Head of Inclusive Learning Services required for Further Education College in Leeds

At Engage, we know that a college runs on quality staff. We’ve spent over a decade building strong relationships with education providers, and we are currently working with a well-established Further Education college in Leeds who are looking for an experienced Head of Inclusive Learning Services to join their team from 16th November until Christmas in the first instance, with a view to extend.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEND/inclusion leader to take on a senior role within a large and diverse college environment. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across inclusive learning provision, ensuring that learners with additional needs receive high-quality support and that the college continues to meet its statutory, regulatory and safeguarding responsibilities.

This role would suit an experienced Head of SEND, Head of Inclusion, SENDCo, Director of Learner Support or senior inclusive learning professional who can quickly understand an organisation, build strong relationships and provide confident leadership from day one.

Head of Inclusive Learning Services Requirements:

As Head of Inclusive Learning Services, you will be responsible for leading and developing high-quality inclusive learning provision across the college.

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the college’s Inclusive Learning Services, ensuring provision meets the needs of learners with SEND and additional learning needs.

• Lead, manage and support a team of specialist inclusive learning, learning support and/or SEND staff.

• Ensure effective systems are in place to identify learners’ additional needs, assess support requirements and monitor progress and outcomes.

• Work closely with curriculum leaders, teaching staff, senior leaders and support teams to ensure learners receive appropriate and timely support.

• Provide expert advice and guidance to staff on SEND, inclusive practice and reasonable adjustments.

• Ensure the college meets its statutory duties and regulatory requirements relating to learners with SEND and additional needs.

• Maintain a strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), high-needs funding and relevant FE legislation and guidance.

• Oversee the effective implementation and review of EHCPs and other learner support plans.

• Work collaboratively with local authorities, external agencies, parents/carers and other professionals to ensure appropriate support is in place.

• Monitor the quality and effectiveness of inclusive learning provision, using data, learner outcomes and feedback to identify areas for improvement.

• Lead on quality assurance activity and contribute to college self-assessment and improvement planning.

• Ensure accurate and effective systems are maintained for learner records, support plans, funding evidence and compliance.

• Work with curriculum and support teams to promote high expectations, independence, achievement and progression for learners with additional needs.

• Provide advice and guidance to managers and teaching staff around inclusive teaching, differentiation, accessibility and reasonable adjustments.

• Identify and deliver, or coordinate, appropriate staff development and CPD relating to SEND and inclusive practice.

• Manage resources effectively and ensure staffing and provision are aligned with learner need.

• Contribute to safeguarding and ensure that the needs and welfare of vulnerable learners remain central to the service.

• Build positive relationships with learners, staff, parents/carers and external partners.

• Support the college’s wider strategic priorities around equality, diversity, inclusion, achievement and learner experience.

What we’re looking for:

To be successful in this role, you will need to be an experienced and confident inclusive learning/SEND leader who can quickly establish credibility and make an impact within a senior college environment.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience of leading SEND, inclusion, additional learning support or learner support services within Further Education, sixth form, specialist education or a comparable setting.

• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice, EHCPs and high-needs funding.

• Proven experience of leading and developing teams and managing complex operational requirements.

• Experience of quality assurance, self-assessment and continuous improvement.

• A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing learners with SEND in an FE environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior leaders, curriculum teams, support staff, learners, families and external agencies.

• The ability to analyse data and use evidence to improve provision and learner outcomes.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.

• A solution-focused approach and the confidence to make decisions in a fast-paced environment.

• The ability to build trust quickly and provide calm, visible and effective leadership.

• A strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and improving outcomes for learners with additional needs.

Most importantly, you will be someone who can hit the ground running. Given the temporary nature of the appointment, the college requires a senior leader who can quickly understand existing provision, identify priorities, provide clear direction to staff and ensure continuity and quality of service from the outset.

About us:

We are Engage Education, the trusted education recruitment agency, with professional development and support at our core.

• Competitive rates of pay

• Your own dedicated consultant

• Free CPD sessions

• Wellbeing support, travel discounts and retail offers from our partners

• Expert support throughout your placement

• Access to a wide range of education opportunities across the UK

How to apply

You can apply for this role below or get in touch with us directly for further information.

The successful candidate will be required to complete the appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, before starting work. Full assistance will be provided.

If you are an experienced SEND/inclusion leader looking for an interim opportunity where you can make an immediate difference, we would be keen to hear from you.

Start date: 16th November
Initial end date: Christmas, with a view to extend
Location: Leeds
Role: Head of Inclusive Learning Services