Head of Additional Learning Support

Bedford College Group; Bedford; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Bedford is seeking a Head of Additional Learning Support. In this role, you will oversee the ALS department, ensuring high-quality support for learners with special educational needs. Ideal candidates should have a relevant degree, teaching qualifications, and experience in managing SEND provision. Attractive benefits including a competitive salary and professional development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

35 days annual leave plus Bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Retail and Leisure Discounts

Professional and personal development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing SEND provision.
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Ability to lead teams across multi-site environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ALS department in aligning with the College's strategic plan.
• Coordinate support for learners with SEND and EHCPs.
• Manage ALS staff development and performance.

Skills

Leadership in SEND

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Education

Degree or Level 5 qualification in SEND

Teaching qualification (PGCE/Cert Ed)

GCSEs in English and Maths

Job description

Overview

Role: Head of Additional Learning Support

Location: Bedford College - Cauldwell Street Campus

Salary/Benefits: Salary is between £46,350 and £59,999 per annum DOE and Qualifications, 35 days annual leave plus Bank holidays, Local Government Pension Scheme, Retail and Leisure Discounts, excellent professional and personal development opportunities, accessing college courses.

Hours/Weeks: 37 hours per week - 52 weeks per year

Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time

About the role

We are currently seeking a Head of Additional Learning Support to join our Additional Support department at The Bedford College Group.

As a Head, you play an important role in the success of our students through:

• Strategic Leadership - Lead the ALS department in line with the College\'s strategic plan, overseeing SEND provision, policy implementation, and quality assurance to ensure outstanding learner outcomes and compliance with Ofsted and the SEND Code of Practice.
• Operational Management - Coordinate assessment, planning, and delivery of support for learners with SEND and EHCPs, ensuring consistency, effective resource deployment, and a high-quality learner experience across all campuses.
• Staff Development & Performance - Line manage ALS staff, including recruitment, training, appraisals, and observations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Compliance - Build strong relationships with local authorities and external partners, manage funding claims and high-needs costs, and ensure accurate records and reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• College-Wide Contribution - Represent ALS at college-wide meetings and events, contribute to risk management and strategic planning, and support cross-college initiatives including open evenings, parent events, and CPD.

About you

• Qualifications & Expertise - Holds a relevant degree or Level 5 qualification in SEND, a teaching qualification (PGCE/Cert Ed), and GCSEs in English and Maths, with strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, ALS funding, and Ofsted expectations.
• Leadership & Experience - Proven experience in managing SEND provision, leading teams across multi-site environments, and supporting learners with a range of additional needs including autism, dyslexia, and behavioural challenges.
• Strategic & Operational Skills - Skilled in curriculum development, quality assurance, data analysis, and planning inclusive support strategies that drive up standards and improve learner outcomes.
• Professional Attributes - Strong interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills; able to lead by example, promote the College\'s values, and build effective cross-college relationships.
• Commitment & Flexibility - Demonstrates integrity, resilience, and a commitment to safeguarding, CPD, and educational excellence, with a flexible approach to working across all college locations and a full UK driving licence.

For a more detailed breakdown of the job role and the requirements, please see the Job Description attached to this vacancy.

Interviews to be held: 15 October 2025

Safeguarding our Students: The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough vetting process which includes an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group\'s policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy. Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.

We reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the adverts should we receive a sufficient level of interest.