Head of Learning Support (Senior School) - September 2025 (or earlier)

For the new school year starting in September 2025, we're seeking a new Head of Learning Support to assume responsibility for the development and implementation of Learning Support policy and provision at our school. You'll provide professional guidance to your colleagues while maintaining close ties with staff, parents and agencies, and ensure the effective provision of support for individual pupils with SEN or a disability.

This is an integral leadership position in our Learning Support department. Full time (1 FTE) or 0.8 FTE. Start date is September 2025 (or earlier, by agreement).

In addition, there will also be a teaching commitment of approximately twelve lessons per fortnight, in agreed subject area(s). Experience of teaching Science or Maths is desirable.

Application deadline is 6 January 2025. Preliminary online interviews will commence during week 13 January 2025. Shortlisted candidates will then be contacted regarding next steps in the interview & selection process.

Specific responsibilities

• Reports to Deputy Head of Senior School (Academic)
• Maintain strategic overview of provision for pupils with SEN or a disability
• Maintain an accurate SEND register and provision map
• Analyse assessment data for pupils with SEN or a disability & coordinate provision that meets each pupil's needs including special arrangements
• Implement and lead intervention groups for pupils with SEND
• Provide guidance to colleagues
• Key point of contact with psychologists, health & social care professionals, and external agencies
• Contribute to the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) process
• Manage & lead staff within the Learning Support team , including regular departmental meetings
• Foster an environment of support and collaboration
• Establish staffing & resourcing needs, in conjunction with Head of School
• Ensure health & safety policies and practices are adhered to
• Keep abreast of curriculum developments and research
• Support best practice across the school
• Monitor and evaluate quality of support (tracking data, observing support sessions, monitoring support plans & progress reports, and speaking with pupils, parents and teachers)
• Ensure planning, assessment, target setting, recording, and reporting systems are implemented, in accordance with school policy
• Ensure appropriate resources are developed and maintained
• Meet with departmental colleagues to discuss student progress
• Ensure the provision of well-managed, parent-paid learning support
• Report to parents on the progress of students
• Attend parents' evenings or meetings, as required
• Effectively utilise data to assess pupil needs, achievements & progress
• Maintain an up to date subject knowledge
• Manage the department budget, including requisitioning & maintaining equipment and stock
• Liaise with Junior School team on Year 6 to Year 7/Senior School transition
• Support the work of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in creating a safe learning environment
• Support the smooth transfer of pupil information for transfers from other schools
• Contribute to the school's Development Plan and implementation
• Any other duties required by the Head of School or Principal

Special Conditions

• This role will be in conjunction with teaching responsibilities in agreed subject areas (up to twelve lessons per fortnight)
• Experience of teaching Science or Maths is desirable
• Work outside normal school hours may be required on occasion (parent evenings, events)

Essential experience, skills & abilities

• Degree level qualification
• Qualified Teacher Status
• Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) experience or qualifications
• Certification in psychometric testing, assessments & access arrangements (CPT3a), or a willingness to achieve before appointment
• 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
• Good understanding of the principles of child development, learning processes, and possible barriers to learning
• Confident IT skills

Desirable

• Experience of leading & managing a department within a Senior school
• Experience of allocating and managing budgets
• Experience of observing & evaluating the quality of learning & teaching
• Experience of mentoring or supporting colleagues
• Experience of working with outside agencies & third parties when required

Personal qualities

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Effective communication skills (written & verbal)
• Ability to lead, motivate, challenge & inspire colleagues
• Able to establish positive relationships with stakeholders
• Sets high standards & is a positive role model
• Enthusiastic and able to motivate others
• Sensitive, caring, responsive to the needs of young people

Contract and benefits

This is a full-time position - 1 FTE or 0.8 FTE. Benefits include:

• Competitive annual salary
• School holidays
• 8% holiday allowance, paid annually
• Pension plan (annual contribution is paid by the school)
• Travel allowance (travel more than 5km from the school)

Application Process

Please complete the online application form through the TES website and, if possible, please attach a CV/Resume. 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 Monday, 6 January 2025.

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 national curriculum at all levels, including IGCSE and A Levels.

Safeguarding

Our School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and job offers with The British School of Amsterdam will be subject to completion of Safer Recruitment practice including: ID check, proof of work experience & qualifications, references, certificates of good conduct (police clearance certificates), and other appropriate safeguarding checks.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Our School is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, 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.