Job Description

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Description

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced LSA Manager to lead and coordinate our team of Learning Support Assistants. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring high-quality support is provided to students with special educational needs (SEN) or additional learning requirements. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate individual who is committed to inclusive education and has strong leadership and organisational skills.###

Key Responsibilities

Help plan, promote and maintain the aims and ethos of the College both within the teaching and learning context and within the corporate life of the College. To act as a role model for students and staff, behaving appropriately, maintaining professional boundaries, communicating effectively and being a calm and reassuring presence in college Ensure LSAs meet expected QAC service standards (behavioural awareness and support; awareness of group dynamics, developing relationships with groups and individuals, self-development, technical skills) In conjunction with the other Learning Support Managers, ensure the department as a whole performs well, putting in place strategies to raise the performance of teams and individuals as required. Carry out appraisals of staff and observations of LSAs, as part of the observation team, following appropriate training. Provided written reports as requested for appraisals or other formal meetings. Manage the LSA provision as directed and coordinate the allocation of LSAs within the team ensuring that the provision is of high quality, and support is provided where needed. Provide effective line management of the team by upholding appraisal, team and 1:1 meetings as required and encouraging engagement of team CPD. Deal with and co-ordinate support to LSA's and groups where teams are experiencing difficulties. Where support is regularly required, indicate strategies to improve the support to these LSA's in liaison with academic colleagues when required. Co-ordinate the allocation of LSAs to learning areas on a daily basis and arrange cover for learning sessions, enrichment sessions, breaks and lunch support, so the needs of individual learners and groups are best met by our resources and ensuring that the support ratios and staff skills are appropriate. Closely monitor the effectiveness of this allocation and re-allocate as necessary also, providing cover for absence. Hold regular team meetings with LSAs and ensure that effective communication contributes to the provision of high quality Learning Support. Work closely with other members of the Student Services department to ensure that best practice is embedded by LSAs through close working with multi-disciplinary teams. To attend, engage in and contribute to Student Services and Teaching and Learning team meetings To support the assessment of applicants to QAC in order to plan for future LSA provision as required To support LSAs by being part of the 333 response in college Provide coaching, support and guidance as needed by individuals and teams following outcomes from observations. Identify training and development opportunities for Learning Support assistants on designated training days and other occasions as needed, to improve the overall capabilities of the LSA's. Carry out personal care for learners when no other staff are available. In conjunction with Personal Care Co-Ordinator, ensure that those providing personal care are able to provide a quality service to the learner. Actively participate in recruitment and induction of LSAs, and ensure probation periods are effectively managed. Liaise with tutors and other staff to ensure the effectiveness of the support being provided by the LSA, particularly in relation to the management of behaviour within their arena To contribute to college quality assurance procedures and to the self-assessment, and other reviews, as appropriate. Perform any other duties commensurate with the status and nature of the post.



The above list is not exhaustive, but is indicative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the work to be undertaken. The responsibilities and duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to enable the efficient and effective running of the College.###

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Minimum level 2 or equivalent in numeracy and literacy and preferably IT.

Safeguarding Awareness



Appropriate training in Personal Care, including Moving & Handling People and other Health and Safety Training.



Recent significant experience of working with students in learning, supporting or caring environment.



Track record of being a professional role model including holding appropriate professional boundaries



Experience of providing supervision to staff.



Willingness to undertake further training to achieve the requirements of the role.



Computer literate and able to produce clear and understandable reports in Excel and Word.



Flexible and adaptable communication style and overall interpersonal skills.



Able to work with conflicting demands whilst meeting deadlines and adhere to procedures.



Able to make decisions or judgements based on knowledge of team and college.



Able to work on your own initiative in an organised and structured way.



Demonstrates a commitment to equality and diversity within the workplace.



Ability to demonstrate emotional intelligence.



Confidence in decision making and ability to ensure this is objective.



Assertive and able to resolve conflict in an appropriate manner.



Student centred approach to working###

Why work at Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham

Join our team at Queen Alexandra College!

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of students with special educational needs? Do you thrive in an inclusive and supportive academic environment? If so, we want YOU to join our team. QAC has just gone through an exciting rebrand, dealt with a period of swift growth and academic improvement and this is your opportunity to become part of a vibrant College that is moving forward and making a real difference to the lives and futures of our students.

The newly structured Queen Alexandra Charity Birmingham offers you the chance to have a positive impact as you join a committed group of colleagues in ensuring that all students achieve their aims and aspirations. We are dedicated to providing exceptional education and support to students with diverse learning needs and life experiences. Our specialist setting fosters an inclusive community where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

QAC offers a vibrant, varied and enriching educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are designed to meet specific needs and support levels are high.

Joining our supportive team, you will have the opportunity to:
Work closely with students with SEN to achieve their goals Make a difference to the educational experience of young people Be a voice for students and staff in specialist education Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment, promoting academic growth, self-development and self-confidence Develop your own skills, aspirations and progress your career.



Our benefits include;

Schedule 1 Benefits (reviewed annually and/or as appropriate)

Academic Year 2024/25

Access to on site car parking Use of QAC Fitness Centre (subject to opening hours) Cycle to Work Scheme (Salary Sacrifice) 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme Helpline (BHSF) Access to Education Support Free Helpline for Teachers & Education Staff QAC Mental Health First Aiders & activities to support health and wellbeing BHSF Benefits Package including Healthcare Plans, discounted shopping/services Annual Flu vaccination/voucher Access to other benefit/discount schemes (which may be subject to charge) e.g. Blue Light Card, TOTUM (NUS), Charity Worker Discounts, Discounts for Teachers Dell Advantage programme - a free programme that offers savings to students, parents and all staff at QAC - up to 20% off. https://www.dell.com/en-uk/lp/dell-advantage Health and Wellbeing Services (Occupational Health/Counselling) Free Tea/Coffee and Staff Room facilities Dining Room facilities with hot/cold food (free meal provided for those supporting students at mealtimes) Additional discretionary concessionary/closure days as part of leave entitlement (including closure over Christmas/New Year period) Reward and Recognition Policy - Living the Values Awards (team & individual) and long service Enhanced/Occupational paid leave e.g. maternity/paternity (subject to qualifying criteria) Occupational sick pay (based on length of service) On site wellbeing activities (e.g. yoga, meditation) Support for training/ CPD (either by way of study leave and/or funding) Flexible working arrangements including Flexible Working Policy Agreements, Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) in prior agreement with line manager.


This list is not exhaustive and may be subject to review and/or change.



We look forward to receiving your application and knowing more about your qualifications, skills,

personal qualities and experience that you would bring to the role and to QAC. Please take time to

review the job description above.



Please upload a CV/Resumewith details of your full employment history (since leaving school,
including education, employment and voluntary work) including reasons for any gaps in

employment. This should also include a statement of the personal qualities and experience you

believe are relevant to your suitability for the post and how this meets the job description and

person specification requirements. Your CV/Resumewill be re-produced in a standard format by
the system (without personal identifiers) to assist us in our anonymised shortlisting process.

Under Section 7 of SVGA 2006 it is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from

engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. The College's Safeguarding Policies are

available here



As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, and in line with updated guidance published in

September 2022, we will carry out an online search of all shortlisted candidates. This search may

enable us to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and publicly available for review

online, which we may wish to explore with you in further detail during the interview process. As part

of your application we have asked you to provide the account names, usernames and/or handles for

any social media platform that you use, as well as the names of any websites that you own, post on,

or contribute to. A Google search will also be conducted. These checks will only be conducted if you

are shortlisted for interview. Please see our safer recruitment and selection policy for further

information.###

About Queen Alexandra Charity

Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC) provides education, residential support, community services and enterprises in support of young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.



Education is provided through a national residential College that supports a diverse range of student/client abilities and needs. Our College provides education, training, routes to independent living and employment through an innovative, holistic approach to learning and support. It offers a vibrant, varied and fun educational experience for both residential and day students. Our curriculum aims to maximise adult life, independence and work opportunities for all students. Class sizes are small and support levels high.



We have educational and learning sites based in Birmingham, one of Europe's most welcoming and vibrant cities, with a rich and diverse culture. Our main site is based in Harborne, a pleasant leafy Birmingham suburb, on a friendly and green 8-acre campus with excellent facilities and resources. In addition we also have Pinewood Campus which is located on a business park and is designated to employment progression.



Clients within our Residential Services programme still require support and the aim is to deliver a service that provides them with the means to live independently/semi independently into the future. Many clients are either in education, voluntary work or paid employment not linked to QAC directly.



Our Community Services based at our Umberslade Campus in Stirchley include a supporter worker service, women's group, men's group, LGBTQ plus group, Saturday Socials, The Night Owl Experience (disability friendly night club visit in Birmingham City Centre).

All students, clients and staff are supported within safe and well-resourced environments.



QAC makes a positive difference to the lives and learning of people with disabilities and learning difficulties. We have high expectations of staff, students and clients whilst being responsive, innovative and collaborative. Our Charity values drive how we work with students, clients, stakeholders and as a team.

We continue to attract and retain staff of the highest calibre, who are proud of QAC's achievements and who wish to be an integral part of ongoing and future successes.

As Leaders in Diversity which drives the culture at QAC and we warmly welcome applications from individuals who share our values, from all backgrounds, to add to our committed and diverse team.