Head of Department - Learning Support (Senior School)

Responsible to the Deputy Head of Senior School (Academic), the Head of Learning Support will be responsible for determining the strategic development of Learning Support policy and provision at the school, as well as the day to day operation of the department. This will include coordination of specific provision to support individual pupils with SEN or a disability; providing professional guidance to colleagues, and working closely with staff, parents and other agencies. Fulltime role, 0.8 - 1 FTE. This role will be in conjunction with some teaching responsibilities in agreed subject areas. Start date is September 2024.

About the School

The British School of Amsterdam is a recognized leader in quality international education in The Netherlands, with over 1,100 pupils enrolled across three school sections: Early Years School (3-6 years), Junior School (6-11 years), and Senior School (11-18 years). Situated in Amsterdam, we are a high-performance school offering the British Schools curriculum at all levels, including IGCSE and A Level.

Specific responsibilities

• Maintain a strategic overview of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability across the Senior school, including monitoring and reviewing the quality of provision
• Maintain an accurate SEND register and provision map
• Provide guidance to colleagues on teaching pupils with SEN or a disability, and advise on graduated approach to SEND support
• Work with educational psychologists, health & social care professionals, and other external agencies, as the key point of contact
• Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or a disability; implement and lead intervention groups for pupils with SEND, and evaluate their effectiveness
• Lead, develop, and enhance the practice of others through fostering an environment of support and collaboration
• Contribute to the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) process
• Line manage and lead staff within the department
• Lead regular departmental meetings
• Ensure health & safety policies and practices are adhered to
• Keep abreast of curriculum developments and research, and support best practice across the school
• Monitor and evaluate quality of support provided by the department, including tracking data, observing support sessions, monitoring support plans & progress reports, and speaking with pupils, parents and teachers
• Establish staffing and resources needs with Head of Senior School
• Ensure planning, assessment, target setting, recording, and reporting systems are implemented in line with school policy
• Ensure appropriate resources are developed and maintained
• Contribute to the school's Development Plan and its implementation
• Meet with departmental colleagues to discuss individual students and their progress, as necessary
• Ensure the provision of parent-paid learning support is well managed
• Monitor and report to parents on the progress of students within allocated classes
• Attend parents' evenings or meetings throughout the school year, as required
• Assess pupil needs, achievements & progress, through the effective use of data
• Maintain an up to date subject knowledge
• Manage the department budget, acting as a cost centre holder, requisitioning, organising and maintaining equipment and stock
• Participate in the recruitment process for new staff in the department
• Coordinate provision that meets the pupils' needs.
• Ensure records are maintained and kept up to date
• Liaise with Junior School learning support staff on transition from year 6 to year 7
• Support the smooth transfer of pupil information and relevant data if pupil transfers to another school
• Any other duties required by the Head of School or Principal
• This role will be in conjunction with some teaching responsibilities in agreed subject areas

Special Conditions

• Work outside normal school hours is required on occasion e.g. parents evenings, school events
• Demonstrate flexibility to take on additional tasks or responsibilities, as required

Essential experience, skills & abilities

• Degree level qualification
• Qualified Teacher Status (or equivalent)
• Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) experience and/or qualifications
• Experience and qualifications for delivering SEA arrangements for exam year groups
• Experience of school improvement & evidence of impact on teaching & learning
• Working knowledge of strategies & techniques for raising pupil attainment
• Experience of a range of summative & formative assessment procedures, and whole school assessment processes
• Understanding of the principles of child development and learning processes
• Sets high standards; is a positive & professional role model
• Enthusiastic, and able to motivate others
• Sensitive, caring, and responsive to the needs of young people
• Able to support, advise, and counsel students
• Effective communication skills (written & verbal)
• Highly organised
• Strong interpersonal skills (relates well to others)
• Confident IT skills (Google, ISAMS, MS Office)

Desirable

• Experience of leading & managing a department within a senior school
• Experience of mentoring or supporting colleagues
• Experience of working with outside agencies & third parties when required

Contract and benefits

This is a full-time position (0.8 FTE to 1 FTE).

Benefits include:

• 8% holiday allowance paid annually
• A pension plan where the entire contribution is paid by the school
• School holidays

Application Process

Please complete the online application form through the TES website. Your application should include the completed Application Form and a brief cover letter addressed to the Principal, Mrs Ruth Sanderson, with the contact details of two referees. The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 3 July 2024. Interviews will take place online via TEAMS and successfully shortlisted candidates will be notified shortly after the closing date.

Safeguarding

Our School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. A job offer with The British School of Amsterdam will be subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks, and overseas checks where appropriate.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Our School is committed to a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that a diverse staff body reflects and supports the diversity of our pupils and society in general, leading to a cognitive diversity that promotes excellence in all areas.