Head of Additional Learning Support - Foundation Learning

Dovetail and Slate; City Of London; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Dovetail and Slate is recruiting for a Head of Additional Learning Support - Foundation Learning in West London. This senior role leads ALS provision, ensuring high-quality support and timely delivery for Foundation Learning learners.

You will oversee High Needs funding, staff development, and compliance with SEND Code of Practice, while driving continuous improvement and strong stakeholder relationships with Local Authorities and parents. A degree with teaching qualifications is required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing Additional Learning Support (ALS), preferably within FE.
• Experience leading and developing teams in a college setting.
• Strong knowledge of SEND and High Needs provision.
• Experience working with EHCPs and Local Authorities.
• Experience budgeting and monitoring financial targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage ALS provision across the college.
• Take overall responsibility for High Needs learners, funding, claims and documentation.
• Ensure EHCPs are delivered effectively and on time.
• Lead, manage and develop a team of support professionals.
• Drive continuous improvement across ALS provision and QA processes.
• Oversee learner transitions, annual reviews and timely progress reporting.

Skills

ALS Leadership

Team Leadership

SEND High Needs

EHCPs Knowledge

Data Analytics

Education

Degree and teaching qualification

Job description

Head of Additional Learning Support - Foundation Learning

Location: West London

Salary: £5,2000 - £57,000

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-Time

Start Date: September/October

About the Role
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Head of Additional Learning Support - Foundation Learning to join a leading Further Education provider in West London.
This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for the management, quality and delivery of Additional Learning Support (ALS) and High Needs provision across Foundation Learning.
Working closely with the Director of Foundation - Curriculum & Support, you will lead the strategic and operational development of learning support, ensuring learners receive high-quality, effective and timely support that enables them to achieve their potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Additional Learning Support provision across the college.
• Take overall responsibility for High Needs learners and associated funding, claims and documentation.
• Ensure support identified within EHCPs is delivered effectively and within appropriate timescales.
• Lead, manage and develop a team of support professionals.
• Drive continuous improvement across ALS provision.
• Lead quality assurance and improvement processes, including self-assessment, quality improvement planning and performance reviews.
• Oversee learner transitions, consultations and annual reviews.
• Work closely with Local Authorities regarding High Needs placements and funding.
• Develop strong relationships with parents, carers and external agencies.
• Monitor learner progress and ensure effective Individual Support Plans are in place.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with relevant external requirements, including Ofsted.
• Analyse learner, financial and performance data to identify trends and drive improvement.
• Manage ALS and relevant Adult Skills Budget funding and ensure budgets and financial targets are effectively managed.
• Ensure robust records are maintained for internal and external audits.
• Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and relevant ALS and High Needs frameworks.
• Oversee exam access arrangements in line with government and JCQ requirements.
• Identify and deliver staff training and development requirements.
• Support safeguarding and promote an inclusive environment across the college.

About You

We are looking for an experienced FE leader with a strong background in Additional Learning Support, SEND, High Needs, Supported Learning or Inclusion.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience managing Additional Learning Support, preferably within Further Education.
• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Strong knowledge and experience of supporting learners with SEND and High Needs.
• Experience working with EHCPs and Local Authorities.
• Knowledge of High Needs funding and ALS funding.
• Experience managing or monitoring budgets and financial targets.
• Experience contributing to quality assurance and improvement processes.
• Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Knowledge of the FE sector and the challenges affecting ALS and High Needs provision.
• Experience using data and management information to drive performance.
• Experience overseeing exam access arrangements.
• Experience delivering staff training and professional development.
• Strong communication, organisational and analytical skills.
• The ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• A strategic and solution-focused approach to leadership.

A degree and/or appropriate professional experience, alongside a teaching qualification and GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 or equivalent, is required in line with the role's person specification.

We are an equal opportunities employer.