Additional Learning Support Manager (ALSM) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL

Additional Learning Support Manager (ALSM) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Vacancy Reference Number:

ALSM/DDSL

Expected to be in the region of £29,000 – £32,000 per annum
, subject to approval and confirmation of funding.

Hours:

Full time

Contract Type:

Permanent

Responsible to:

Head of College

Job Location:

Note:

Employees are required to be flexible in their approach to working location and may need to work from other sites.

Friday 21st August 2026, 5pm

Interview Date:

TBC

Direct reports:

Learning Support Lead, Learning support workers, Health Care Lead and health care workers.

Job Purpose

The Additional Learning Support Manager (ALSM) is responsible for the strategic leadership, management and continuous development of the College’s Additional Learning Support (ALS) service, ensuring learners with additional learning needs receive high-quality, inclusive and effective support that enables them to participate fully in college life and achieve positive outcomes.

Working closely with the Head of College, curriculum teams, Learning Support Lead (LSL), Health and Personal Care Lead (HPCL), Local Authorities and external agencies, the postholder will ensure that statutory responsibilities relating to SEND, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), High Needs Funding, safeguarding and examination access arrangements are delivered effectively.

The Learning Support Manager will provide leadership for the Learning Support department, ensuring services are effectively planned, resourced, monitored and continuously improved.

The Learning Support Manager will ensure as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), that the college is a safe place to study and learn and that learners receive coordinated support that promotes achievement, wellbeing, independence and successful progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership of Additional Learning Support
• Lead and develop the College’s Additional Learning Support service, ensuring it reflects the College’s strategic priorities and statutory responsibilities.
• Develop and implement an inclusive support strategy that enables learners with additional needs to access, participate in and succeed in education.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and learner-centred practice across the department.
• Ensure ALS services meet the needs of learners, employers, Local Authorities and the wider community.
• Advise senior leaders on SEND developments, inclusion, learner needs and service performance.
• Promote collaborative working across curriculum and support services to improve learner outcomes.
• SEND, EHCPs and Learner Support
• Lead the College’s SEND processes, including consultations, assessment, transition and support planning.
• Oversee the completion, implementation and annual review of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Lead High Needs Funding applications and negotiate funding with Local Authorities.
• Act as the principal point of contact for Local Authorities regarding EHCPs, funding, audits and statutory compliance.
• Ensure examination access arrangements are identified, evidenced and implemented within required timescales.
• Monitor learner progress, achievement, attendance, retention and progression to ensure effective support is in place.
• Ensure learners receive coordinated support that promotes independence, wellbeing and successful outcomes.
• Leadership and Operational Management
• Provide leadership and line management for the Learning Support Lead and Health and Personal Care Lead.
• Oversee the effective deployment of Learning Support Assistants and Health & Personal Care staff to meet learner needs.
• Lead recruitment, induction, supervision, appraisal, performance management and professional development across the department.
• Allocate staffing resources effectively, ensuring appropriate timetables, rotas and cover arrangements are maintained.
• Monitor the quality of learner support through observations, supervision and quality assurance activities.
• Set and review departmental objectives and performance targets.
• Promote effective communication, collaboration and professional practice throughout the Learning Support department.
• Safeguarding, Partnerships and…