Head of Additional Learning Support

Ackerman Pierce Ltd.; Harrow; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Ackerman Pierce Ltd. is seeking a Head of Additional Learning Support – Foundation Learning in Harrow/Uxbridge to lead and shape the ALS service for High Needs learners across two colleges.

You will drive quality, EHCP-aligned support, funding management and service improvement in a senior role reporting to the Director of Foundation Learning – Curriculum and Support. You will oversee a team of support professionals, ensure compliance with SEND Code of Practice, and build partnerships with Local

Qualifications

• We require a degree and/or professional experience at an appropriate level.
• Experience managing Additional Learning Support in Further Education and improving learner experience.
• Experience assessing learners' needs and maintaining accurate records.
• Experience working with Local Authorities and agencies on High Needs placements and funding.
• Knowledge of ALS funding and Adult Skills Budget funding.
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and its implementation.
• Experience leading teams and managing staff.
• Strong communication, analytical and organisational skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ALS provision for High Needs learners across Harrow and Uxbridge.
• Take overall responsibility for High Needs learners and associated funding, claims and documentation.
• Ensure learners receive support identified in EHCPs in a timely, high-quality way.
• Lead, motivate and develop a team of support professionals.
• Collaborate with Local Authorities and external partners for transitions and reviews.
• Develop relationships with Local Authorities, parents, carers and external agencies.
• Monitor and improve ALS provision quality, contributing to QA and improvement planning.
• Manage and report ALS and Adult Skills Budget funding with auditable records.
• Use data to monitor performance and support strategic planning.
• Ensure SEND Code of Practice compliance and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee exam access arrangements in line with JCQ guidance.
• Contribute to staff development and continuous improvement of the ALS service.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Operational leadership

Communication

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Relationship building

Education

Degree or equivalent professional level

Job description

Head of Additional Learning Support – Foundation Learning

Location: Harrow / Uxbridge

Salary: £50,718 – £56,781 per annum, including London Weighting

Job Type: Full Time

Reference: 2173

Closing Date: Wednesday 2 September 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Additional Learning Support – Foundation Learning to join our team in this newly created senior role, with responsibility for the management and quality of Additional Learning Support for High Needs learners across 2 colleges.

Reporting to the Director of Foundation Learning – Curriculum and Support, you will lead the development and delivery of a high-quality, effective and innovative Additional Learning Support service, ensuring learners receive the support identified within their EHCPs and are enabled to achieve their full potential.

Key responsibilities

You will:

• Lead and manage the Additional Learning Support provision for High Needs learners across Harrow and Uxbridge, ensuring a high-quality and effective service.
• Take overall responsibility for High Needs learners and associated funding, claims and documentation.
• Ensure learners receive the full range of support identified within their EHCPs, delivered in a timely and high-quality way.
• Lead, motivate and develop a team of support professionals, creating a culture of high performance and outstanding learner support.
• Work with colleagues and external partners to ensure effective transition into and out of college, including annual reviews and statutory consultations.
• Develop strong working relationships with Local Authorities, parents, carers and other external agencies, including in relation to High Needs placements and funding.
• Monitor and improve the quality of Additional Learning Support provision, contributing to quality assurance, self-assessment and improvement planning.
• Manage and report on Additional Learning Support and relevant Adult Skills Budget funding, ensuring accurate and auditable records.
• Use data and management information to monitor performance, identify opportunities for improvement and support strategic planning.
• Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks.
• Oversee exam access arrangements and ensure these are completed in line with government and JCQ guidance.
• Contribute to staff development, training and the continuous improvement of the ALS service.

About you

We are looking for a confident and experienced leader who is passionate about inclusive education and improving outcomes for learners with additional needs.

You will have:

• A degree and/or professional experience at an appropriate level.
• Proven experience of managing Additional Learning Support, ideally within Further Education, with evidence of improving learner experience and success.
• Experience of assessing learners' additional needs, identifying appropriate support and maintaining accurate records.
• Experience of working with Local Authorities and other agencies to agree and negotiate High Needs placements and appropriate funding.
• Sound knowledge of Additional Learning Support funding and Adult Skills Budget funding relating to ALS.
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and experience of its implementation.
• Experience of successfully leading teams and/or managing staff.
• Strong communication, analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

You will be able to combine strategic thinking with strong operational leadership, while maintaining a clear focus on learner outcomes, quality and inclusion.