Learning Support Coordinator of a Key Stage

We wish to appoint from 20th April 2020 (ideally) or September 2020 a well-qualified, enthusiastic and committed Learning Support Coordinator of a Key Stage.  The post is permanent and full-time, or 0.8 part-time.  The position would suit an experienced teacher.  

This is an excellent opportunity to join one of Oxfordshire’s largest and most successful schools judged ‘Outstanding by OFSTED in the latest inspection. Effective  administrative systems support the two sites.  Students are well-behaved and motivated, and there is a strong sense of community in Thame, with a committed parent support base.

We are exceptionally strong in terms of pastoral support for all students and have the highest expectations for individual achievement whatever the starting points. Outside the classroom there are wonderful extra-curricular activities for all.  Students leave the school successful and well-rounded individuals. There is a ‘buzz’ about learning in the school and our students are fortunate to be supported in their learning by dedicated teachers and support staff. Staff training and professional development are always a developmental priority and many of our staff move on to promotions in other schools.

The School

The school is the only school serving the market town of Thame and surrounding villages. It is a popular school and always oversubscribed. It is a split site school – Years 7-9 on our Lower School site and Years 10 -13 on our Upper School site. There are around 500 students in our Sixth Form and we attract many students from other schools, post-16. Teamwork is a key feature of school life and so is partnership with our feeder primary schools. There is a strong drive to establish powerful curriculum links cross phase with teachers collaborating on a range of projects.

The Learning Support Faculty

Lord Williams’s School has a very strong commitment to providing the best possible education to all students whatever their particular aptitudes, needs and circumstances. For students with special educational needs this is achieved, so far as is possible, by inclusion within mainstream classes and by the involvement of all staff. The range of needs supported is very wide and includes Cognition and Learning; Physical and Sensory; Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and Communication and Interaction.

The Learning Support Faculty at Lower School is in the main body of the campus and comprises a suite of rooms. It is well equipped for a variety of activities/interventions including three hubs: the Learning Hub, the Communication Interaction Hub and the SEMH Hub (1B).

At Upper School Learning Support is situated on the edge of the campus in a purpose-built building. Accommodation on both sites is of a good standard. 

The Learning Support Faculty aims to enable all students to participate fully in the life of the school and has three key areas of activity. 

Curriculum Support

Being aware of the key features of the curriculum

Helping staff to develop a differentiated curriculum

Advising staff about any changes needed to ensure access to the curriculum for all students

Mainstream Support

Developing strategies to support students with a range of specific needs, and seeking ways of ensuring the achievements of all students are recognised

Working in collaboration with curriculum teachers to help students make progress

Supporting and observing students in their mainstream lessons

Individual Support

Identifying and assessing students’ difficulties, and tracking their progress

Working with individuals to improve their literacy skills, social skills and relationships using a variety of skills and resources

Working in close co-operation with pastoral staff, parents and outside professionals/agencies to develop strategies to support under-achievement

The Learning Support Faculty has strong links to the Communication and Interaction [Autism] Resource Bases. We have reciprocal arrangements that allow students to move easily between the Bases and mainstream classes, and we are currently developing these links.  

In October 2011 the school received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted Report, which regarded the provision for students with special educational needs as very good. The Learning Support Faculty has also received a certification from ASDAN recognising Lord Williams’s as a ‘Centre of Excellence’.