Learning Support Lead

Job details

College

Buxton & Leek College

Responsible to

Senior Curriculum Leader (High-needs)

Location

Buxton & Leek College (Leek Campus)

Salary

£30,950 to £34,027 per annum pro rata (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £39,131 per annum)

Closing date

Wednesday 22 November 2023

Contract type

Permanent

Post type

Part-time

Reference

0442-23

About the role

The ideal candidate will be resilient, and solutions-focused, holding a clear vision for the additional learning support (ALS) team and across the curriculum. You must have the ability to lead and motivate staff while upholding strong team values and a desire to be innovative within the learning experience, with the ability to adapt positively and flexibly to the changing needs of learners.  You will demonstrate experience in using teaching and learning strategies to motivate and engage learners to progress.
 
You will possess a sound knowledge of Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the Code of Practice, Exam Access Arrangements, Safeguarding, and supporting Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) outcomes. 

Excellent time management, communication, and organisation skills are required alongside the ability to role model professionalism. To be able to demonstrate the initiative and drive that will contribute to the team’s overall effectiveness is a must.  

This is a part time role – 30 hours per week.

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Sam Knowles, Senior Curriculum Leader (High Needs) on [email protected] . 

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team on [email protected] .

Principal accountabilities

Day to day supervision and allocation of support staff to meet the needs of the Curriculum Teams.

Work in collaboration with Operation Manager in the formulation, delivery and monitoring of students, including assessment, diagnostic and review.

Be committed to the safeguarding of students and staff.

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 with external agencies to ensure all students have a positive experience and that the support provided is appropriate to their progress.

Ensure that all support staff undertake appropriate recording and monitoring of student progress through the College tracking systems and continual progress development.

Ensure that the support provided actively supports academic staff in creating effective learning environments.

Work with the Operations Manager and other Support Leader to ensure a consistent approach across all 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, providing feedback to the Transition Manager for the annual review.

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 the team 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.

Person specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications

• Hold a relevant Level 4 qualification or above in Special educational needs and disability 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. To include knowledge of autism, ADHD, Asperger’s and dyslexia
• Evidence of taking an effective role in team leading
• Evidence of a high level of commitment to inclusion and participation in education and work
• Experience of supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• 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
• Desire to be innovative in breaking down barriers to inclusion

Business requirements

• Completed DBS check

Desirable Criteria
Qualifications

• Evidence of continuous professional development
• Relevant professional body membership

Experience

• Experience of supporting learners with of range needs in liaison with specialist organisations and teaching staff
• A clear understanding of the styles of curriculum associated with Further Education

Benefits

As well as competitive pay scales, we offer generous holiday entitlement. We also offer opportunities for further salary progression based on performance, and the opportunity to join a contributory pension scheme.

Find out more about pay and benefitsFind out more about pay and benefits

How to apply

You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us you will be able to begin your application. If you are creating an account for the first time, please ensure you provide an email address that you access regularly as this will be our main means of contacting you regarding your application.

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If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at [email protected] .

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.

Important information

Please note that unfortunately, this role will not attract sufficient points to obtain a sponsored Skilled Worker visa under the UK Visas & Immigration points based immigration system; however, applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route..

Please consult the Home office website for further information.

DBS check

Buxton and Leek College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An enhanced DBS check will be required, depending on the nature of the role. 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. 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.

A university that celebrates youA university that celebrates you

Further details

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Why join Derby?

Challenging, interesting and constantly changing, the University of Derby is an extraordinary place to learn and an incredibly rewarding place to work.

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We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect everyone who works for us to also share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.