Director of English & Reading

Director of English and Reading (English Teacher to teach across Key Stage 3 and 4)

Do you have what it takes to provide high teaching and learning for our special young people?  

Would you class yourself as a compassionate, collaborative and ambitious practitioner with the determination to make a difference?

Woodlands is seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate experienced Secondary teacher to lead on the delivery of English across key stages 3 & 4, ensuring that there is sequenced learning across the whole school. Reading was highlighted as an area for improvement in our recent inspection that recognised “reading is important in this school” and there is a “well-understood reading strategy across the whole school” This is an opportunity to take the reins and drive this vital skill forward, strategically developing a love of reading along the way.

We want you to join our “Woodlands family” where Ofsted (March 2024) found “staff and pupils get along well and staff want the very best outcomes for pupils”. They described our school as “calm and friendly” where “personalised support is given to those who need it”

This is an exciting time for us as we progress our quality of education to “good” matching all other judgements of “good” in our recent inspection. We are proud of the distance travelled and we want you to join us for the next phase of our journey.

You will be unflappable, have a sense of humour, and be utterly committed to the children in your care. Woodlands is an amazing place to work, and our children need someone who is not afraid to have high expectations of what they can achieve academically and socially and will never let that standard drop. You will have a strong sense of fairness and know that you are a catalyst to change children’s lives.

Does this sound like you?

No SEMH experience is necessary, but a desire to learn and develop is essential.

Leadership Pay Scale L1 – L5 (£47,185 - £52,074)

1.0 FTE

Permanent

To start September 2024

To be successful, you will: 

·        Have considerable experience of teaching English across KS3 and KS4.

·        Be an inspirational leader with passion, drive, and a commitment to consistently deliver outstanding teaching in English.

·        Have the ability to develop and lead the school’s reading strategy, ensuring pupils make progress in their reading.

·        Be able to lead and build teachers’ confidence to engage our young people with the curriculum

·        Help guide teachers to ensure our young people develop the stamina and resilience that comes from engaging them in challenging tasks

·        Have the patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

·        Be flexible and open to change.

·                 Be able to develop a flexible range of teaching strategies with our team of teachers

·        Understand that students take individual and multiple pathways in their learning

Why this leadership role above others?

Come and make a difference to the life chances of our young people.

Woodlands is a special school for pupils who have social, emotional and mental health needs. We are proud of the high expectations and aspirations we set for every child and young person, providing an inspiring environment where everyone can learn and achieve. 

We provide ambitious and exciting opportunities through well-designed and individualised curriculum packages.

You will be part of a highly effective, supportive team who readily share best practice amongst the team.

You will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with individual children, young people and their parents. You will find each day rewarding, making the difference, and providing support and nurture for children and parents alike.

You will join us in celebrating success and encouraging all our young people to develop broader life skills, investing in them as a whole child.

We are incredibly proud of the achievements of all our pupils and trust that you will feel the same as we work together to ensure the successful future for them.

We offer:

·        Excellent professional learning and support at every stage in your career, with opportunity for continued personal development through our Talent Pathway

·        Career development opportunities including funded NPQs

·        Excellent resources and facilities

·        Significant leadership time on your timetable.

·        A core belief in staff wellbeing and work life balance for all, evidenced in policy and practice

·        Benefits including funded counselling, physiotherapy and GP and other medical support

·        As a school in the Marches Academy Trust teachers have opportunities to engage with staff across the Trust to support and collaborate with peers and colleagues in sharing the expertise across our family of 10 schools.

If you are interested in this post and would like the opportunity to visit the school, or if you have any queries, please contact Lisa Dugmore (Business Manager) on 01939 232372 / Lisa.Dugmore@wdl.mmat.co.uk .

Lisa will be more than happy to help

To apply for the post, please visit our online recruitment site via www.marchesacademytrust.co.uk/about/careers

(Please note we do not accept CVs).

Closing date for applications :  Wednesday 15th May at 9am

Interview Date: Week commencing 20th May 2024

The Marches Academy Trust values each person equally. We are building a diverse team and embedding a welcoming, inclusive culture that encourages diversity and authenticity. We believe this will encourage creative ways of thinking – ensuring we collaborate more effectively and achieve better outcomes.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care and expect all staff to embrace this. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to declare any criminal convictions and will be subject to online checks. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We positively welcome applicants from all qualified candidates who share our ethos.