Head of Inclusive Practice - South (Learning Support)

Head of Inclusive Practice - South (Learning Support) General

Location: Sunderland

Salary: £44,699 to £48,836per annum

PostType: Full Time

ContractType: Permanent

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Tuesday 14 April 2026

Reference: 0133-26

About Education Partnership North East (EPNE)

At EPNE our 'purpose' is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.

Our Purpose is to "unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training". Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.

We nurture our very special culture. Ourunifying values framework "The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make"represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.

Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in. Shaping futures for a better tomorrow,join ourchangemakingcommunity now.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas -Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

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Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you're making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government's targeted retention incentive (formerly "levelling-up premium") payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

You are a confident and credible leader with strong expertise in SEND. You build trust quickly, communicate with clarity, and hold high expectations for yourself and others. You lead with integrity, act with empathy, and focus on impact. You support colleagues to grow, challenge practice where needed, and create a culture where students feel valued and understood.

You model collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. You stay focused on outcomes and make decisions grounded in evidence and funding guidance.

How will this person be a Changemaker?

You will raise standards in inclusive practice across Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form. You will strengthen the quality and consistency of learning support, improve outcomes for students with SEND, and build staff confidence through high quality training. You will shape systems and funding practice so resources reach the students who need them most. Your leadership will drive measurable improvements in achievement, progression, and student experience.

About the Role

This senior leadership role oversees Learning Support and inclusive practice across the south region. You will lead strategy and delivery for SEND support, wellbeing, and inclusion, ensuring provision meets statutory duties and aligns with organisational priorities.

This is a key role in driving improvement and consistency across multiple sites. You will work closely with curriculum leaders and central teams to embed inclusive practice in teaching and learning.

You will access ongoing professional development, leadership networks, and opportunities to contribute to regional and group wide strategy. You will work with student data systems, EHCP processes, and SEND funding frameworks to strengthen impact and compliance.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Learning Support teams across Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form, setting clear expectations and driving high performance
• Oversee identification, assessment, and review processes for students with SEND, including EHCP implementation
• Manage SEND funding claims, audits, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Design and deliver high quality SEND and inclusive practice training for staff
• Monitor student progress and support interventions to improve achievement and progression
• Work with senior leaders to embed inclusive practice within curriculum planning and quality improvement

Qualifications

• Degree level qualification or equivalent professional experience
• Recognised SEND qualification or substantial accredited SEND training
• Evidence of continued professional development in SEND or inclusive practice

Essential Skills and Experience

• Strong and up to date knowledge of SEND legislation, guidance, and best practice
• Detailed understanding of high needs and other SEND funding streams
• Proven experience leading and managing teams, including performance management
• Experience delivering training to a range of staff audiences
• Experience developing inclusive support strategies that improve student outcomes
• Strong data analysis skills to inform decision making and measure impact

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working across multiple sites or within a regional structure
• Experience of leading quality improvement initiatives in education
• Knowledge of assistive technologies to support learning
• Experience working with external agencies and local authorities

What's in it for you?

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme.
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.
• Free Gym access available at Bede Campus

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.