Head of Pathways (Foundation Learning)

Heads of Department at Bedford College play a pivotal role in the success of our students through strong leadership and the delivery of inclusive and effective programmes. This role is integral to supporting students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, providing a dedicated environment that fosters growth and development. You will ensure that a wide range of programmes are in place to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to transition successfully into adulthood. As a leader, you will manage your department in line with The Bedford College Group’s (TBCG) strategic goals, representing your function at both local and Group levels, and driving the achievement of departmental and organisational objectives. You will also be responsible for overseeing team performance, ensuring high-quality provision, and maintaining compliance with statutory requirements, policies, and procedures.

Ideal candidates will have experience of successfully teaching students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, demonstrating the ability to adapt approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners across all levels. They will have a strong knowledge of government initiatives related to SEND provision and experience implementing SEND strategy. Additionally, candidates will have experience managing Supported Internship and employment initiatives, as well as developing policies and procedures that align with institutional goals. Proven experience in team management is also essential to ensure the effective delivery of services within the department, alongside the following qualifications:

• Level 7 qualified or equivalent
• Good standard of general education to include English and Maths at Level 2.

Successful candidates must also be able to demonstrate alignment to our organisational VISION values:

• Valuing Teamwork - We are one team who by working together can achieve great things, respecting the opinion and valuing the contribution each of us makes.
• Improving Continuously - We challenge ourselves to always do better by trying new things, sharing knowledge, reflecting on practice and learning from others.
• Student Centred - At our heart is always doing what is best for our students. We consider students in all of our decision making to create positive outcomes and memorable experiences for every student.
• Inclusive - We celebrate differences and diversity, recognising that we can learn from each other.
• Open and Caring - We care about the wellbeing of our staff, our students, our community and wider society, creating an environment built on trust where we listen, engage with and support each other.
• Nurturing Education Excellence - We promote educational excellence by delivering programmes that challenge our students to achieve their ambitions.

About Bedford College

Bedford College has a number of sites across the town and surrounding areas, these include our main Cauldwell Street campus in the heart of the town, our hair and beauty salon on the High Street, the advanced automotive centre on Brunel Road and the gas and technology plumbing centre in Kempston.

About The Bedford College Group

The Bedford College Group was formed in 2017 following the merger of Bedford College and Tresham College and is now the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 15,000 students passing through our doors each year.

Today, the Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form, (the only dedicated sixth form in Bedford); The Corby Sixth Form, (opened in September 2023); and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. To widen accessibility to education and training, the Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby and Kettering which offer IT training.

Safeguarding our Students

The Bedford College Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to thorough vetting process which includes, an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. The Bedford College Group's policy on Employment of Ex-Offenders is attached to this vacancy.
Candidates who are barred from working with children are reminded it is a criminal offence to apply for this post.

Terms and Conditions - Bedford College

• 37 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• 45 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Teachers Pension
• Retail and leisure discounts