Lead Learning Support Pracitioner

Lakes College is a technical vocational Further Education College delivering education and training to full-time and part-time learners and apprentices to degree level. We have a vibrant campus in West Cumbria with state of the art vocational workshops and resources, including the National College for Nuclear Northern Hub.

Our mission and purpose are to:
Enable people to recognise and develop their potential.

We are a people business and our mission applies as equally to our staff team as to our learners and employers. We are a Good college and have ambition to be Outstanding by together developing our culture, standards and expectations. We encourage innovation, collaboration and reflection to lead to new ideas and methods. We gather, evaluate and use data to drive operational improvement.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Learning Support Practitioner to play a pivotal role in supporting learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Working closely with the SENDCO, you will lead on the coordination of support for learners with EHCPs, ensuring they receive the guidance, resources and interventions needed to thrive both academically and personally.

• Manage a caseload of learners with EHCPs and SEND, ensuring effective support and progress monitoring.
• Coordinate and lead statutory EHCP Annual Review meetings.
• Work collaboratively with curriculum staff, progress and welfare coaches, parents and external agencies to ensure learner needs are met.
• Provide advice and guidance to teaching staff on effective support strategies and reasonable adjustments.
• Support the development of inclusive teaching practices and adaptive learning resources.
• Assist in identifying barriers to learning and implementing appropriate interventions.
• Deliver targeted study skills sessions and learner support programmes.
• Maintain accurate learner records and Local Authority documentation to meet statutory and audit requirements.
• Support Exam Access Arrangements processes and promote compliance with current regulations.
• Champion a culture of inclusion, independence and learner achievement across the college.

• Minimum of five GCSEs (including Maths and English) and a Level 3 qualification in Senior Teaching or HLTA.
• Experience working with learners who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and a strong understanding of SEND, EHCPs and support pathways.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organisational abilities and confidence to build effective relationships with learners, parents, colleagues and external professionals.
• Desirable: qualification in a SEND‑related area (Autism, Literacy Difficulties, Specific Learning Difficulties, SEMH) or willingness to work toward one.
• Desirable: experience of teaching or supporting small groups of SEND learners and knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Desirable: experience supporting learners in GCSE or higher‑level English and Maths.

• Generous annual leave – 29 days plus 8 days bank holiday plus 2 discretionary days (rising to 33 days after 5 years’ service).
• Automatic entry into the Local Government pension Scheme.
• A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn.
• Excellent CPD opportunities to grow and develop through mentorship and coaching.
• Free onsite parking.
• Subsidised onsite restaurant.
• A cycle scheme, tech scheme and discounted gym membership.
• Fantastic facilities to resource our ability to teach our students.

Lakes College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

Lakes College is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.