Additional Learning Support (ALS) Manager

Job Title: Additional Learning Support Manager

Subjects/Department: Learner Services

Annual Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 per annum (actual Salary for 39 weeks, Term time only)

Reports to: Assistant Principal Learner Services / Lead DSL

Location: Victoria Campus, London, occasional travel to Manchester

Start Date: 1st September 2026

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 8:45 to 4:45pm term-time only (Working days/weeks will be agreed upon successful offer)

Holidays: Largely in line with local authority term dates including an extra week in October half term Disclosure: The successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Additional Benefits:

Aviva Pension Scheme

Wellbeing support with access to free financial coaching and advice, paid mental health days and free counselling services

A wide range of discounts including UNIDAYS and Everyone Active Gym membership

Comprehensive CPD package to support your personal and professional development

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

Quality of SEND Education

• Lead on the continuous improvement of SEN/ALS provision, embedding an inclusive culture across the college and within Teaching and Learning.
• Coordinate with external agencies, parents/carers, manage consultations, EHCP, annual review paperwork, and represent the college in professional meetings.
• Oversee exam access arrangements in collaboration with the Exams Officer.
• Lead the creation of learner passports to implement reasonable adjustments for students with High Needs/ALN.
• Train staff on SEND support, lead relevant CPD, and secure/deploy High Needs Funding in a timely manner with Finance department.
• Support apprentices in London and Manchester through assessment, guidance, and workplace adaptations.

Safeguarding, Behaviour & Attendance

• Collaborate with external agencies to ensure student welfare.
• Monitor, review, and manage the behaviour, attendance, and punctuality of SEND learners, implementing appropriate rewards and sanctions.
• Support teaching staff in developing effective behavior management strategies. Personal Development (Sixth Form)
• Assist the Assistant Principal of Learner Services in developing the PSHE curriculum and ensuring inclusive enrichment, assemblies, and independent learning opportunities.
• Guide students in applying for bursaries and ensure effective progression into the digital sector or higher education.

Leadership & Management

• Inspire, motivate, and line manage Learning Support Assistants, fostering a culture of clear expectations.
• Communicate student progress to parents/carers via consultation evenings and formal reporting.

Collaboration with Assistant Principal

• Model Ada’s values (Curiosity, Rigour, Creativity, Collaboration, Resilience) and improve student experience ratings.
• Support staff recruitment, student interviews for additional needs, and operational college activities.
• Contribute to key events (open days, Lift Off days) and build relationships with industry, education partners, and the community

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of working in a senior ALS position within a school/college or similar environment
• Degree level qualification in a relevant subject
• Pastoral and SEND experience with KS4, post 16 or adult learners and an understanding of what excellent pastoral and SEND support looks like
• Experience working as a SENCO, ALS Coordinator, ALS Senior or in supporting a leadership role

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of leadership in a pastoral or SEND educational context
• Experience of working with third party agencies
• Experience of leading or coordinating the support of students with special educational needs and disabilities, for instance as a SENCO or an ALS Coordinator or ALS Senior
• Experience of leading teams within an educational context and evidence of a positive and sustained impact
• Experience of coaching and developing teachers and/or pastoral staff to help them improve their practise.
• Knowledge of industry, ideally the tech sector, and ideas of how to invigorate the curriculum to support learners with additional needs by harnessing industry’s challenges and ways of working

Leadership and Management – the ability to demonstrate:

• Genuine passion and belief in the potential of every learner
• An educational vision aligned with the college’s high aspirations
• Clear strategies for establishing consistently high standards of results and behaviour in complex inner-city schools and a commitment to relentlessly instilling these
• Versatility to adapt your style in circumstances where an alternative approach is needed
• Effective line management of a range of people – coaching and motivating them to achieve excellent results in their roles
• A desire to innovate and try new approaches, being reflective and learning from mistakes
• An ability to give feedback in a constructive and, where needed, challenging way
• An ambassadorial approach in all dealings with the community and subsequently to be positive in successfully marketing the college in the community
• Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Strong organisational skills which includes the ability to delegate, prioritise and use effective time management
• Resilience and motivation to stay positive and focus on key priorities during times of challenge
• Confidence and effective presentation skills during assemblies, parents and carers events and other public speaking opportunities
• A willingness to work flexibly and where necessary outside of normal working hours

SAFEGUARDING

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check when appointed to the post. References for shortlisted candidates will be requested prior to the interview day. Further information about the DBS be can found at www.gov.uk

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills recognises that equality of opportunity and the recognition and promotion of diversity are integral to its strengths. The following principles apply in respect of the College’s commitment to equality and diversity:

• To provide and promote equality of opportunity in all areas of its work and activity;
• To recognise and develop the diversity of skills and talent within its current and potential community;
• To ensure that all employees and prospective employees of the College are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential without receiving any unjustified discrimination or unfavourable treatment on grounds such as age, disability, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender reassignment, trans status, socio-economic status or any other irrelevant distinction;
• To provide and promote a positive working, learning, and social environment which is free from prejudice, discrimination and any forms of harassment, bullying or victimisation;
• To promote good relations between individuals from different groups.

Ada, the National College for Digital Skills is keen to increase the number of disabled people it employs. We therefore encourage applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If there is anything in this regard that you would like to discuss in relation to your application please contact HR@ada.ac.uk.

Sadly, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role, so can only accept applications from candidates who have the legal right to work and remain in the United Kingdom. Thank you for your interest in Ada, the National College for Digital Skills