Director of SEND

Philosophy Education LTD.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Philosophy Education is recruiting an experienced Director of SEND / Curriculum for a South London FE college. You will provide strategic leadership across SEND provision, develop innovative curriculum models, and work with authorities, employers and stakeholders.

The role requires a degree and recognised teaching qualification, plus senior management experience in FE SEND. You will lead ALS and high-needs funding, manage curriculum and staff, drive continuous improvement in teaching and

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• A recognised teaching qualification (PGCE, Cert Ed or DTTLS).
• Proven management experience within FE SEND environments.
• Experience of ALS and high-needs funding leadership.
• Experience in curriculum planning, staff deployment and budget management.
• Track record of quality improvement improving student outcomes.
• Experience with teaching observations and staff development plans.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to lead teams through periods of change.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across SEND curriculum and provision.
• Develop innovative curriculum models to improve outcomes.
• Collaborate with local authorities, employers and stakeholders.
• Oversee ALS and high-needs funding.
• Lead curriculum and support teams and ensure high standards.
• Drive improvement in teaching, learning and assessment.
• Manage resources and budgets to grow provision.
• Ensure readiness for external inspection and quality requirements.
• Use outcomes, data and feedback to drive improvements.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Staff development

Stakeholder management

Curriculum development

Budget management

Communication

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification

Teaching qualification (PGCE/Cert Ed/DTTLS)

Management qualification (desirable)

Job description

Director of SEND / Curriculum Further Education

Location: Lambeth, South London
Role: Director of SEND / Curriculum
Contract: Full-time
Salary: £54,966 £65,606 per annum
Sector: Further Education / SEND

Philosophy Education is working on behalf of a Further Education college in South London to recruit an experienced Director of SEND / Curriculum to provide strategic leadership across its SEND provision.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced SEND education professional with a strong background in Further Education, Additional Learning Support (ALS) and high-needs provision.

You will take a strategic lead on the development and delivery of the SEND curriculum, ensuring students receive an outstanding learning experience and achieve positive outcomes and destinations. You will also lead and develop staff teams while working closely with local authorities, employers and other key stakeholders.

The Role

As Director of SEND / Curriculum, your responsibilities will include:

• Providing strategic leadership and direction across the SEND curriculum and associated provision.
• Leading the development of innovative and effective curriculum models that improve student outcomes and progression.
• Working with local authorities to develop SEND provision, funded learning opportunities and supported internships.
• Providing leadership and oversight of Additional Learning Support (ALS) and high-needs funding.
• Leading, managing and developing curriculum and support teams, ensuring high standards of performance and professional development.
• Driving continuous improvement in teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring consistently high-quality experiences for learners.
• Managing resources and budgets effectively while supporting the continued development and growth of the provision.
• Developing strong relationships with employers, external agencies, parents/carers and other key stakeholders.
• Ensuring the provision remains prepared for external inspection and meets awarding body, safeguarding, health and safety and quality requirements.
• Using learner outcomes, performance data and student feedback to identify and implement improvements.

The successful candidate will also play an important role in curriculum planning and development, ensuring programmes respond to the needs of learners as well as local and regional employment opportunities.

Candidate Requirements

To be considered for this role, you will need:

• A degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• A recognised teaching qualification, such as PGCE, Cert Ed or DTTLS.
• Proven management experience within an FE SEND educational setting or relevant environment.
• A successful background in SEND and Additional Learning Support leadership.
• Strong knowledge of high-needs/SEND funding streams and methodologies.
• Experience of curriculum planning, staff deployment and resource management.
• Experience managing budgets and contributing to curriculum and business planning.
• A track record of implementing quality improvement strategies that have resulted in measurable improvements in student outcomes.
• Experience of teaching observations and developing and monitoring staff support and improvement plans.
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop teams through periods of change.

A relevant management qualification is desirable.

About You

You will be an inspirational and resilient SEND leader who is passionate about delivering excellent outcomes for young people with additional needs. You will be comfortable operating at a strategic level while remaining closely connected to the quality of teaching, learning and student support.