About Education Partnership North East (EPNE)
At EPNE our ‘purpose’ is our north star. It is what we expect of ourselves every single day and why we ask all staff to keep our purpose front and centre in all that they do.
Our Purpose is to “unlock potential, create opportunities, and transform lives through outstanding education, skills and training”. Rooted in our transformative power, it communicates our work in tackling inequalities, removing barriers, and improving the life chances of the people and communities we serve.
We nurture our very special culture. Our unifying values framework “The actions we take the choices we make - The actions I take the choices I make” represent the character of our college group, and are grounded in the belief that every action, by every individual, contributes to our success. This why we encourage empowered individuals, personal accountability and growth.
Building on our remarkable past, creativity and pioneering spirit, we are moving forward with courage into the future, improving what we do, remaining action-orientated, and innovating to make an exceptional difference for the world we live in. Shaping futures for a better tomorrow, join our changemaking community now.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which EPNE was graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives
If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.
In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive (formerly “levelling-up premium”) payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.
Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.
Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.
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Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
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Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive
About the Candidate
This Programme Leader will be a changemaker by transforming the educational experiences and outcomes of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
They will create an inclusive and aspirational learning environment where learners with a wide range of needs can thrive, develop independence, and achieve their individual goals. Through a carefully designed curriculum, they will support learners to build confidence, self-advocacy, communication skills, and employability skills alongside meaningful vocational learning opportunities.
By ensuring that teaching, learning, and support strategies are tailored to individual needs, the Programme Leader will help learners overcome barriers to participation and progress successfully into further education, supported internships, employment, or independent living.
Beyond their direct work with learners, they will influence practice across the provision
About the Role
The SEND Programme Leader/Lecturer is responsible for leading, developing, and delivering high-quality educational programmes for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The role combines outstanding teaching practice with curriculum leadership, ensuring that learners receive an inclusive, personalised, and aspirational educational experience that enables them to achieve their individual goals and progress successfully into further education, employment, supported internships, or independent living. As a Programme Leader, they will be responsible for curriculum planning, quality assurance, learner progress, and the effective deployment of support staff. They will work collaboratively with families, external agencies, local authorities, and multidisciplinary professionals to ensure learners receive appropriate support and that Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes are effectively implemented and reviewed.
Role Responsibilities
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Lead and deliver a high-quality bespoke SEND pathway.
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Design and sequence learning that builds practical skills, confidence and employability
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Track learner progress, attendance and behaviour, using data to drive improvement
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Build strong relationships with learners, families and external professionals
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Support and guide staff to ensure consistent, adaptive teaching approaches
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Develop progression pathways into further education, training or employment
Qualifications
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Minimum Level 5 Teaching qualification
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Level 3 Assessor award
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Level 2 English and Maths
Essential Skills & Experience
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Experience of working with SEND learners
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Strong behaviour management and relationship-building skills
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Ability to plan, deliver and adapt engaging sessions
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Experience tracking learner progress and using data to inform practice
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Ability to work with families and external agencies to support learners
Desirable Skills & Experience – (Optional)
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Experience of working with SEND learners
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Level 4 Internal Quality Assessor Qualification
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Level 5 SEND Qualification
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
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Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
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Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
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LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
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Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
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We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
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Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
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Free parking on most campuses.
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Free Gym access available at Bede Campus
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.
We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.
As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Please contact [email protected] should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.
