Interim Head of ALS

Location: City Of London

Head of Additional Learning Support (ALS)
About the Role

The Head of ALS is responsible for leading and managing the college's Additional Learning Support (ALS) and SEND provision, ensuring learners with additional needs receive high-quality, compliant and effective support.

The postholder will oversee ALS delivery, EHCP processes, High Needs funding, quality assurance, compliance, staff management and partnerships with Local Authorities and external agencies. The role plays a key part in creating an inclusive learning environment that enables learners to achieve positive outcomes and progress successfully.

Key Responsibilities Leadership and Management

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of ALS and SEND services across the college.
• Manage ALS Managers and wider support teams.
• Ensure resources, staffing structures and delivery models are effective and compliant.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across ALS and SEND provision.
• Support succession planning and leadership development within the team.
• Manage recruitment, performance, wellbeing and development of direct reports.

SEND, ALS and EHCP Provision

• Oversee provision for learners with SEND and additional support needs.
• Ensure Individual Support Plans are implemented, reviewed and aligned to learner outcomes.
• Coordinate and oversee EHCP annual reviews and Local Authority consultations.
• Ensure support arrangements promote learner independence, progression and achievement.
• Monitor transition arrangements into, within and beyond the college.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
• SEND Code of Practice
• EHCP statutory requirements
• ALS funding regulations
• High Needs funding requirements
• JCQ regulations for exam access arrangements
• Lead preparation for inspections, audits and funding reviews.
• Maintain robust systems, procedures and documentation.
• Drive improvements through self-assessment, audits and quality reviews.

Teaching, Learning and Inclusion

• Work with curriculum leaders to embed inclusive and adaptive teaching practices.
• Promote effective support strategies and reasonable adjustments.
• Support colleagues in meeting the needs of learners with SEND.
• Lead staff development and training programmes relating to SEND and inclusion.
• Monitor the impact of support on learner outcomes and classroom practice.

Funding and Resource Management

• Manage ALS and SEND budgets.
• Oversee High Needs funding processes and submissions.
• Ensure funding claims are accurate, evidence-based and audit-ready.
• Monitor utilisation of staffing, specialist support and assistive technologies.
• Ensure effective use of resources and value for money.

Data, Reporting and Performance

• Monitor learner attendance, retention, achievement and progression.
• Analyse ALS, SEND and funding data to identify trends and improvement priorities.
• Produce reports for senior leaders on:
• Learner outcomes
• Compliance and risk
• Ensure all ALS and SEND records are accurate and maintained to required standards.

Learner Experience and Support

• Ensure learners understand their support arrangements and EHCP outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with curriculum, pastoral and student services teams.
• Coordinate access to wellbeing, safeguarding, careers and enrichment opportunities.
• Manage concerns and complaints relating to ALS and SEND provision.
• Gather learner feedback and use it to improve services.

Partnership Working

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with:
• Local Authorities
• Schools
• Health professionals
• Specialist providers
• Represent the college at SEND networks, reviews and partnership meetings.
• Support referral, transition and progression activities.
• Contribute SEND expertise to college projects, committees and working groups.

Safeguarding

• Ensure safeguarding, Prevent and health and safety requirements are fully implemented within ALS services.
• Promote learner welfare and elevate concerns appropriately.

Person Specification Essential Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent Level 6 qualification.
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to SEND, ALS, inclusion or further education.
• Further Education sector and policy landscape.
• SEND provision and supported learning.
• FE inspection and quality frameworks.
• SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes.
• ALS and High Needs funding methodologies.
• Inclusive teaching and adaptive learning strategies.
• Equality, diversity and inclusion principles.
• Assistive technologies and accessibility.
• Funding compliance, audit and quality assurance requirements.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to improve teaching, learning and…