Autism Practitioner Lead

Job Title: Autism Practitioner Lead                                                                         

Location: Vanguard School, Kennington, Lambeth, SE11 6QH

Salary: Leadership Group Pay Range for Inner London- L1-L6 (dependant on experience)

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: March 31st 2023 (Or subject to a successful candidate being appointed)

Interview date: TBC

School Visit: Visits to the school can be arranged please contact the school reception.

We adhere to all the necessary safeguarding checks as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022, including checking ID documents on all site visits (entry will not be allowed without this), all pre-employment vetting checks must include; references from previous employers, an enhanced DBS with barred list check, a section 128 check and a check on the Teaching Regulation Agency.

The Vanguard School is an Autism Specific Specialist Free School seeking an Autism Lead Practitioner. This is a great and exciting opportunity for you to join a dynamic team and be part of the school’s journey in establishing excellence in the education of autistic pupils.

Every child is entitled to an education and every child deserves the best possible developmental opportunities so that they learn more and do more, preparing themselves for life after school. Our autistic pupils learn in happy and safe environments that are able to support their individual needs as autistic learners.

As Autism Lead Practitioner, you will be responsible for leadership of autism practice and pedagogy within your school. You will support staff in all roles in the school to provide highly specialist support.  You will use your experience to advise, negotiate, advocate and champion the needs of our pupils. You will liaise with the SENCO and school therapists to ensure individual support for pupils ensures progress against EHC plans.

You will be passionate about developing best practice in your school and be self-motivated to continually update your knowledge and ensure practice in the school is informed by evidence and research.

The Liberty Academy Trust currently includes two other free schools, Church Lawton School & Thamesvalley. The school works to maximise the standards, curriculum offer, training and employment opportunities. This role will enable you to influence & contribute to the future of the NAS Academies Trust schools.

Who we are looking for:

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding individual who will have a wide range of skills and experience, who is looking to work in an ambitious and rewarding environment.

You will:

• hold a personal and professional academic track record of the highest calibre
• possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire pupils and colleagues
• be highly motivated and have a strong commitment to creating an outstanding autistic specialist school
• be highly knowledgeable in the field of autism
• be self-led in ensuring your knowledge and understanding is up to date
• knowledgeable about effective pedagogy for autistic pupils
• have a proven track record of high-quality specialist teaching
• have experience of, or have clear aspirations to be a successful leader
• the ability to coach and mentor teachers, including ensuring those new to the school adopt a consistent approach to teaching and learning.

To be considered for this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate strong leadership qualities (including those of innovation and vision).

Hours of work:

You will be contracted to work 195 days per annum including 190 pupil days and five teacher CPD days in accordance with the school’s terms and work programmes, and a maximum directed time of 1265 hours as reasonably directed by the Assistant Director of Education. Normal hours may be varied to meet the changing needs of the school. There may be occasions when additional hours are necessary to meet specific or special requirements.

What we can offer you

In addition to a competitive salary, the following benefits are offered: 

• Cycle scheme. 
• 24/7 employee assistance programme - a confidential support programme designed to help you deal with personal and professional problems. 
• Headspace membership - Headspace is a global leader in mindfulness and meditation through its app and online content. 
• Occupational sick pay. 
• A range of discounts from hundreds of retailers, accessible from mobile phones or using reloadable discount cards – the average user saves £565 per year. 
• Salary Finance - Our charity partner offers Salary Finance loans as a financial wellbeing benefit for our staff.
• Eyecare vouchers – employees who need glasses to use computer screens. 
• Pension. 

How to apply

• To apply for this role please complete the online application form.
• When completing the supporting statement, please refer to the job description and person specification and highlight any information that shows your suitability for the role

For any questions please contact office@vanguardschool.org.uk

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism or Asperger syndrome.

The Liberty Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer.