Interim Assistant Head of Department

Interim Assistant Head of Department

English, Maths & Support

Location: Cambridge and Huntingdon
Contract: Interim, full-time, full-year
Department: Supported Learning

Start date: As soon as possible or by agreement

Salary: £48,495

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Interim Assistant Head of Department to join our Supported Learning leadership team while a permanent appointment is made.

Working across our Cambridge and Huntingdon campuses, you will support the Head of Department in leading the English, Maths and learning support provision for students with SEND and High Needs. You will play a key role in ensuring that students receive a clear, ambitious and personalised curriculum, with English and Maths embedded across vocational learning and the wider Supported Learning department.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEND professional or curriculum leader who is ready to take on a strategic leadership role within a specialist post-16 setting.

Key responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the Head of Department and Assistant Heads of Department across the organisation.
• Coordinate day-to-day practical and theoretical learning activities across the department.
• Lead and promote inclusive practice for students with SEND and High Needs.
• Ensure students receive personalised, ambitious and appropriately challenging learning programmes.
• Embed English and Maths within vocational learning and Supported Learning curriculum areas.
• Coordinate staffing and learning support timetables to maximise student achievement and progress.
• Support the effective deployment of learning support mentors and other staff.
• Monitor the use of college systems linked to learning support and the learner journey.
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across the department.
• Mentor colleagues and model excellent inclusive classroom and workplace practice.
• Lead collaborative approaches to planning, preparation and the adaptation of resources.
• Contribute to curriculum development and the creation of new learning opportunities.
• Support internal quality assurance for accredited and non-accredited programmes.
• Work closely with Exams, Student Records, MIS and other internal teams to ensure student information is accurate and up to date.
• Ensure appropriate evidence is maintained for audits and quality assurance processes.
• Advise on and support the implementation of reasonable adjustments.
• Contribute to staff wellbeing, development and effective team management.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, professionals and external stakeholders.

About you

You will have:

• Extensive experience working in a specialist or discrete SEND department within a school or college.
• Relevant experience of working with post-16 learners with SEND and High Needs.
• A strong understanding of special educational needs, personalised learning and inclusive practice.
• High-level pedagogical knowledge and the ability to lead, inspire and develop colleagues.
• Experience developing curriculum opportunities for students with additional needs.
• Experience of internal quality assurance across accredited and non-accredited programmes.
• Knowledge of learner records, audits, evidence requirements and quality processes.
• Experience working with internal teams such as Exams, Student Records and MIS.
• A strong understanding of reasonable adjustments and removing barriers to learning.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing or mentoring staff, including supporting wellbeing and applying HR policies and procedures.
• A collaborative, organised and solution-focused management style.
• The ability to work across both Cambridge and Huntingdon campuses.

What we offer

• A senior leadership opportunity within a supportive Supported Learning department.
• The chance to influence provision for students with SEND and High Needs.
• A collaborative and inclusive working environment.
• Opportunities to lead curriculum development and improve learner outcomes.
• Professional development and access to a range of staff benefits.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining your relevant SEND leadership, curriculum and post-16 experience.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment and safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check where applicable.

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. You will have a safeguarding responsibility if appointed. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced clearance through the Disclosure and Barring Service and employment will be subject to references. This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Please see our website page headed ‘About’ and scroll to the bottom to see our ‘Privacy Notice’ for an explanation about how we use information we collect about you.

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