Assistant Head of Department

Meridian Business Support Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking an Assistant Head of Department (Inclusion) to enhance the learning experience for students with special educational needs. This full-time role involves coordinating activities with a focus on inclusivity and personalized curricula, with an emphasis on quality educational standards. Exceptional candidates will have a proven background in SEND support and a commitment to student success, alongside leadership experience.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Pension scheme

Free gym membership

Discounted college courses

Health Expenses plan

Flu vaccination

On-site car parking

Subsidised restaurants

Counselling service

Staff development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in SEND department, particularly with post-16 students.
• Strong understanding of special educational needs and support.
• Experience in curriculum development and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily activities with Head of Department and teams.
• Champion inclusivity and mentor colleagues on best practices.
• Support students with SEND to achieve their goals.

Skills

Leadership

Inclusivity

Curriculum Development

Quality Assurance

Collaboration

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

Meridian Business Support is delighted to support our FE client in Cambridge in their search for an Assistant Head of Department (Inclusion) to join the Supported Learning Development team. There are three positions available: one in Cambridge, one in Huntingdon, and one based across both campuses.

These are full-time positions, working 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with a salary of £44,409 per year.

The colleges boast outstanding teaching and leisure facilities and are renowned for excellence across various fields. They value their staff highly, recognizing their role in transforming lives. This commitment has been formally acknowledged through accreditation with Investors in People Gold.

Benefits

• Generous holiday entitlement plus 8 days bank holidays and Christmas closure
• Generous pension scheme
• Free gym membership option and discounted classes
• Discounted rates on college courses
• BUPA Health Expenses cash plan and Occupational Health services
• Free annual flu vaccination and Corporate Eye Care Scheme
• Free on-site car parking with EV charging stations
• Exclusive discounts for high street and online stores
• On-site subsidised restaurants, retail outlets, including Costa and Starbucks
• Free independent telephone counselling service via Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff development opportunities
• Discounted or fully funded college courses

About the role

You will collaborate with the Head of Department and other Assistant Heads, along with lecturers and technicians, to coordinate daily activities effectively. The role involves working with teams to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion practices, ensuring students with SEND and High Needs receive personalized curricula that incorporate English and Maths within vocational and supported learning contexts.

You will be responsible for staffing, supporting students to achieve their goals, and maximizing learning support timetables to ensure high achievement levels. The role also entails championing inclusivity through mentoring colleagues and modeling best inclusive practices. Your management style should foster collaboration in planning, resource development, and support to enable all students, including those with high needs, to reach their full potential.

All about you

You should be confident in your leadership abilities and eager to join the Supported Learning leadership team. A strong understanding of special educational needs, experience working with students, families, and professionals, and high pedagogic standards are essential. You should be capable of inspiring others around inclusion and supporting students with high needs, with experience in curriculum development, quality assurance, and managing student records.

Extensive experience working in a dedicated SEND department within a college or school setting, particularly with post-16 students, is required. A collaborative management approach, including HR policies and staff wellbeing, is important. Delivery experience in implementing reasonable adjustments to promote inclusion and access to the curriculum is also necessary.

Meridian Business Support acts as an employment agency on behalf of our client for this vacancy.