Learning Support Teacher and Access Arrangements Coordinator

A capable, fully qualified and dedicated learning support teacher is required at this academically selective, coeducational North London day school. The role includes the position of Access Arrangements (AA) coordinator, as well as teaching pupils with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and special educational needs. 

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 note-taking, study skills and time management 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. The post will suit a specialist who is already qualified as a specialist assessor and has a good understanding of the JCQ and Cambridge International (CIE) rules and regulations or a teacher who is a quick learner and wishes to take on the course to become one. The school is willing to train a suitable candidate.

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 successful applicant will coordinate the Access Arrangement process in the school and adhere to the JCQ and CIE regulations and deadlines by ensuring that all paperwork meets their standards and applications are made on time. This involves assessing pupils, interpreting data and feedback, working closely with outside professionals and communicating with parents. The successful applicant will take responsibility for Key Stages 4 and 5 pupils, in terms of both the administration of learning support and providing individual tuition to pupils and will become one of eleven learning support teachers within the Highgate Foundation’s three schools, reporting to the Director of Learning Support (Foundation) based in the Senior School.

For further details please see our website - Learning Support Teacher and Access Arrangements Coordinator