide range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, work-life balance, and everyday savings.
• Health and Wellbeing: All employees have access to the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – a completely confidential support service available 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Travel: We offer interest-free loans to help you buy annual travel passes from Merseytravel and Merseyrail.
• Flexible Working: We offer flexible working options depending on business need to support our employee's work-life balance.
• Professional Development: We’re passionate about helping you thrive, offering a mix of formal and informal professional development opportunities.
• College Benefits: Our excellent sports and fitness facilities can be used free of charge by staff.