Wigan Athletic Academy Head of Education

Key Tasks and responsibilities

• Have responsibility for the organisation, management and delivery of the Clubs Education Programme
• Have oversight of the Scholar education programmes including attendance at educational programme meetings, ensuring adherence to such programmes and, where required, taking appropriate action in the event that targets are not met;
• Ensure that Scholars are appropriately managed and supported in respect of the ‘End Point Assessment’ on the sporting excellence professional apprenticeship (‘SEP’);
• Ensure SEP progress reviews are completed and uploaded onto LFE’s EMS by the deadline date agreed with the relevant LFE Regional Officer.
• Track the educational progression of all Academy Players registered with the Club
• Undertake benchmarking of the educational progression of each year group of Academy Players engaged on the Hybrid and Full Time Training Models against national data, and make the result of that benchmarking available to the League
• Recruit, select, support, monitor and train "in-house" BTEC Tutors to assist in the delivery of the BTEC aspect of the scholarship programme.
• Liaise with League Football Education to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations in the delivery of the educational programmes.
• Establish links with the schools of registered players from the ages of U9 to U16.
• Produce regular scholar reports and updates as to player educational progress.
• Support young players, parents and schools with any educational issues.
• Assist the young scholars with the transition from schoolboy to scholar.
• Ensure that scholars are appropriately managed and supported through on site UEFA C qualification, functional skills and other relevant qualifications
• In liaison with Player Care Manager and Head of Safeguarding, recruit, train and monitor any "Host Families / Guardians" used by the Club for any young players / trialists living away from home.
• In liaison with Player Care Manager, assist young players (and parents) with player release issues and alternative career options.
• Work closely with the Player Care Manager, Head of Academy Coaching, Phase Lead Coaches and the Academy Manager to maintain a healthy balance between the football, educational and welfare needs of the young players.
• Ensure compliance with PGAAC audit requirements in conjunction with Academy multidisciplinary team, as part of Academy Management Team.
• Oversee and arrange a development, transport and welfare plan for Youth Development Phase players participating in the School Release Programme, creating agreements, identifying educational course work and monitoring progress of these players.
• Work with the Head of Safeguarding and Club Safeguarding Officer to ensure compliance with all the relevant legislation and regulations.
• Ensure all paperwork and registers are up to date and the monitoring and review of player attendance and progress is accurate and reported back to the Academy Secretary and Academy Manager as required.
• Ensure all players and parents are informed of details regarding activities planned and appropriate risk assessments and safeguarding provisions are in place.
• Develop an appropriate education review and feedback process to the AMT.
• Complete 6 week reviews, Half and Full season reports.
• Input data where required with relation to national benchmarking & effective measurement with the 'Online PMA.'
• Conduct individual player reviews in coordination with the Foundation, Youth Development and Professional Development Phase coaches every 6 weeks.
• Work closely with the Academy Manager around the financial management of the education budget; including budget planning and control for the functions of the educational team, tracking/ management of the Education Support Fund and any CPD related activities.