Harris hill are delighted to be recruiting for a Head of Learning Support in an interim position for 1 x term, from September 2019 (independent sixth form college based in North London)

Head of Learning Support
The Head of Learning Support is a new role for an excellent independent sixth form College in North London and an exciting opportunity for
the right candidate.  As our part of our overall commitment to offer comprehensive and outstanding support to our students, we are seeking a dedicated, experienced and passionate individual to lead and coordinate Learning Support within the College. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in the development and implementation of this key area.  The position will include overall responsibility for our provision to students with SEN, psychological difficulties and physical disabilities, to ensure that barriers to learning are mitigated and access arrangements are effectively managed.

Applicants should be confident working with students aged 15-19, and be experienced in supporting
teachers working within this age range.
The appointee will be responsible for overseeing the College Wellbeing Programme.

As Head of Learning Support, they will co-ordinate the work of part-time staff contributing to this provision:

An Educational Psychologist, a Learning Support teacher, an in-house counsellor and a Child and
Adolescent Psychotherapist from the Tavistock. They will also work in close consultation with the
two Vice Principals regarding advice to colleagues concerning teaching and learning, and with the
Exams Officer in relation to access arrangements. It is expected that the appointee will have
achieved, or be willing to work towards achieving, the National SENCO Award qualification (which
would be funded by the College).

The successful candidate will be expected to
undergo the relevant training for this position at the earliest opportunity.

Candidates should have a background in education, and ideally have teaching experience. While
both part and full-time applicants will be considered, it is expected that this role will be a minimum
of 0.8.  As Head of Learning Support, you would play an essential role in the academic success of the
College, as well as that of our individual students. We envisage this to be a developing role, and
as such it will be a unique opportunity to influence the direction that Learning Support takes
within the College.

Person Specification for Head of Learning Support
Essential
These are qualities without which an applicant could not be appointed
Qualifications
? Relevant degree or equivalent qualification
- Experienced in access arrangements (ideally Level 7 qualified)
? Right to work in the UK
Experience
? Experience of being involved in (or leading) a SEND/Learning Support department
? Successful experience of narrowing the gap between SEND students and other students in
the classroom
? Experience of working in education, ideally in the 15-18 age range
Skills
? Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in
writing) with all stakeholders, and to demonstrate a sense of authority which inspires the
confidence and respect of students, parents and colleagues.
? Ability to make professional recommendations
? Ability to provide study skills support/teaching
? Ability to interact effectively and with empathy, with students, parents and teachers
? Ability to manage meetings with parents and students effectively
? Ability to support staff and develop their knowledge and skills in supporting students with
SEND
? Excellent data management, including experience of analysing data and producing reports to
improve teaching and learning
Knowledge
? An up-to-date understanding of JCQ policy and procedures
? A working knowledge of national SEND Code of Practice
? A thorough understanding of specific learning difficulties (SpLD) and disabilities
? A thorough understanding of the role of SEND in a school environment
Personal Qualities
? A passion for education and making a difference, with demonstrable commitment to
achieving the highest possible standards for all learners and a proven record of enabling
learners to fulfil their potential
? An interest in psychological issues and wellbeing
? Commitment to own professional development
? Tact and discretion
? Initiative and time management
? Soundness of judgement and ability to listen
? Strong organisational, personal time management and planning skills
? A shared approach to problem-solving and achieving goals; ability to work as a member of a
team
? Commitment to the safeguarding of all students

Desirable characteristics
These are extra qualities which can be used to choose between applicants who meet all of the
essential criteria
Qualifications
? Assessment Practising Certificate
? Dyslexic assessment qualification e.g. OCR SpLD, Hornsby or equivalent, PG Diploma in
Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)
Experience
? Recent experience of relevant INSET
? Up-to-date knowledge of wider current educational developments/legislation.
? Relevant educational experience
? Experience of the DSL or Deputy DSL role
? Relevant experience as a teacher, ideally in the 15-18 age range
Skills
? Ability to undertake initial assessments through knowledge of current and appropriate
assessment materials.
? Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet and email) and
in using student record information systems
Knowledge
? Up-to-date knowledge of ISI requirements for SEND
? Good understanding of how students learn and how to raise standards of achievement
Personal Competencies & Qualities
? Demonstrable effectiveness in promoting equality and diversity through teaching, managing
the learning environment and challenging discriminatory behaviour and attitudes
? Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to think innovatively and creatively

Harris Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all partners to share this commitment.