Principal Support Officer
| Posting date: | 20 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | 28278.0 - 32783.0 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 03 February 2026 |
| Location: | West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6AW |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | eTeach UK Limited |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 1530304 |
Summary
We are seeking a highly organised, compassionate and experienced Principal Support Officer to join our Foundation Learning department. This is a key leadership role responsible for the day-to-day management of the Learning Support Team and the delivery of high-quality support for learners with severe learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs.Reporting to the Head of Section – Foundation Learning, you will play a vital role in promoting learner independence, wellbeing and positive educational outcomes, while ensuring compliance with EHCP requirements, safeguarding standards and local authority expectations.
Responsibilities
Lead, manage and organise the Learning Support Team, including staffing, timetabling, rooming and operational procedures
Assess learner support needs and oversee the design, implementation and review of individual support plans, EHCP provision and risk assessments
Monitor and evidence the effectiveness of learning support through registers, attendance tracking, audits and progression reviews
Line manage Learning Support staff and agency staff, including induction, appraisals, absence management and professional development
Lead on CPD for Learning Support Assistants, ensuring staff maintain up-to-date skills and statutory compliance
Provide direct learning support where required, modelling best practice and maintaining professional competence
Work collaboratively with curriculum teams to ensure support provision enables effective curriculum delivery
Provide pastoral care, contribute to safeguarding processes and liaise with parents, carers, local authorities and external agencies
Support enrolment, induction, reviews, events, enrichment activities and wider college initiatives
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Relevant Level 3 qualification or above in Learning Support, SEND, Education, Health & Social Care or a related field
Significant experience supporting learners with severe learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs
Proven experience of leading or managing staff, including performance reviews and development
Strong understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive education
Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills
Experience working with EHCPs, safeguarding procedures, behaviour management strategies and multi-agency partnerships
Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively across departments in a busy education environment
Benefits
✅ Competitive Salary – Attractive pay aligned with sector standards
Outstanding Annual Leave – Enjoy 35–50 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and additional Christmas closure days
Career Development – Access to dedicated development days, CPD opportunities and leadership pathways
Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money and support a healthier commute
♀️ Onsite & Local Discounts – Reduced rates on hair & beauty, dog grooming, car health checks and more
Fitness Benefits – Use our college gym or access discounted local gym memberships
Generous Pension – 21.5% employer pension contribution for non-teaching roles
Retail & Travel Discounts – Access savings through UNIDAYS, Student Beans and Blue Light Discount
Free Will Writing Service – Professional support for future planning
Free Flu Vaccination – Stay protected at no cost
Wellbeing Support – Confidential counselling and wellbeing platforms
Recognition & Celebration – Staff awards, recognition events and celebration days throughout the year
Responsibilities
Lead, manage and organise the Learning Support Team, including staffing, timetabling, rooming and operational procedures
Assess learner support needs and oversee the design, implementation and review of individual support plans, EHCP provision and risk assessments
Monitor and evidence the effectiveness of learning support through registers, attendance tracking, audits and progression reviews
Line manage Learning Support staff and agency staff, including induction, appraisals, absence management and professional development
Lead on CPD for Learning Support Assistants, ensuring staff maintain up-to-date skills and statutory compliance
Provide direct learning support where required, modelling best practice and maintaining professional competence
Work collaboratively with curriculum teams to ensure support provision enables effective curriculum delivery
Provide pastoral care, contribute to safeguarding processes and liaise with parents, carers, local authorities and external agencies
Support enrolment, induction, reviews, events, enrichment activities and wider college initiatives
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Relevant Level 3 qualification or above in Learning Support, SEND, Education, Health & Social Care or a related field
Significant experience supporting learners with severe learning difficulties, disabilities and complex needs
Proven experience of leading or managing staff, including performance reviews and development
Strong understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive education
Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills
Experience working with EHCPs, safeguarding procedures, behaviour management strategies and multi-agency partnerships
Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively across departments in a busy education environment
Benefits
✅ Competitive Salary – Attractive pay aligned with sector standards
Outstanding Annual Leave – Enjoy 35–50 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and additional Christmas closure days
Career Development – Access to dedicated development days, CPD opportunities and leadership pathways
Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money and support a healthier commute
♀️ Onsite & Local Discounts – Reduced rates on hair & beauty, dog grooming, car health checks and more
Fitness Benefits – Use our college gym or access discounted local gym memberships
Generous Pension – 21.5% employer pension contribution for non-teaching roles
Retail & Travel Discounts – Access savings through UNIDAYS, Student Beans and Blue Light Discount
Free Will Writing Service – Professional support for future planning
Free Flu Vaccination – Stay protected at no cost
Wellbeing Support – Confidential counselling and wellbeing platforms
Recognition & Celebration – Staff awards, recognition events and celebration days throughout the year