Assistant Learning Support Teacher (French/Spanish specialist)

A very able, fully qualified and dedicated learning support teacher is required to teach pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and special educational needs part-time (0.4) from September 2021 in this academically selective, coeducational North London day school. This is a three-year, fixed term contract. The teacher will report to the Director of Learning Support and the Head of Modern Languages. Independent and creative thinkers (who are nevertheless willing to work within established and regulatory guidelines and structures, and to mandatory Code of Practice requirements) are especially encouraged to apply. The ability to develop learning support teaching in the areas of writing, grammar and vocabulary for pupils whose learning difficulties make these areas a particular challenge will be a recommendation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced practitioner who enjoys the company of bright, ambitious and well-motivated pupils and who wishes to enjoy the rich variety of work encountered in an academically successful school. Alternatively, the post may suit a specialist who is recently qualified, and wishes to take on new responsibilities and challenges, or a qualified teacher of Modern languages looking for a new, part-time role.

Learning Support at Highgate 

At Highgate we aim to enable pupils with special educational needs or learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LDD) to achieve their full potential. We do this by working with them to enhance their learning skills and abilities; by liaising and working with their teachers to ensure the best programmes of study for each pupil; and also by liaising with outside agencies, where necessary. Pupils should thus have the greatest access to opportunities to make progress in their school work, in their programmes for examinations, and in their preparation for future study or careers.

It is our aim to provide appropriate material resources, dedicated support and suitable guidance to support pupils with LDDs who are on the learning support register and to develop a partnership with all members of the teaching staff to ensure that there is a positive approach to the learning of those pupils, and to ensure that that support is provided throughout the curriculum.

The emphasis is very much upon nurturing pupils through the curriculum. Of course some pupils attend regular one-to-one classes for as long as is necessary; but much of the work of the department involves guiding classroom subject teachers in their support of those children with LDDs. Such an approach has been embraced here by a very committed and open-minded teaching staff, which has contributed to and supported this philosophy very positively.

The Role

It is envisaged that the successful applicant will embed themselves in the Learning Support Department taking responsibility as the key link individual with the Modern Languages Department.  This role will involve both the administration of learning support and providing individual and group tuition to pupils requiring extra assistance with their French and/or Spanish language learning, particularly for Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils.  

Working at Highgate

Teachers at Highgate enjoy a welcoming, comfortable and exceptionally well-resourced environment and are provided with significant assistance from a range of support staff.  Salaries are competitive. The School pays the employer’s contribution to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Terms are shorter than in the maintained sector. Staff have free access to the School’s sports facilities.

The School has in place DfE recognised arrangements for the Induction Year and the confirmation of NQT status and has considerable experience of and success in guiding entrants to the profession to qualified status. For all teachers new to Highgate, regardless of experience, there is a strong and supportive framework of induction to the School.

Highgate is strongly committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to create a welcoming, respectful and safe environment for all members of our community, from every ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability/disability, religion and background.  We know that more diverse teams are stronger teams, and that the more inclusive we are, the more our staff and pupils will feel a sense of belonging and will thrive. To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements.

Highgate is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly the Criminal Records Bureau).

Ben Weston, Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning), or Ivanka Stoyanova, the Director of Learning Support, are very happy to answer any questions (ben.weston@highgateschool.org.uk or ivanka.stoyanova@highgateschool.org.uk).