Specialist Improvement Practitioner (Foundation Learning, SEND and Inclusion)

Optimistic – Equity – Kindness – Innovation – Collaboration

Derby College Group (DCG) are recruiting for a Specialist Improvement Practitioner to work across Foundation Learning, SEND and Inclusion. This pivotal role will involve working across the college to enhance the quality of education provided.

The Opportunity

This role supports continuous improvement in education for High Needs and Foundation Learning students. You’ll work closely with curriculum teams to analyse performance data, identify strengths and areas for development, and ensure delivery aligns with Awarding Organisation (AO) standards and college policies. A key focus is implementing and monitoring RARPA for non-accredited programmes, promoting robust target-setting and student involvement. You’ll support inclusive teaching practices, and assist with curriculum planning, internal quality assurance, and preparation for external verification. The role involves collaboration with managers and teaching staff to drive improvements in teaching, learning, and assessment.

For a full explanation of the roles and responsibilities, please click here.

About You

You’ll be an experienced educator with a strong background in teaching and assessment, particularly within Foundation Learning and/or SEND/High Needs provision. You’ll have a deep understanding of inclusive education practices and the RARPA process, with the ability to apply Ofsted’s FE toolkit to drive improvements in teaching, learning and assessment. Confident in analysing performance data, you’ll use your insights to identify strengths and areas for development. You’ll be skilled in providing constructive feedback, supporting curriculum teams, and ensuring compliance with internal quality assurance and Awarding Organisation standards. It is essential that you hold a teaching qualification and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders.

For a full explanation of the roles and responsibilities, please click here.

The Benefits

• Salary of £44,218 per annum
• Discount at our Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ onsite Little Explorers Nursery
• TOTUM discount card (aka NUS/Student Discount Card) / discounted Tastecard
• Discounts on East Midlands Railway Annual Season Tickets
• Microsoft Office for FREE with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage
• Discount on treatments at SENSI our onsite salon at the Roundhouse
• Flint Bishop Solicitors – free will writing, 1-hour free consultation with family department, 10% discount on Conveyancing services
• Continuous development and progression opportunities
• Free eye tests with Specsavers
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which promotes and values diversity. We welcome all talent irrespective of age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We ensure that our policies and procedures treat all applicants consistently and fairly during our recruitment process.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, reasonable adjustments, or about the role, please contact us at hrrecruitment@derby-college.ac.uk.

Safeguarding statement

DCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  An online search of the preferred candidate is also completed to help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the college may need to explore with the candidate further. Please be advised that it is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

If you require visa sponsorship

Please note that unfortunately, this role is ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system. Applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route.  Please consult the Home Office website for further information.

Recruitment Agencies - We have a PSL of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list.

Job Description