Principal Support Officer
Permanent - Full Time £28,278 - £32,783 / yearJob Overview
We are seeking a highly organised, compassionate and experienced Principal Support Officer to join our Foundation Learning department at Sandwell College. This is a key leadership role responsible for the day-to-day management of the Learning Support Team and the delivery of high-quality support for learners with severe learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs.
Reporting to the Head of Section – Foundation Learning, you will play a vital role in promoting learner independence, wellbeing and positive educational outcomes, while ensuring compliance with EHCP requirements, safeguarding standards and local authority expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and organise the Learning Support Team, including staffing, timetabling, rooming and operational procedures
- Assess learner support needs and oversee the design, implementation and review of individual support plans, EHCP provision and risk assessments
- Monitor and evidence the effectiveness of learning support through registers, attendance tracking, audits and progression reviews
- Line manage Learning Support staff and agency staff, including induction, appraisals, absence management and professional development
- Lead on CPD for Learning Support Assistants, ensuring staff maintain up-to-date skills and statutory compliance
- Provide direct learning support where required, modelling best practice and maintaining professional competence
- Work collaboratively with curriculum teams to ensure support provision enables effective curriculum delivery
- Provide pastoral care, contribute to safeguarding processes and liaise with parents, carers, local authorities and external agencies
- Support enrolment, induction, reviews, events, enrichment activities and wider college initiatives
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Relevant Level 3 qualification or above in Learning Support, SEND, Education, Health & Social Care or a related field
- Significant experience supporting learners with severe learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs
- Proven experience of leading or managing staff, including performance reviews and development
- Strong understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive education
- Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills
- Experience working with EHCPs, safeguarding procedures, behaviour management strategies and multi-agency partnerships
- Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively across departments in a busy education environment