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- Tasks: Lead the Additional Learning Support department to empower students with diverse needs.
- Company: Join Wirral Met College, a hub for inclusive education and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, enhanced leave, flexible work, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work in state-of-the-art facilities with a strong commitment to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in assessment and experience in supporting learners with SEND.
The predicted salary is between 47469 - 55001 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Department Additional Learning Support role at Wirral Met College. This is a full‑time position, working 35 hours per week, with a salary ranging from £47,469 to £55,001 per annum. The role will commence early June 2026.
Why Join Us? At Wirral Metropolitan College our purpose is to provide inclusive, highest quality education and training opportunities that meet the aspirations of students and the needs of the local community. We live our values: Ambitious, Resilient, Inclusive, Empowering, Accountable.
Purpose of the Role The Head of Department will work closely with the Director of Specialist Provision and Support to provide effective leadership and management of the Additional Learning Support (ALS) department. The department’s core function is to identify learners and apprentices who require additional support and to ensure appropriate, high‑quality provision is in place to meet individual needs and remove barriers to achievement. The Head of Department will also play a key part in ensuring that students with High Needs are accurately identified, appropriately supported, and consistently monitored across the college to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Skills and Qualifications
- Postgraduate qualification in individual assessment at or equivalent to level 7, in accordance with JCQ regulations for assessing the need for examination access arrangements
- Full recognised teaching qualification
- Successful practice in assessing, teaching and supporting learners and apprentices with SEND or additional learning needs
- Experience of leading staff teams successfully
Benefits
- Outstanding facilities in state‑of‑the‑art environments
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies and leave
- DBS checks completed and paid for by the employer
- Company commitment to CPD
- Flexible approach to work
- Pension employer contribution rates currently at 28.6 %
- Access to free car parking (subject to availability)
Commitment to Safeguarding and Equality Wirral Metropolitan College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a record check from the Disclosure and Barring Services before the appointment is confirmed. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Wirral Metropolitan College is actively committed to maintaining an environment that promotes and embeds equality, diversity and inclusion as a core value and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The college ensures the principles of the Equality Act 2010 are adhered to and all job applicants and employees are treated fairly.
Application If you feel you have the necessary skills and qualifications, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via our application form.
Head of Department – Additional Learning Support in Birkenhead employer: Wirral Met College
Contact Detail:
Wirral Met College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department – Additional Learning Support in Birkenhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with additional learning support. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Wirral Met College's values and mission. Show us how your experience aligns with their commitment to inclusivity and high-quality education. Tailor your answers to reflect their ethos!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve successfully supported learners with additional needs in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Wirral Met College.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department – Additional Learning Support in Birkenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Head of Department Additional Learning Support. We want to see how you embody our values of being Ambitious, Resilient, Inclusive, Empowering, and Accountable.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your successful practice in assessing and supporting learners with SEND or additional learning needs. We’re looking for someone who can lead effectively, so let us know about your leadership experience and how it’s made a difference.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your responses clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured answers that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community at Wirral Met College!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wirral Met College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Additional Learning Support role. Familiarise yourself with the college's values and how they align with your own experiences. This will help you demonstrate that you’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the college culture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, you'll need to lead effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in supporting learners with SEND or additional learning needs. Highlight your approach to empowering staff and fostering an inclusive environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to student support and assessment. Think about real-life scenarios where you’ve had to identify and address barriers to achievement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the college’s current initiatives in Additional Learning Support or how they measure success in supporting students with High Needs. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.