Head of Learning Support
Required from: January 2024 or sooner
About the Role
Lister Community School is currently seeking to appoint an outstanding and dedicated Head of Learning Support. With expert subject knowledge and a passion for helping children thrive, those applying will have a proven track record of inspiring pupils and colleagues to achieve their best. The successful candidate will lead the educational provision of students with EHCPs whose needs necessitate specialist SEN teaching and an alternative curriculum. This will include leading specialist teachers and support staff, meeting statutory guidance for students with EHCPs, designing the Learning Support curriculum, and liaising with families and key stakeholders.
High levels of leadership and organisational skills are necessary, as is an ability to communicate in a professional and timely manner with parents and colleagues. Those applying should prove that they can work well within a team and possess strong communication skills, both spoken and written. The Head of Learning Support will have a good knowledge of core subjects across the key stages, as it is likely that the role will involve some support work in classrooms.
The position requires a high level of patience and compassion, as well as the ability to encourage and motivate pupils. Experience working with students with a range of educational needs is vital. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a desire to work independently, and as a part of the wider team, it is vital that they fit in well with the hardworking nature of the existing staff.
About the School
Lister Community School is a large 11-16 Academy at the heart of its community, and is part of the Newham Community Learning Trust. Our vision is to provide a world class international education for young people in Newham. We firmly believe our young people have the right to the same quality of teaching and range of opportunities as at any school in the country, and our ethos is one of continuous improvement, with a focus on strong partnerships and staff development. Over the last ten years we have significantly raised academic standards and are now the school of choice for our local community.
In December 2018, Ofsted found that the school has maintained the good quality of education and ‘made strong progress in many aspects of the school’s provision‘ since our previous inspection in September 2013. Our many strengths are highlighted, including how students are ‘courteous and articulate’ and ‘enjoy school and value the wide range of opportunities they are given’. We are very proud that the report recognises our high aspirations, the hard work and good behaviour of our students, and the dedication and commitment of our staff.
At Lister Community School, we recognise the positive value of diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.
Interview dates: Monday 15th October and Friday 19th October 2023
PLEASE NOTE:
- Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close the advert early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment. We will only be contacting those candidates who have been selected to progress to the next stage of the process. Please note we do not have parking facilities onsite.
- Lister Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. This appointment will be conditional on successful pre-employment checks. Identity, Prohibition, Qualification, Barred List, Enhanced DBS, Section 128, Overseas, Right to work, Reference, Criminal Record and Medical Checks are essential for all applicable posts at the School.
- In accordance with paragraph 221 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (2022), Lister Community School will carry out an online search for all shortlisted candidates. If shortlisted for the role an appropriate online search will be undertaken on your name(s). Any information given will be treated as confidential and will only be used in relation to the post for which you have applied.