Learning Support Organiser

Learning Support Organiser
£24,100 - £26,038 per annum
37 hours per week

Are you an empathetic and positive individual, with experience of supporting learners with a range of additional needs?

Do you have a solution focussed attitude with the ability to work flexibly and be responsive to change? 

Lancaster and Morecambe College are looking for a Learning Support Organiser to co-ordinate and monitor the provision of SEND Learners attending courses at our College. You will identity the needs of a caseload of learners effectively and ensure that learners are offered the most appropriate study support plan to maximise academic achievement and personal progress. 

You should hold a teaching qualification or be willing to achieve one, as well as a Level 3 qualification in Numeracy, Literacy or another relevant vocation. 

Benefits of this post include: membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (employer contribution 28.68%); generous leave entitlement; Cycle to Work scheme; opportunities for continuing professional development; and good staff support services. 

All posts are subject to a DBS Disclosure in line with our policy of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners.

Please note we do not accept CVs, download the LMC application form

Job Purpose:

• To ensure that learners are offered the most appropriate study programme in the most appropriate placement.
• To organise and co-ordinate the provision of Learning Support within named programme area(s) to meet learner need.  

Key Tasks / Responsibilities:

1. Conduct or attend the interview for applicants who have a SEND need/EHCP and make an assessment of learner needs and the probable impact on learning. Where LMC is named in Section I: Educational Placement of the EHCP, take prompt action to support the learner being offered the most appropriate study programme in the most appropriate educational placement. Support transition to further study. 

2. Meet learners who disclose additional needs to the college or hold an EHCP or are in the process of conversion, identify and assess the levels of need and the ensuing impact on learning, specifically in relation to the study programmes within named programme area(s). Where appropriate support applicants prior to enrolment to visit the college for orientation, familiarisation with staff and experience college life.  

3. Take overall responsibility for the co-ordination and review of appropriate, effective and efficient additional learning support provision within the relevant study programmes to meet the range of identified needs for learners, by liaising with LSAs, and Curriculum Staff. Identify individual named learners for whom specific staff will claim during allocated sessions. 

4. Where appropriate, time manage the progress of access arrangements for assessment/examination and equipment needs, and inform the relevant personnel.

5. Provide direct support as a Key Contact for learners within named programme area(s), establish direct knowledge and awareness of learners by ensuring regular contact with each group to encourage early solutions and the prevention of escalation to more serious issues.

6. Organisation of provision includes the development of accurate mapping and cost predictions that clearly demonstrates the compliance with and support of the EHCP and it should clearly demonstrate the rationale for the provision made for learners with no EHCP. It involves the coordination of LSA/LST support, the use of technology where possible to increase independent learning, support either in or out of the classroom, on a 1:1 or small group basis as required, requesting LSA staff where appropriate, timely management of EAA. Specifically organise Learning Support Assistants to be responsible for in and out of class support; lunch and transport support; Group LSA; Lead LSA assistants. 

7. Support colleagues carrying out further relevant assessments for learners by providing current, accurate and relevant details in a timely way. Where appropriate liaise with the High Needs Entitlement and Funding Coordinator and the Local Authority SENDO to clarify and discuss any concerns. 

8. Monitor, review and evaluate the effectiveness of provision for learners receiving additional learning support and provide timely and accurate reports to the Head of Learning Support and other staff. Ensure that monitoring is up to date and learner files meet audit requirements and that all required paperwork (incl. e-ILP) reflects the principles that underpin LMC and the ALS ethos. 

9. Manage the relationships with learners/parents/carers/tutors/ALS colleagues with tact and sensitivity when discussing provision and the wishes of the learner, being mindful that unless a learner does not have mental capacity the wishes of the learner take primacy. Liaise in a clear and professional manner when representing the ALS service with parents/carers, LMC colleagues and external agencies. 

10. Attend Section or Faculty meetings where necessary to discuss and advise on Learning Support issues and promote inclusive practices. Attend and contribute to Learning Support meetings and training events, in particular liaison meetings between the Head of Learning Support and other organisers. 

11. Work with the Head of ALS to develop and promote positive mentoring to support new staff and develop the training plan for the Additional Learning Support team. Provide guidance and advice to colleagues on how to develop inclusive resources, strategies and practices.

12. Other duties commensurate with the grade of post as required.

Please note we do not accept CVs, download the LMC application form.

Closing date: Friday, 21st June 2024

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on Friday, 5th July 2024

College Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the quality improvement process;
• Work within health and safety guidelines and be aware of your responsibilities for health and safety;
• Adhere to College policies and procedures;
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of young persons and vulnerable adults;
• Value diversity and promote equality and diversity;
• Promote College sustainability policies and strategies;
• Undertake professional development to ensure skills and qualifications are up to date; 
• Participate in meetings and events as required;
• Work co-operatively with colleagues and show commitment to the College and its mission; 
• Adhere to the College Values:
  Community – caring, collaborative and inclusive; 
  Opportunity – accessible, aspirational and transformative

Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate: This post is subject to a standard DBS Disclosure.

Please note we do not accept CVs, download the LMC application form

Experience 

Essential - Measured by application form and interview

• Experience of Learning Support Tutoring on a range of course levels 
• Experience of Supporting Functional Skills 
• Experience of supporting learners with a range of additional learning support needs in an Educational setting

Desirable - Measured by application form and interview

• Experience of Learning support Tutoring within the named programme area 
• Experience organising support; assessing needs; and supervising staff

Qualifications

Essential - Measured by application form, interview and assessment*

• Cert Ed or PGCE
• Level 3 qualification in one of the following areas Numeracy, Literacy or relevant vocation
• Minimum GCSE Grades C in Maths and English (or Level 2)*

* You will be required to undertake a Literacy and/or Numeracy assessment at, or immediately after interview, if you do not have these qualifications or cannot provide the relevant certificates 

Desirable - Measured by application form

• A qualification in Learning Support; Dyslexia; BSL or similar support qualification
• S4L qualification at L4 or above

Skills / Abilities

Essential - Measured by application form and interview

• The ability to prioritise work, with excellent organisational and time-management skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills teamed with a proven capacity for sustained hard work
• Good IT and communication
• Excellent team working skills and able to successfully work with a range of people: learners, teaching staff and support staff 
• Very good written communication skills including good summary skills 

Desirable - Measured by application form and interview

• Working knowledge of learning styles; barriers to learning and skill acquisition; coping strategies to minimise the effects of any barriers 
• Able to demonstrate using assistive technology effectively

Personal

Essential - Measured by presentation and interview

• Suitability to work with young people and vulnerable adults with empathy and sensitivity 
• A positive attitude to inclusive learning, equality and diversity
• Committed to putting the learner at the centre of all planning 
• Have a solution focussed attitude with an ability to work flexibly and be responsive to change 
• Able to develop good working relationships with teaching areas and learners  

Desirable - Measured by application form and interview

• Understanding of disability issues and the effects these can have on learning
• Experience of working with other organisations and agencies

Please note we do not accept CVs, download the LMC application form

JOIN OUR TEAM

Lancaster & Morecambe College is a thriving FE College, rated GOOD by Ofsted and justifiably proud of its strong links with our local community. Located between Lancaster and Morecambe, and within commuting distance of Central Lancashire, Cumbria and North Yorkshire, our industry-standard facilities attract colleagues from across the North West.

We are excited to be working in partnership with the Eden Project & local partners to develop the Morecambe Bay Curriculum to meet future employment needs and to utilise our wonderful local landscape as a unique learning resource. 

LMC is a respectful, welcoming safe space to work, learn and thrive with high expectations for all. Valued as a significant local employer, we work hard to provide a supportive, productive and fulfilling working environment for our staff. We are always looking for talented and innovative people to join us.

Valued as a significant local employer, we work hard to provide a supportive, productive and fulfilling working environment for our staff. In addition to a friendly team culture and a range of excellent on-site facilities, we offer:

• Relevant staff training and development and good progression opportunities
• Defined Benefit Pension Schemes for all staff (Local Government and Teachers' Pensions Schemes)
• Generous leave entitlement
• A range of family-friendly and other supportive HR policies
• FREE College gym membership
• Dedicated Occupational Health
• On site The Salon, Coulson's Restaurant and catering facilities
• FREE parking
• Cycle2work, a Government initiative that allows you to make huge Tax and National Insurance savings on the cost of a new bike and safety equipment via a salary sacrifice scheme

Please note we do not accept CVs, download the LMC application form