Specialist SEND Provision
£52,968-£61,405 per annum
About us
The Sheffield College is a further and higher education institution dedicated to providing academic, vocational, and professional qualifications to approximately 13,000 young people and adults annually. Our mission is to transform lives through learning, advocating for inclusivity and diversity at every stage.
About Bloom
Bloom is a vibrant and growing specialist curriculum area in development at The Sheffield College. Created to meet the needs of an expanding cohort of young people with SEND and inclusion needs, Bloom represents an ambitious and values-driven commitment to high aspirations, personalised learning and meaningful destinations.
We are building something exceptional - a provision rooted in dignity, ambition and expertise, where learners with EHCPs and additional needs thrive, progress and prepare confidently for adulthood.
We are seeking an Academy Director who believes that reasonable adjustments are not an add-on, but the foundation of excellent practice.
About the Role
This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a developing specialist provision at a pivotal moment in its growth.
As Academy Director for Bloom, you will:
* Lead a high-quality, specialist SEND curriculum that secures ambitious outcomes for learners with EHCPs.
* Embed a culture where persoanlised learning is used creatively to enable learners choice and control over developing their ambitions and aspirations. Working to develop and deliver consistent high quality and student centered teaching, learning and assessment experiences.
* Ensure the academy delivers inclusive practice that is beyond compliant with the SEND Code of Practice and the Equality Act 2010.
* Drive improvements in attendance, engagement, personal development and progression for learners with complex needs.
* Build robust systems that ensure EHCP outcomes are translated into high-quality teaching and measurable progress.
* Lead a team of curriculum managers, teachers and support staff to deliver outstanding provision that is trauma-informed, aspirational and destination-focused.
Key Objectives
* Secure provision that is rated at least "Expected Standard" and aspires to "Exceptional" under Ofsted.
* Improve learner outcomes across all aspects of study programmes, including personal development and Preparation for Adulthood.
* Deliver academy growth in line with the college strategy, meeting recruitment and efficiency targets.
* Ensure high-quality implementation of reasonable adjustments and inclusive teaching practice.
* Lead on consistent EHCP implementation, review and tracking processes.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking a leader who:
* Has substantial experience leading SEND or specialist provision in FE, school or cross-phase settings.
* Demonstrates deep knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and Equality Act duties.
* Understands how to embed reasonable adjustments within curriculum design, assessment and student support.
* Has experience improving attendance, behaviour and outcomes for learners with complex needs.
* Can translate EHCP outcomes into high-quality teaching, learning and progress tracking systems.
* Is confident leading multi-agency partnerships and working collaboratively with families.
* Uses data intelligently to improve provision while maintaining a strong relational culture.
* Is passionate about high aspirations for learners with SEND and believes in employment and independence as realistic outcomes.
You will be a visible, values-driven leader who combines operational rigour with compassion.
Main Responsibilities
* Lead the delivery of a high-quality, specialist student experience within Bloom.
* Develop and embed inclusive curriculum models that enable learners with SEND to achieve ambitious outcomes.
* Ensure consistent implementation of reasonable adjustments and normal ways of working.
* Strengthen EHCP review processes and ensure compliance with statutory duties.
* Drive high expectations around attendance, behaviour and engagement.
* Develop innovative pathways aligned to Preparation for Adulthood and meaningful progression.
* Build strong partnerships with feeder schools, parent and carer forum, employers, local authorities and support services.
* Lead academy planning, business development and performance management processes.
* Provide dynamic and supportive leadership that develops staff expertise in inclusive practice.
Why Join Bloom?
This is not simply a leadership post.
It is an opportunity to:
* Shape a developing specialist academy.
* Influence cross-college inclusion strategy.
* Build systems that genuinely transform lives.
* Develop a centre of excellence for inclusive FE practice.
* Lead a growing team committed to doing things differently - and doing them well.
What We Can Offer You
As the successful can