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- Tasks: Lead the Additional Learning Support team to empower students with diverse needs.
- Company: Join Wirral Metropolitan College, a hub for inclusive education and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy enhanced leave, flexible work, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in assessment and experience in supporting learners with SEND.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community committed to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 47469 - 55001 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Department to join our Additional Learning Support (ALS) Team. This is a full‑time role, working 35 hours per week, with a salary of £47,469 – £55,001 per annum. The role will commence early June 2026.
Why Join Us?
At Wirral Metropolitan College our purpose is to provide inclusive, high‑quality education and training opportunities to meet the aspirations of students and the needs of the local community. To achieve our purpose, we live our values:
- We are Ambitious
- We are Resilient
- We are Inclusive
- We are Empowering
- We are Accountable
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Department will work closely with the Director of Specialist Provision and Support to support the effective leadership and management of the Additional Learning Support 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 role 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 is committed to CPD
- Flexible approach to work
- Pension employer contribution rates currently at 28.6%
- Access to free car parking (subject to availability)
If you have the necessary skills and qualifications, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via our application form.
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 which 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 equitably.
Head of Department - Additional Learning Support in Birkenhead employer: Wirral Metropolitan College
Contact Detail:
Wirral Metropolitan 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 in additional learning support. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Wirral Metropolitan College's values and mission. Show us how your experience aligns with our ambition to provide inclusive education. Tailor your answers to reflect our commitment to empowerment and accountability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in leading teams and supporting learners with additional needs. Confidence is key!
✨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 and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department - Additional Learning Support in Birkenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting learners shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours – being ambitious, resilient, and inclusive is key!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in assessing and supporting learners with additional needs. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your successful practice and leadership skills.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Department role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wirral Metropolitan College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of Additional Learning Support. Brush up on current best practices, legislation, and any relevant frameworks. This will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Department, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in supporting learners with SEND or additional learning needs.
✨Align with Their Values
Wirral Metropolitan College values ambition, resilience, inclusivity, empowerment, and accountability. Think of specific instances where you’ve embodied these values in your work. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the department’s goals, challenges, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
