Job Description

Job Title:

Classroom Teacher of SEN

Reports to:

Line Manager (Senior Leader)

Are you passionate about creating engaging and dynamic lessons? Do you have experience working with SEN pupils, or are you eager to gain it? Would you love the opportunity to teach small groups in a supportive and inspiring environment?

Join our wonderful pupils in our beautiful setting, where you can deliver hands-on learning experiences and truly make a difference.

Our fantastic SEN school in East Sussex is looking for a creative and forward-thinking Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 teacher. We welcome applications from both primary and secondary teachers. While no subject specialism is required, an interest in Maths or Science would be an advantage.

Career and professional development is supported. Experience of teaching/supporting students with special educational needs is desirable but not essential.

Headstart School is an independent special needs school which was established in 1999. It has a proven track record of success with learners on the Autistic Spectrum including those with complex needs. We have students from age 5 to 16 and following onto our Post 16 courses up to the age of 21.

Headstart School has the benefit of two sites: both situated in the East Sussex countryside, one on the outskirts of the village of Ninfield and the other at Golden Cross. The school admits up to fifty students across both sites complemented by a large qualified experienced staff team. This high ratio of qualified staff to student and our unique approach is what we believe to be our strength and the main reason for our success with students who have struggled in other academic environments.

Headstart School is committed to providing considered and carefully developed individual and personalised education to students who have found conventional learning a challenge. Headstart School uses innovative methods of teaching across a wide range of subjects with an emphasis on outdoor learning enabling students to identify and work to their own potential with enthusiasm, in a safe and happy learning environment.

Qualifications:

Teaching Degree QTS & QTLS 2 Years Teaching Experience (ECT's will be considered)

Relationships:

The post holder is accountable to their Line Manager (Senior Leader) in all matters relating to this post. The post holder will work with their Line Manager to ensure that appropriate, challenging and engaging curriculum is provided for all pupils. All staff are ultimately responsible to the Executive Headteacher. The post holder will work with their Line Manager, Assistant Head (Head of site), Teaching assistants and other colleagues to fulfil their academic and pastoral responsibilities.

Job Purpose:

Our vision is for pupils who attend Headstart School is to experience 'Positive Learning for Life'. The role of the classroom teacher is vital to this vision and the progress of all pupils at the school. Teachers at Headstart are able to offer an innovative approach to learning for all of our pupils, many of whom have struggled in the mainstream system.

Objectives:

To ensure all pupils are safe, happy and secure To ensure all pupils receive high quality learning experiences To ensure all pupils make good progress To have responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children To monitor, assess, keep records of and report upon pupil's learning and behaviour To perform the role of personal tutor if required To Undertake such duties as are delegated by the Executive Headteacher

Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

The specific nature and balance of these responsibilities will vary according to the needs of the school and individual pupils. These may be undertaken alongside other colleagues.

To teach pupils with a primary diagnosis of Autism and other co-occurring difficulties, with well-structured lesson, engaging and innovative lessons To set high expectations, which inspire and motivate pupils Assess, monitor, record and report on the learning needs, progress and achievements of pupils, making accurate and productive use of assessment Be aware of the special needs of all your individual pupils To adapt teaching to respond to the individual needs of each pupil To demonstrate good subject and curriculum knowledge To Liaise with the school SENDCO and Therapists to ensure an enriched provision is offered to each pupil. To liaise with parents following school policies To manage support staff working with your class/group To effectively plan learning which meets the needs of all pupils, taking account of individual EHCP targets To create a safe and stimulating learning environment that supports learning and in which pupils feel secure, confident and able to take risks in their learning To set a good example to the pupils you teach through your presentation and your personal conduct

Whole-School Organisation, Strategy and Development:

To contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the school's policies, practices and procedures, so as to support the school's vision and values To make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school To work with others on curriculum and pupil development to secure coordinated outcomes To provide cover, in the unforeseen circumstance that another teacher is unable to teach

Health, Safety, Discipline and Safeguarding:

To promote the safety and wellbeing of pupils To maintain good order and discipline among pupils, managing behaviour effectively to ensure a good and safe learning environment Work in line with statutory safeguarding guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent) and our safeguarding and child protection policies Work with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) to promote the best interests of pupils, including sharing concerns where necessary

Professional responsibilities:

To take part in the school's appraisal procedures To take part in further training and development in order to improve own teaching To take part in the appraisal and professional development of others, where appropriate To safeguard and promote the welfare of all young people at Headstart To fulfil wider professional responsibilities as stated by the Teachers' Standards. To complete all mandatory training to fulfil Headstart School's statutory and regulatory obligations. To effectively communicate with pupils, parents and carers to the highest possible standard. To collaborate and work with colleagues and other professionals within and beyond the school in a professional manner. Uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside of Headstart School. To have proper and professional regard for the ethos, policies and practices of the school, and maintain high attendance and punctuality standards. To understand and act within the statutory frameworks setting out their professional duties and responsibilities To contribute the Headstart assembly programme To accompany pupils on trips away from Headstart.

Other Responsibilities

To work as a form tutor, overseeing the academic and pastoral care of the pupils To participate in any calendared school events To supervise and as far as possible, teach, any pupils whose teacher in not available To undertake any other reasonable duties that the school may require.
All posts are subject to receipt of satisfactory DBS certificate, references, medical checks, proof of identity and copies of qualifications, where a requirement of the role.

Website:

www.headstartschool.co.uk

Salary:

M1 31,650 - UPS3 49,084

Please note, only application forms will be taken into consideration for shortlisting.

Please email lcard@headstartschool.co.uk (HR Administrator) and dhoyland@headstartschool.co.uk (Assistant Headteacher) should you require any further details.

Safeguarding Statement

Headstart School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Employment is subject to enhanced DBS check and a barred list check along with other procedures and checks as part of our safeguarding procedures. This post comes under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations. References with specific safeguarding questions will be requested. We are committed to ensuring the very highest possible standards of care to our young people and as such require all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school is an equal opportunities employer.

Deadline for Application:

Friday 21st March 2025

Shortlisting Date:

Monday 24th March 2025

Interview Date's:

Monday 31st March 2025 - Tuesday 1st April 2025

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 31,650.00-49,084.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Do you have a valid Drivers Licence?
Education:

Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:

Teaching: 2 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

QTS (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 09/06/2025
Reference ID: SEN Teacher