Vale of Glamorgan Council
Cyngor Bro Morgannwg
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Head of Additional Learning Needs and Wellbeing

We are looking to recruit a Head of Additional Learning Needs and Wellbeing. 

 

We have made excellent progress with implementing the ALN Act and are working closely with partners tosupport schools to embed the Whole School Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing. We are looking to appoint an energetic and experienced person to lead this work as well as the wider development of ALN and wellbeing services.

 

About the role

 

  • Job Description

    Job Title: Head of Additional Learning Needs and Wellbeing

    Post Reference: Y-AA-AA001

    Pay Details: Head of Service Point 1 - 5 £75,117 - £83,250
    Hours of Work / Working Pattern:     Full Time

    Directorate: Directorate of Learning and Skills

     

    Location: Civic Offices, Barry

    Responsible to: Director of Learning and Skills

  • Job Purpose

    This Head of Service post, one of three in the Directorate of Learning and Skills, is your opportunity to support the Director in leading the planning and provision of a wide range of services within the remit of the Directorate.


    Working with colleagues across the Council, elected Members and partners, you will contribute to delivery of the Council’s vision, the construction of Council wide plans, service development and problem solving. This will require you to think and act strategically beyond your role responsibilities.


    You will lead the Additional Learning Needs provision and support services, including phased implementation of the ALN Act, support for pupils with complex needs, educational psychology, specialist services and responsibility for school based ALN resource units.


    Provision and responsibility for various aspects of wellbeing are distributed across the Learning and Skills Directorate and other parts of the Council you will work closely with colleagues to ensure appropriate support for schools, pupils and families.


    The post holder will act as the Local Authority Designated Lead Officer for Safeguarding in Education, taking lead responsibility for discharging safeguarding duties in education.


    Building on and maintaining the good working relationships that have been established with all schools and partners is critical to your success; as is managing your resources effectively and seeking and responding to funding opportunities.


    As a Senior Leader in the Council, you will support the continued improvement of our cultural aspirations, role-modelling and embedding our values, driving engagement and innovation, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

    Main Purpose of Post

    • To act as the Head of Service for the relevant service area within the Learning and Skills Directorate

    • Work with the Director of Learning and Skills to provide leadership, management and strategic direction forthe Directorate

    • Deliver services that are effective, efficient and economic, that address the needs of the people of the Vale of Glamorgan, and which are congruent with the Council’s objectives and improvement agenda

    • Work with and support Cabinet Members, Scrutiny Members and all Elected Members in their ward roles

    • Work in partnership with other Council services and external organisations to achieve common objectives ina ccordance with the Corporate Plan

    • To act as the Local Authority Designated Lead Officer for Safeguarding in Education taking lead responsibility for discharging safeguarding duties in education

  • Duties and Responsibilities

    Corporate Responsibilities and Objectives

    • Ensure the commissioning, delivery and continuous improvement of services within the remit of the Directorate of Learning and Skills and in accordance with the Council’s aims and objectives

    • To support the delivery of the Council’s budget priorities and the effective use of the Council’s resources

    • Promote a strong culture of performance management to ensure high levels of performance, the meeting of performance targets and the continuous improvement and development of services

    • To anticipate, monitor and identify strategic issues and changes which affect the service area and developeffective responses to meet such changes

    • Contribute to transformational change across the Council and to ensure that organisational developmentinitiatives, policies and plans are implemented and properly embedded

    • To ensure a responsive customer focused approach in the planning, commissioning and delivery of services

    • To explore opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of services through collaboration andpartnership working

    • Produce an annual Service Plan and ensure the development of Team Plans for the Service area concerned

    • To ensure that the principles of equality of opportunity are integrated and actively pursued both within theDirectorate and in all areas of service provision

    • Attend and contribute to meetings of the Cabinet, Scrutiny and other Council meetings as appropriate

    • To lead on a cross-Directorate and multi-agency approach to support the development of a whole school approach to social, emotional, mental health and wellbeing

    • To carry out the strategic safeguarding role for the Directorate as set out in section 2 of Keeping Learners Safe (Welsh Government Guidance document no: 283/2022)

    • To oversee the development of employment, childcare and support services for young people aged 11-25

    • To provide and promote clear leadership and performance management within the service ensuring the effective performance of all managers

    • Oversee the development and maintenance of performance management systems to ensure the meeting of targets and the continuous development of services

    • Attend and contribute to meetings of the Cabinet, Scrutiny and other Council meetings as appropriate

    • To ensure the effective management, planning and deployment of the budget and wider resources across the relevant service areas in accordance with service plans and the longer range strategic objectives of the Council

    • To ensure that there are clear communications and well defined accountabilities within the service area

    • Maximise income and external funding opportunities in line with Council Policy

    • To ensure that there is full adherence to the Council’s safeguarding, health and safety and environmental policies within all areas covered within the remit of the post holder and relevant policies and procedures are fully integrated

    • To perform any other duties imposed by law or which the Director may reasonably require

     

    Operational Responsibilities

    Commission/provide the following functions achieving appropriate and agreed quality standards:

    • Ensure that the needs of pupils with additional learning needs are identified, assessed and that appropriate provision is made

    • Continually review provision in order that it meets needs, is of a high quality and is efficient, ensuring that quality frameworks, service level agreements and contracts are in place

    • Minimise the numbers of learners placed in out of county settings, working with social services and otheragencies where appropriate

    • Support schools to secure the well-being of learners through the provision of information and targeted services

    • Secure effective delivery of prevention, early intervention and support services in partnership with othervoluntary and statutory agencies in relation to ALN and wellbeing

    • Support the development of skills and expertise in schools and other settings in relation to ALN

    • Ensure that children, young people and parents/carers are effectively engaged in decisions about serviceprovision and development

    • Ensure that effective safeguarding policies and practices are in place in schools

    • Contribute to work to identify schools causing concern and contribute to their improvement

    • Develop strategies in response to changing demographics and need in line with the requirement of the ALN Act

    • Work with regional partners to develop and action a phased implementation plan in relation to the ALN Act

    • Develop and maintain strategies for pupil engagement and participation

Working at the Vale of Glamorgan Council

 

  • About us
    In 2021 we published our Culture Book. This book was been designed as an alternative to an employee handbook, as a guide to ‘how we do things around here’ with a focus on the ethos of the organisation - our vision and values.

     

    It reminds us, and tells future employees, who we are, what we do, how we do it and why we do it. Our culture is defined through the contribution of every single one of us. It illustrates what it means to be an employee of the Council through shared values, beliefs, and behaviours. Sharing our stories in this book brings these things to life and gives us the opportunity to reflect on the way in which we are influenced by our four organisational values: Ambitious, Proud, Open, Together.

  • About our vision

    Councils play a pivotal role in ensuring essential services reach every member of our society and our Corporate Plan sets out an ambitious agenda for the Vale of Glamorgan Council for until 2025.

     

    Our plan places great emphasis on collaboration and working in partnership. It is only by working together, listening and respecting each other that we can successfully meet the many challenges facing our communities and public services today. Our commitment to partnership working is wide ranging, including working with families, children and young people, our partners in health, the police and the fire service as well as other public sector bodies, the third sector, town and community councils and our communities.

     

    In delivering our plan and building on what we have already achieved we are confident we can successfully deliver the Council’s vision of - ‘Strong Communities with a Bright Future’.

  • About the Vale of Glamorgan

    The Vale of Glamorgan is home to the most southerly point in Wales. It includes vibrant towns, rural villages, and is fringed by the spectacular Heritage Coast.

     

    Barry is a vibrant coastal town with a bustling High Street and the Goodsheds and Innovation Quarter - a shopping, eating and relaxing destination. Barry Island is famous for golden beaches, family amusements, and its colourful beach huts.

     

    Penarth sits opposite Cardiff Bay and is an elegant seaside town with a Victorian pier, Art Deco Pavilion, and modern Marina. Splendid parks link the coast to the traditional town centre with its independent shops and arcade.

     

    Cowbridge is considered one of Wales’ most fashionable places and features independent shops and cafés, historic buildings and a Physic Garden. Nearby are historic castles and the beautiful countryside beyond is home to award-winning food and drink producers.

     

    The historic market town of Llantwit Major is packed with interesting buildings and a fine collection of Celtic carved stones at St.Illtud’s Church. Nearby, 14 miles of unspoilt Glamorgan Heritage coastline offer cliff-top walks and beaches fit for rockpooling, surfing and sandcastles.

How to apply

 

For an informal conversation about this role please contact: 

 

You can apply for this role online:

 

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