Head of School – Foundation Learning - Harrow

Head of School – Foundation Learning

Harrow

Full time and Permanent

£53,656 - £60,082

Reporting to the Director – Foundation – Curriculum & Support, as Head of School for Foundation you will provide strategic and operational leadership for learners with mild to complex needs, ensuring inclusive, high-quality provision and outstanding learner outcomes. You will lead and inspire a team of curriculum and support staff across both full-time and part-time programmes, driving excellence in teaching, learning, and assessment across all levels of need.

You will be responsible for curriculum planning, development, and quality assurance, including managing qualification changes and aligning programmes with local skills priorities, national SEND reforms, and the Preparing for Adulthood framework. Working collaboratively across departments and with external partners, you will strengthen transition links with various stakeholders, ensuring smooth progression pathways for learners with high needs.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic FE leader with proven management experience who can demonstrate:

• Minimum Level 3 qualification, with a full teaching qualification (minimum of Level 5) recognised by the FE sector  
• Experience of providing inspirational leadership for High Needs teams within the Further Education sector, resulting in enhanced teaching, learning and assessment practices and growth 
• Demonstrable experience of leading and developing SEND teaching, learning and assessment in accordance with quality assurance frameworks within Further Education 
• Experience of developing innovative approaches and curriculum management within Further Education to meet changing trends and industry requirements within SEND and High Need context
• A skilled practitioner in teaching and learning, and experience of implementing strategies to improve attendance and retention
• Knowledge and experience of quality improvement processes and its implementation 

You will be joining a supportive, inclusive and forward-thinking organisation, with many opportunities for professional development and growth. We offer the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, comprehensive wellbeing hub, a wide range of employee benefits and free car parking on all our sites.

Purpose of the Job

The main purpose of the role is to lead and continuously improve the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment to maximise learner recruitment, retention, achievement, and progression across SEND and High Needs provision. To achieve this, the Head of Department provides strategic and operational leadership to a team of curriculum and support staff who design, deliver, and develop a diverse, inclusive, and high-quality portfolio of programmes that meet the needs of learners with mild to complex needs. The postholder will also ensure robust academic and pastoral support processes, promote inclusive practice, and drive curriculum development in line with national SEND priorities and local skills needs. In addition, the Head of Department is responsible for achieving agreed income and quality targets, supporting sustainable growth and excellence across the area.

Qualifications

·       Qualified to a minimum of level 3

·       Relevant professional qualification

·       Maths and English at GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent

·       A full (minimum Level 5) teaching qualification recognised by the Further Education sector (e.g. PGCE for FE or Secondary, DET)**

Knowledge and Experience

·       Experience of providing inspirational leadership and management to High Needs teams within the Further Education sector, resulting in enhanced teaching, learning and assessment practices

·       Demonstrable experience of leading and developing SEND teaching, learning and assessment in accordance with quality assurance frameworks within Further Education

·       Experience of developing innovative approaches and curriculum management within Further Education to meet changing trends and industry requirements within SEND and High Need context

·       Experience and strong working knowledge of diverse SEND learner needs in Further Education, including the management of complex needs provision for high-needs learners

·       Experience of budget monitoring and resource management

·       Experience of self-assessment processes, writing reports and development plans

·       Experience of liaising with awarding bodies and Local Authorities

·       Evidence of analysing, sharing and reporting data, as well as using data to inform decisions

·       Experience of conducting lesson observations and providing developmental feedback

·       Up to date knowledge and experience of curriculum developments and recent initiatives in SEND, with knowledge of the SEND code of practice

·       Knowledge and experience of quality improvement processes and its implementation

·       Understanding and practical application of inclusive learning strategies and a proven commitment to equality and diversity

·       Understanding of the education market, including regional and community influences

·       Experience of managing change and implementing new initiatives including curriculum developments

·       Understanding of FE funding requirements

Other Skills and Personal Qualities

·       Strategic vision and ability to engage others to achieve it

·       A commitment to student success and the development of the curriculum to meet funding and employability agendas.

·       Ability to build strong partnerships with a range of internal and external stakeholders

·       Strong leadership skills, respect for others and ability      to enthuse staff and students

·       Good communication skills, written and verbal

·       Commitment to continuous professional development.

·       An understanding of awarding body internal verification and external verification requirements

This post is not exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. 

To apply for this opportunity your detailed CV to Clarus Education now to be considered. We will be contacting those shortlisted within 48 hours of an application. 

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