Teacher (Vision Impairment, VI)

Salary: Outer London Main/Upper Pay Scale plus 1 SEN point (SEN 2 dependent on qualifications)

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time

To start: January 2023 or subject to notice period

Location: E4 9PP, Highams Park, London Borough of Waltham Forest

We are looking to appoint a full-time teacher to our secondary department who is enthusiastic, with a passion for teaching and a willingness to be flexible and creative.

You will have an interest or previous experience in teaching pupils with SEND and a commitment to developing your skills as a specialist teacher of pupils with a Vision Impairment. You will either be a Qualified Teacher of the Vision Impaired (QTVI) or willing to gain this qualification within 3 years of appointment. You will have the opportunity to gain the QTVI Mandatory Qualification whilst working with us with continued opportunities for professional development in Leadership. You will be flexible, solution focused and willing to work in a close team and learn new skills.

You will be responsible for teaching a small group of secondary aged pupils in the first instance. You will also have additional responsibility for leading the ASDAN provision for some of our secondary pupils. Some of our students use Braille as their primary medium for Literacy and you will be supported to enable students to access this and to become proficient in the medium yourself.

About us

Joseph Clarke School is a special school for children and young people with a vision impairment, some of whom have additional needs. The school is part of Whitefield Academy Trust which also includes;

·      Whitefield Schools –based in Walthamstow which provides specialist education for pupils with complex needs including communication and interaction difficulties.

·      Our Professional Development Centre which provides support, training and resources for both school staff and other professionals. 

·      Project Search East London – a highly successful route to employment programme

We are committed to providing all of our pupils with the skills and knowledge they need to take their place in an inclusive society; with a sense of self-worth, good communication skills and the ability to advocate for themselves. We strive to close the gap between pupils with Vision Impairment and their typically developing peers through a high quality, bespoke curriculum offer and positive links with families and the local community.

About Whitefield Academy Trust

With an ethos based on enjoyment, achievement and wellbeing for all, Whitefield Academy Trust seeks to open up the world for children and young people with SEND. Located in Waltham Forest, the Trust comprises Joseph Clarke School (for children with vision impairment and /or additional needs), Whitefield School (for pupils with complex needs including autism, learning difficulties and sensory and physical impairments), Professional Development Services and the highly successful Project SEARCH East London.

We are expert in serving children and young people with SEND and giving them the tools, skills and confidence to move on to the next stages of their education and lives.

Why join Whitefield Academy Trust?

Just as we seek to give our pupils a fantastic school experience, we want every member of our team to find being part of Whitefield Academy Trust a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Whatever their role, we are committed to supporting each team member and giving them every opportunity to progress their careers across our schools and services.

It's not always an easy job, but it offers huge job satisfaction. You'll be part of a supportive team and we'll teach you how. The Trust is noted for its staff training and professional development. There are opportunities to progress in your career through our internal progression scheme.

We offer

·      A wide-ranging and high-quality CPD programme which can be tailored around each team member’s unique skills and career aspirations;

·      A welcoming and inspiring working environment in which colleagues look out for and support one another;

·      Opportunities to share best practice and ideas with colleagues across the Trust;

·      Wellbeing support mechanisms including practical and emotional support;

·      A competitive local government or teachers’ pension scheme, with defined benefits;

·      Recognition of continuous service with Local Authorities and other academy trusts for various employment entitlements;

·      Refer a friend to work scheme and earn £300;

·      Interest free loans for bicycle purchase;

·      Mentoring scheme.

But, above all, working at Whitefield Academy Trust is a highly rewarding and satisfying experience. Thanks to the commitment, energy and determination of our staff, all of our children and young people make fantastic progress during their time with us. Watching their progress and working alongside families is immensely satisfying and, as a Trust, we take every opportunity to recognise and celebrate the important role our staff play in transforming the lives of our children and young people.

How to apply

Your application is a direct permanent application to Whitefield Academy Trust.

To apply, you are required to complete our school application form. Please request an application form from Ellie Field at whitefieldacademytrust@hays.com. Or click apply now, on TES Quick Apply.

Your application is a direct permanent application to our school (not through agency), Hays is our recruitment partner for all permanent appointments.

We warmly encourage visits from prospective candidates to experience our school first hand. Visits are by appointment only, to book please contact Ellie Field for a confidential discussion.

Closing date: 12 noon on Friday 2nd December 2022

Interview date: Friday 9th December 2022

Whitefield Academy Trust is uncompromising in its commitment to safeguarding children and young people.

The Trust is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit, ensuring best practice in our recruitment process is essential to our commitment.

Whitefield Academy Trust https://www.whitefieldacademytrust.org.uk/

Joseph Clarke School https://www.josephclarkeschool.org.uk/

Whitefield School https://www.whitefieldschool.org.uk/