Autism and Neurodiversity Practice Lead

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Autism & Neurodiversity Practice Lead to provide professional, operational and specialist leadership for a defined area of SEND provision across Orbital South Colleges Group. In this role, you will help ensure high-quality, consistent and inclusive practice for neurodiverse learners, supporting them to engage, progress, develop independence and achieve successful outcomes.

Working as part of our Inclusion and Wellbeing team, you will lead and coordinate a structured autism and neurodiversity support offer, ensuring effective identification, intervention and support for full-time students, apprentices and adult learners. Support will be clearly planned, outcomes-focused and effectively monitored, with a strong focus on impact.

You will also line manage a team of Learning Support staff, support workforce development, contribute to quality improvement activities and help shape a consistent, college-wide approach to neurodiverse provision.

We are looking for someone who has:

• A relevant qualification in SEND, autism/neurodiversity, education, wellbeing or a related field, or willingness to work towards one.
• Experience working with and supporting young people in an educational or related setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Experience applying strategies to improve learner engagement, attendance and retention.
• An understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and child protection procedures.
• Knowledge of autism, neurodiversity and inclusive practice.
• The ability to build positive relationships with learners, staff and external agencies.

If this sounds like you and you will enjoy working in a forward thinking, friendly, fast paced, changing environment with state of the art facilities, we would love to hear from you. In return, we offer a competitive salary, as well as staff benefits such a choice of two excellent pension schemes, life assurance, free onsite parking and access to our fully equipped gym along with discounted in house Spa and Salon treatments.

Orbital South Colleges Group are committed to Equal Opportunities, encouraging applications from all sectors of the community to reflect our diverse student population.

We are also committed to PREVENT and Safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults

and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Both College Campus’ are smoke-free zones.

As part of our pre-employment checks, successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS, references will be taken and evidence of all qualifications and awards will also be required before commencement of employment. Failure to do so may lead to offers being withdrawn.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK as we do not sponsor work permits, and work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.