Deputy Head of SEND & Inclusion

New College Swindon; Swindon; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

New College Swindon is seeking an experienced SEND & Inclusion Deputy Head – Education of Young People to lead our Inclusive Learning team, shaping high-quality SEND provision and personalised support to help learners overcome barriers and progress to further study, employment, or independent adulthood.

In this role you will lead SEND Practitioners and Learning Support Assistants, collaborate with curriculum colleagues, parents and external agencies, drive staff development and quality

Qualifications

• A degree or relevant professional qualification, or a willingness to achieve one within your first year of employment.
• A teaching qualification (Level 3–5) and an appropriate management qualification (Level 4 or above), or willingness to complete the College's leadership development programme.
• Significant experience supporting young people with SEND and leading high-quality inclusive practice.
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (2014), Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and Learning Support funding.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams while driving quality improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to analyse data, make informed decisions and continually improve services.
• A proactive, innovative and collaborative approach, with a commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for learners.
• A genuine passion for inclusion and enabling every learner to reach their full potential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of SEND Practitioners and Learning Support Assistants, providing coaching, mentoring and performance support.
• Coordinate and oversee personalised support programmes for learners with SEND and those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Drive the development of inclusive practice across the College by promoting high-quality first teaching and reasonable adjustments.
• Enhance and oversee Initial Needs Assessments, Support Needs Discussions and personalised support plans.
• Work closely with curriculum teams, parents, carers and external agencies to ensure seamless transitions and effective multi-agency support.
• Monitor learner progress, quality assurance processes and Learning Support provision, using data to drive continuous improvement.
• Deliver teaching, staff development and CPD activities to build confidence and capability in inclusive practice across the workforce.
• Lead on the development of systems, processes and record keeping to ensure statutory compliance and excellent learner outcomes.
• Support the day-to-day operation of the Learning Support department, including transition events, reviews, staffing and learner support activities.
• Deputise for the Head of Faculty when required.

Job description

Are you an experienced SEND leader with a passion for creating inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive?

We're looking for an inspiring SEND & Inclusion Deputy Head – Education of Young People to join our Inclusive Learning team. This is an exciting leadership opportunity to shape and develop high-quality SEND provision, ensuring students receive personalised support that enables them to overcome barriers, achieve ambitious outcomes and progress confidently into further learning, employment or independent adulthood.

Leading a team of SEND Practitioners and Learning Support Assistants, you'll work collaboratively with curriculum colleagues, parents, carers and external agencies to embed inclusive practice across the College. You'll play a key role in developing staff, driving quality improvement and ensuring our support for learners with SEND continues to meet the highest standards.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and develop a team of SEND Practitioners and Learning Support Assistants, providing coaching, mentoring and performance support.
• Coordinate and oversee personalised support programmes for learners with SEND and those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Drive the development of inclusive practice across the College by promoting high-quality first teaching and reasonable adjustments.
• Enhance and oversee Initial Needs Assessments, Support Needs Discussions and personalised support plans.
• Work closely with curriculum teams, parents, carers and external agencies to ensure seamless transitions and effective multi-agency support.
• Monitor learner progress, quality assurance processes and Learning Support provision, using data to drive continuous improvement.
• Deliver teaching, staff development and CPD activities to build confidence and capability in inclusive practice across the workforce.
• Lead on the development of systems, processes and record keeping to ensure statutory compliance and excellent learner outcomes.
• Support the day-to-day operation of the Learning Support department, including transition events, reviews, staffing and learner support activities.
• Deputise for the Head of Faculty when required.

What we’re looking for:

• A degree or relevant professional qualification, or a willingness to achieve one within your first year of employment.
• A teaching qualification (Level 3–5) and an appropriate management qualification (Level 4 or above), or willingness to complete the College's leadership development programme.
• Significant experience supporting young people with SEND and leading high-quality inclusive practice.
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice (2014), Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and Learning Support funding.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams while driving quality improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to analyse data, make informed decisions and continually improve services.
• A proactive, innovative and collaborative approach, with a commitment to delivering outstanding outcomes for learners.
• A genuine passion for inclusion and enabling every learner to reach their full potential.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

You must have the right to work in the UK.

We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

New College Swindon 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.

We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

References will be sought on shortlisted candidates before interview and by agreement.