Why all college leaders need to be passionate about SEND

Over the last year we have had the privilege to work with several fantastic specialist providers in the recruitment of senior leadership roles and have been hugely impressed by the impact they have in terms of changing lives, offering opportunity and ensuring equity.

We have spent several days at the inspiring horticulture-focused campus at Harington, a leading North London charity which supports students with learning differences to develop life skills, where we have worked alongside students, staff and governors in the appointment of their new chief executive officer.

We have also experienced first-hand the outstanding specialist education and care services provided by Doncaster Deaf Trust for people who are deaf or have other communication difficulties and learning disabilities and helped them to recruit a new principal and deputy principal. In addition, we have supported Queen Alexandra College (QAC) and Northern College, a residential college for adults aged 19+ to appoint inspirational leaders which will enable them to continue their remarkable impact.

Inclusion, equity and opportunity are key motivators for all of us in the FE sector, but for me this goes a step further due to my personal experience.

As a parent of a teenager with selective mutism, a complex and often misunderstood condition, I have become an advocate for ensuring that young people with SEND receive the support they require to thrive in both their educational and personal lives, whatever form that journey may take. Navigating the process of securing support for my daughter was far more challenging than I could have imagined. It wasn’t until a chance encounter with an interim member of the senior leadership team at her school that my daughter’s needs were truly recognised, leading to the development of an education, health and care plan (EHCP) and a more structured support system in place.

This experience made me realise that I wanted to support other families facing similar challenges, so I took on the role of link governor for SEND at my local primary school. My goal is to ensure that, as a school, we provide families with the right guidance and support, so they are fully aware of the resources available to help their child.

Education providers play a vital role in ensuring that young people receive an education truly tailored to their unique needs, one that offers the right level of challenge while taking a compassionate approach to understanding their personal circumstances. Adopting this holistic mindset not only gives learners the same opportunities to succeed as their peers, but it also ensures that their time in school or college is spent feeling supported, valued, and genuinely seen.

There are many reasons why as an education community we must support our learners with SEND from ensuring they have fair access to education and training, with better outcomes to supporting them to live independent lives and contribute positively to the economy. Supporting learners with SEND today also ensures we build the diverse workforce of tomorrow and foster a compassionate community in which differences are respected and celebrated.

In my role at AoC, I am privileged to work with FE colleges and witness the passion and commitment our sector has in ensuring young people with SEND receive the support and guidance they need to succeed in life.

As an education community we support learners with SEND not because it’s a legal requirement, but because it’s an ethical responsibility that fosters equality, enriches the educational environment, promotes diversity, and contributes to social and economic progress.

As a parent of a child with SEND, I am truly grateful for all the work that goes into supporting children with additional needs. The encouragement and support these children receive significantly impact their educational journey and, more importantly, ensure they feel valued as individuals.

With just a couple of years until my daughter begins college, I am excited about the incredible opportunities that await her, a dream that is becoming a reality thanks to the exceptional support and commitment our sector offers to learners with SEND. I am hopeful that she will benefit from the kind of aspirational environment that I have experienced at SEND providers through my work with AoC.

Harpreet Jossan is a Recruitment Manager (Executive Recruitment) at Association of Colleges.