Additional Learning Support Lead - SEND and Access Arrangements

Nelson and Colne College Group; Accrington; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teachers' Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave

Enhanced sick pay

Health and wellbeing benefits

Staff recognition scheme

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Nelson and Colne College Group is seeking an experienced Additional Learning Support Lead - SEND and Access Arrangements to join the team in Accrington & Rossendale College and Nelson & Colne College.

The role leads the college’s SEND provision, coordinates Exam Access Arrangements, and ensures JCQ compliance across 16-18 provision. Strong leadership, data use and collaboration with partners are essential.

Qualifications

• Must hold recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed or equivalent).
• Must hold Level 7 qualification recognised by JCQ for Exam Access Arrangements (e.g. CPT3A, AAA, PGDip SpLD or AMBDA).
• Significant experience conducting Exam Access Arrangements assessments and advising on JCQ compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEND support, inclusion planning and APDR processes across the college.
• Act as the college's lead Level 7 assessor and coordinate all Exam Access Arrangements activity.
• Prepare for and lead responses to JCQ inspections and compliance reviews.
• Provide specialist SEND, accessibility and assistive technology advice to staff and learners.
• Lead quality assurance activities and use data to improve learner outcomes.
• Support EHCP processes and statutory responsibilities.
• Develop colleagues through training and coaching and share best practice.
• Build partnerships with families, local authorities and external agencies.

Skills

Leadership

SEND expertise

Communication

Data use for learner outcomes

Education

PGCE or Cert Ed

Level 7 examiner qualification (JCQ)

Job description

The Vacancy

Additional Learning Support Lead - SEND and Access Arrangements

Salary: £44,482 per annum

Hours: 35 per week

Working Weeks: 52 per year

Contract Type: Permanent

Site: Accrington & Rossendale College and Nelson & Colne College

Closing Date: Midnight, 23rd August 2026

Interview Date: TBC

Together, Let's Be Extraordinary

Our Organisation

Part of East Lancashire Learning Group, Nelson and Colne College has a national reputation for educational success and is seen within the Further Education sector as a beacon of excellence for teaching and learning. We offer an outstanding range of A Levels, vocational courses, Apprenticeships and Higher Education provision and generations of families have benefited from an exceptional education at Nelson and Colne College.

The Exciting Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and highly skilled professional to join our Additional Learning Support team as Additional Learning Support Lead - SEND and Access Arrangements.

We are seeking an experienced SEND professional, qualified teacher and Level 7 specialist assessor to lead the college's Exam Access Arrangements provision. The successful candidate will already have significant experience of conducting Exam Access Arrangements assessments, interpreting assessment data, advising colleagues and ensuring compliance with JCQ requirements.

This is a key leadership role with responsibility for coordinating high-quality SEND support, leading Exam Access Arrangements provision, promoting inclusive practice and supporting positive outcomes for learners across our 16-18 programmes.

Working closely with the Director of Inclusion & Learning Support, curriculum leaders and wider support services, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring learners receive appropriate support, reasonable adjustments and opportunities to achieve their full potential.

Essential Requirements Applicants must:

• Hold a recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed or equivalent).
• Hold a Level 7 qualification recognised by JCQ for the assessment of Exam Access Arrangements (e.g. CPT3A, AAA, PGDip SpLD or AMBDA).
• Have substantial experience of independently conducting Exam Access Arrangements assessments and making recommendations in line with current JCQ regulations.

This is not a trainee assessor role. Applications from candidates who do not hold the required teaching qualification, Level 7 assessor qualification and relevant Exam Access Arrangements assessment experience will not be shortlisted.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Leading SEND support, inclusion planning and APDR processes across the college.
• Acting as the college's lead Level 7 assessor and coordinating all Exam Access Arrangements activity.
• Preparing for and leading responses to JCQ inspections and compliance reviews.
• Providing specialist SEND, accessibility and assistive technology advice to staff and learners.
• Leading quality assurance activities and using data to improve learner outcomes.
• Supporting EHCP processes and statutory responsibilities.
• Developing colleagues through training, coaching and sharing best practice.
• Building strong partnerships with families, local authorities and external agencies.

What We Are Looking For:

We are looking for an experienced SEND professional who:

• Has significant experience supporting learners with SEND in a post-16 setting.
• Has experience leading and coordinating Exam Access Arrangements.
• Has a strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCP processes and inclusive practice.
• Can use data, quality assurance and learner outcomes to drive improvement.
• Builds positive relationships with learners, colleagues, families and external partners.
• Has excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for young people and promoting inclusion.

Experience of leading teams, delivering staff development and contributing to quality improvement activities would be advantageous.

What We Offer in Return:

• Eligibility to join the Teachers' Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance including a two-week closure over the Christmas period
• Enhanced occupational sick pay scheme and access to family friendly policies and benefits
• A range of health and wellbeing benefits and support
• Staff recognition scheme, including long service awards
• Free on-site parking on all College sites

Please visit the Careers section on our website for full details of our benefits http://www.eastlancslearning.ac.uk/

East Lancashire Learning Group

East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG) is comprised of Nelson and Colne College, Accrington and Rossendale College, Lancashire Adult Learning and ELLG Professional Services. Together we exist to transform lives through education, skills, and opportunity. Across the Group, we are home to 2,400 A Level and technical students aged 16 to 18, 16,500 adult learners, 1,300 apprentices, and 400 higher education students, all taking confident steps into high-value professional and technical careers through skills and higher education.

We are deeply rooted in our communities and proud to work alongside hundreds of local employers, shaping a skilled, adaptable, and ambitious workforce that drives growth and opportunity across our region. Our commitment goes beyond teaching; we offer personalised support, real-world experiences, and pathways that raise aspirations and strengthen social mobility for learners of all backgrounds.

Rated Outstanding by Ofsted for 20 consecutive years - the only college in the country to achieve this - ELLG combines excellent teaching and learning, driven by evidence-based pedagogies and practice, with innovation and employer partnership to meet the evolving needs of learners, industry, and society. Our drive towards research and development in teaching and learning underpins our practice, supporting our colleges to achieve sector-leading outcomes in English and maths, exceptional A level progress, and high satisfaction in higher education through the National Student Survey. In doing so, we create opportunities that strengthen our region, support employers, and open doors for every learner to achieve their potential.

All of our posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check due to working with vulnerable adults and children. Should you wish to discuss this further, please get in touch with the HR team.

Pay & Conditions

Rewards & Recognition

Facilities & Working Environment

Professional Development

Health & Wellbeing

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion