DT SEND Teacher

Hours/Contract: 1.0 FTE, Full-time, Permanent

 

The Role:  The Springfields Academy builds safe independent lives for autistic young people through support, understanding and enablement from the ages of 5-19. If you’re excited by the opportunity to design a curriculum for learners which builds their creativity and practical skills, then we have the role for you. 

We’re looking for an Autism or SEND Specialist Design and Technology Teacher to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and qualifications they need to live safely and independently within their community. We are looking for someone who would relish the professional freedom and opportunity to construct a fantastic learning environment and an exciting new curriculum. If you have the vision, skills and creativity to put Design and Technology at the heart of the school, then we can offer you the tools to do this. 

You must be able to offer a range of qualifications, which could include vocational pathways. You will be expected to teach across Key Stages 3 and 4. Learners at Key Stage 4 have the opportunity to follow a specialist pathway in the field of Design and Technology and Engineering, however, applications from all specialisms are welcome. Applications are considered from both experienced and newly qualified DT teachers. Please do not be put off of applying for this post if you do not have significant SEND experience. We have helped many teachers make the transition from mainstream teaching and are confident that our comprehensive induction programme will upskill you to become an effective autism practitioner.

The Person: To consistently teach effective lessons that engage pupils with Design and Technology, meet their specific needs and enable them to access their qualification pathway. Additionally, to:

• assess, monitor and record pupil progress in Design and Technology;

• build effective working relationships with support staff, other teachers, middle leaders to further the development of Teaching and Learning at the Academy.

Part of the excitement of teaching at the academy is the broad range of individuals that you will teach. Our young people with autism may have sensory needs, speech and language difficulties, or other conditions such as autism, social, emotional and mental health needs. Some of our young people may have a combination of these, and of course, like any school we also have many gifted and talented individuals. A key aspect of working at Springfields is taking the time to get to know pupils and being able to create a safe, stimulating and supportive learning environment. 

You will be joining a happy, hardworking and well-established team of over 20 teachers across the academy. Although you will form part of a Phase Team and Curriculum Area Team, you will also be expected to work independently, experiencing much professional freedom regarding curriculum and qualification pathways. You will also work closely with our multi-disciplinary therapy team. There will also be opportunities to work with other colleagues across Reach South Academy Trust.

What we can offer you: 

• Significant professional freedom and the support to construct an engaging and creative Design and Technology curriculum that develops life skills.

• Your own classroom with opportunities to develop an inspiring Design and Technology learning environment.

• Small class sizes, usually of 8-10 learners.

• Opportunities for career development and progression.

• A newly renovated staffroom.

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of vulnerable young people with autism. 

• A close-knit team of professionals who work in a supportive and inspirational environment.

• An outstanding learning community that engages pupils and develops positive attitudes to learning.  

• The opportunity to be involved in wider-school life through trips, clubs, collapsed timetable days, Duke of Edinburgh etc. 

• On-going, specialist professional development.

• A comprehensive CPD package with opportunities for individual development and development of knowledge linked to good autism practice

• A commitment to ‘Healthy Working Lives’ through a comprehensive trust Employee Assistance programme

• A work laptop 

What we are looking for:

• An individual with the vision, skills and creativity to put Design and Technology at the heart of the school.

• An innovative and flexible approach to teaching that builds success through challenge, personalisation and innovation.

• The confidence and skills to build positive relationships that help to break down barriers, build self-esteem.

• A commitment to enabling all our pupils to overcome their challenges and achieve their potential both socially and academically.

• Job share opportunities and other flexible working initiatives available.

Next Steps: So if you have any queries about this role, please get in touch with Office Manager, Rachel Barnes on 01249 814125 or email rbarnes@springfields.wilts,sch.uk   If you are experiencing any technical issues, please contact recruitment@reachsouth.org for support.

 

All applications to be made directly through TES.

Closing date: for applications is Wednesday 2nd February 2022 at Midnight.

Interview Date:  Interviews will be held on week commencing 7th February 2022.

Opportunities and Benefits:  We offer a competitive salary plus TPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits.  We’re proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction, are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face-to-face training. 

 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. 

Reach South Academy Trust is committed to ensuring that there is no discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation at any stage of the recruitment process or in the terms and conditions offered to new employees, or promoted employees.