Head of Deaf Support

Head of Deaf Support

PO2 (£29,689 - £32,106)

Commencing September 2019 

Heathcote School is an 11 – 18 school on a rapid journey of improvement. The Headteacher joined the school in 2017 and is working with all stakeholders to ensure we provide the best education and life chances we can to the young people of our community. In September 2018 we had a full Ofsted inspection where we were graded as good in all areas. This is an exciting time to be at a school in an unparalleled setting with unlimited potential in a high challenge, low threat environment. 

Here at Heathcote we aim to provide the best of both worlds, education alongside hearing peers as well as opportunities for specialist teaching, intervention and support as well as the benefits of a deaf peer group.  Heathcote Deaf Support Department (DSD) is a long-established resource provision with space for up to 13 learners that has seen increasing recognition within the Borough and beyond.  Heathcote Deaf Support Department now hosts two annual events that see deaf children from other local schools and provisions joining the students at Heathcote for days of workshops and sports. Day to day our deaf students are educated with their hearing peers, and gain access to the mainstream curriculum wherever and whenever possible.  Support staff from the DSD work with subject teachers to aid them to include the deaf learners in their lesson. Teachers of the Deaf are responsible for assessing and monitoring the deaf student’s language, literacy and communication skills using specialist assessments.  ToDs use this information to inform the planning of specialist 1:1 or small group sessions to target the specific needs of the learners.  

We are looking to appoint a dedicated, enthusiastic, and experienced person to manage our well-established and committed Deaf Support Team. You would lead the resource provision for deaf learners the school, ensuring the deaf learners can achieve their full potential.

We are looking for a practitioner who:

• Has the ability to communicate in British Sign Language (minimum Level 1).

• Has high expectations for pupils and is an excellent communicator.

• Thinks creatively.

• Is enthusiastic, motivated and a lifelong learner.

• Is able to lead and manage a team and liaise and influence staff to improve outcomes for deaf learners

• Is committed to develop further their signing skills if necessary

Ofsted (September 2018)

“The Headteacher and other senior leaders are ambitious for their pupils and provide strong strategic leadership.”

“Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school. They are courteous and respectful.”

“Teachers speak highly of the many opportunities they are given to develop their practice. Staff who are new to the profession feel valued, supported and enjoy their work.”

Our Values:

Encourage

We encourage our pupils to take pride in their learning and community – to work hard, pursue continual improvement and achieve to the best of their abilities. pupils seek and embrace feedback and show tolerance and mutual respect to each other.

Challenge

We challenge our pupils to take responsibility for their learning, to be resilient to failure and to self-regulate their behaviour. All our staff and governors are determined that all pupils confidently strive for success and expect them to be present and punctual.

Succeed

We succeed when all pupils reach their academic potential and are thoughtful, caring and honest citizens; leaving Heathcote fully prepared for the next stage of their life – whether that be in education, training or employment. We succeed by letting them do so in a comfortable and safe environment where they take a proactive role and develop socially.

The school puts well-being and development at the heart of its work and we have very talented staff who are encouraged to grow, develop and work collaboratively, within school and with local schools, and to be the best they can be.  We are working to ensure school improvement in a high challenge, low threat way and enable robust systems and structures to ensure consistency in all areas, encouraging the growth and development of all.  We are part of the Seven Kings teaching Alliance, PixL and the West Essex Teaching School Alliance. The school has excellent resources and a stunning, spacious site on the edge of Epping Forest including a staff car park and surrounding roads that do not require a parking permit.   We are also a 15 minute walk from Chingford Station which has great links into the City.

If you are interested, please look at our school website www.heathcoteschool.com where you will find application forms and further information.  If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact Julia Gardner, SENDCO jgardiner@heathcote.waltham.sch.uk  0208 498 5110

Completed application forms should be emailed to recruitment@heathcote.waltham.sch.uk

Closing Date for receipt of applications:  3pm on Thursday 20th June

Date for interview:  Wednesday 26th June 2019

Please note, we reserve the right to close this advert early if we get a high number of applications and as such encourage applicants to submit as soon as possible.

Heathcote School is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children.  The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure.