Learning Support Manager (SENCO)

Main Purpose of the Role:

• To oversee the management, delivery and quality  of Additional Learning Support, SEN and High Needs Support at DV8 Sussex, ensuring that all learners receive appropriate and effective learning support to achieve and progress.
• To lead on the development and implementation of the Dv8 SEND strategy, to have a thorough understanding of the SEN Code of Practice and ensure that it is implemented  at all times at Dv8.
• To work with the Heads of Centre and Curriculum Area Leads to ensure that all teaching and learning provision is planned and delivered  to meet the needs of all learners with additional learning or support needs. 
• To organise and chair annual reviews for all EHCP students meeting all compliance standards, , setting appropriate outcomes.
• To ensure that positive relationships are built and maintained with all parents, learners and stakeholders involved in the support of learners with SEN, LDD or High Needs. 
• Plan and apply for suitable High Needs Funding support (Element 3) from Local Authorities to ensure that students have appropriate support in place, that funding is applied for in good time and staffing put in place, complying with needs identified in the EHCP
• To coordinate exam access arrangements, completing assessments and applications in line with the JCQ guidance (training opportunity to be offered if needed).
• Line-manage the Bexhill based Learning Support Coordinator, who will locally coordinate learning support, and line manage Brighton learning support workers, ensuring that they are supported and managed effectively, continually seeking to review and improve the service on offer to young people at Dv8. 
• Work alongside the Recruitment and Admissions and Curriculum teams to ensure that all learners with Education, Health and Care plans have appropriate support in place from application to starting date.
• Oversee the effective management and delivery of the Life Skills provision for High Needs funded learners
• Ensure a high level of ambition for all learners with SEN to achieve in all aims and progress, maintaining the high level of outcomes for EHCP learners achieved in recent years
• Represent DV8 Sussex at external panels and tribunals regarding High Needs learners as required. 
• Implement the college’s quality processes including appraisals, observations and SAR and identify and implement training to meet the CPD needs of individuals and the team.
• Carry out administrative tasks inherent in the role to meet inspection, audit, quality improvement and implement college policies and procedures relating to the payment of claims.
• Liaise with, and advise on matters of disability, equality and diversity, child protection and safeguarding as appropriate to the role. 
• Identify and undertake any job-related activities as requested appropriate to the grading of the post to meet the changing needs of the College.
• To work to promote and apply the College’s safeguarding policy and practices.  

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Full Teaching qualification e.g. Cert Ed, or an appropriate professional qualification to Level 4.
• SENCO qualified status or 2 years experience in similar role and willingness to undertake training to achieve SENCO qualification. 

Desirable

• Specialist qualification in  supporting learners with learning difficulties and or disabilities 

Job Experience and Knowledge

Essential

• Experience in leading and managing a learning support / SEN department in an education setting
• Knowledge of and/or teaching aspects of an FE curriculum and in particular Numeracy and Literacy
• Knowledge and experience of managing  staff and performance management.
• Experience of planning and delivering effective staff inductions and training. 
• Previous experience delivering high quality teaching or support to a range of needs.
• Previous experience of effective tracking of EHCP outcomes
• Thorough knowledge of Disability Equality and the SEN code of practice.
• A demonstrable strong understanding of applying for and maintaining High Needs funding. 
• Experience of administrative systems and audit requirements.
• Experience of implementation of diagnostic assessment and ILPs. 

Desirable

• Experience of assessment of students with Dyslexia and ASD
• Knowledge of requirements for access for examinations. 

Skills / Abilities / Competencies

Essential

• Able to motivate and lead a support team.
• Able to coordinate, plan and organise an effective and high quality provision within a cross college service.  
• Excellent communication skills across all age ranges both internally and with external providers.
• Skills and willingness to develop a high quality  service in a FE Environment.
• Appreciation of different learning needs and styles and support models.
• Excellent administrator and ability to maintain audit compliance.
• Knowledge of the use of ICT  
• Experience of financial processes
• An understanding of ‘safeguarding’ and its importance within the College.

Desirable

• Analysis of  Statistical  data.

Personal Qualities / Attributes / Attitude

Essential

• Well organised and able to work under pressure.
• Strong, positive and decisive leadership.
• Attention to detail 
• Ability to adapt to change.
• Ability to motivate and engage staff
• Willingness to travel between Centres as needed.
• Approachable, empathic and caring

Desirable

Flexible approach to working hours

** This role is based on securing high needs funding.