At North Hertfordshire College, we’re proud to support our staff in their professional development to help them reach their goals. Our community is incredibly talented and have high aspirations for their day-to-day work and their career, which is why we offer training and progression opportunities to help them achieve their dreams.
Meet Amy Lancaster, the Deputy Head of Curriculum for Supported Studies at NHC. Amy is experienced in working with SEND learners to help them prepare for adulthood and take confident steps towards their future.
Find out more about Amy’s work and her NHC career journey in her Meet the Team interview:
What do you enjoy most about working with NHC?
“I really enjoy working with the students in our department; seeing them happy, safe, and confident whilst they develop skills to support them as they progress into adult life is something I feel very fortunate to witness and be part of.
“One of my personal highlights was when I worked with a young person who, prior to starting college, was not engaging with education. After they were able to access a bespoke timetable at college with additional support, the student was able to take part in more courses within the department, which then lead to them completing a Supported Internship. The transformation in that particular student’s confidence and communication skills was amazing, and something our whole team is proud of.
“I also enjoy working with an inspirational team who really want the best outcomes for our students.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in SEND support?
“I am passionate about improving opportunities for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). There is no better feeling than seeing the students I work with achieve their goals and reach their full potential. I feel very lucky to be a part of their learning journey.
“I feel extremely proud to be part of the Supported Studies team at North Hertfordshire College and am pleased that, as part of my role, I can support the team to deliver highly effective teaching, learning, and assessment. This enables us to offer the students a positive learning experience where they are stretched and challenged in a warm, supportive environment.”
How has your role changed since you first started your career journey with NHC?
“I used to work with SEND students as a Transition Support Worker, supporting young people to successfully make the transition from school to college. At that time, I was supported by my line manager to study for my Award in Education and Training and my Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training. I completed these alongside my day job and was able to move into a teaching role from there.
“I then started working as Course Team Leader within the Supported Studies department and felt supported by the College to take my career to the next level and progress into the management role that I’m now working in. I also received support to complete an Aspiring Leaders course and completed qualifications including a TAQA, which enabled me to take on responsibilities as a lead on Internal Quality Assurance.”
If you could speak to someone who’s thinking of applying for a role with NHC, what would you say?
“I would encourage anybody applying to go for it! Tell your line manager if you have aspirations to progress further in your career and about any training that you think will be of benefit to you. The College provides fantastic opportunities for internal progression and will support you with training and development to help you reach your goals.”
Work with the Hart Learning Group
We think all jobs in education are some of the most important and fulfilling jobs in the world – helping people realise their potential and build a life for themselves; helping businesses to grow and improve; and helping to build strong, vibrant communities.
If you share our passion, we want to hear from you – check out our available vacancies and come and join the team!