Primary Teacher (with capacity to teach Primary Art or Primary PE)

Salary – Main scale M1-M6 PLUS an additional SEN point

 ·        Full Time Permanent Position commencing 1st September 2023

 Due to increasing student numbers, we have a rare opportunity to join one of the country’s largest Special Schools for young people with a diagnosis of Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and Speech and Language Disorders. The split site school is located in the Derbyshire countryside, catering for approx. 120 young people in Years 4-13.

The School’s most recent OFSTED inspection in July 2022 graded the school as Outstanding in all areas. Our ethos of reflection and improvement means that we expect all our team members to continue improving their individual practice and that of the school as a collective.

We are looking for 2 candidates to join our Primary team. We would welcome candidates who are NQTs/ECTs or more experienced colleagues. We demand high expectations in all we do; flexibility, integrity, hard work, resilience and a deep desire to educate young people. In return you will receive fantastic support and training, incredible career development opportunities, and an impressive team working approach to education to make a real difference each day to the lives of some very unique individuals. The school prides itself on a flexible and innovative curriculum which, in terms of staffing, means we can recruit from a wide variety of backgrounds. We have a history of recruiting high quality teachers from the mainstream or SEND sector.

What experience are we looking for?

We are looking for 2 suitably trained colleagues who can teach across the breadth of the Key Stage 2 curriculum. A specific subject specialism in PE or Art where this is taught to the other Primary classes is required. There would be a pastoral element to this role too. This role is open to fully qualified teachers and may be suitable for NQTs/ECTs or experienced colleagues. A breadth of experiences within SEND or mainstream schools would be favourable, but it is not essential.

At this time we require the successful candidates to be able to teach (or be able to develop the skills, for those subjects specific to Alderwasley Hall) the following subject areas: Kst2 English, Kst2 Maths, Pastoral sessions (which can be adapted to incorporate Messy Maths, Outdoor Learning, Sensory Play and other activities needed by our students), Life Skills (a subject specific to Alderwasley Hall) and Literacy. This is however not an exhaustive list for future years as the timetable of a specialist school such as ours requires the flexibility to teach different subjects with enthusiasm and a willingness to develop new knowledge, skills and expertise. Due to the time spent away from education prior to starting at Alderwasley, and their own needs, our students in the Primary classes require their teachers to be have knowledge and an interest in Ks1 curriculum and Phonics teaching.

 What’s it like to work in our Specialist School?

We have a fantastic history of employing mainstream teachers who are looking to move into the rewarding world of special education. We have a clear focus on quality first teaching and developing learning practices to engage some amazing young people. We want teachers to have a love of learning and to love their subjects and inspire our students to feel the same. We need our teachers to be flexible in the use of teaching approaches and resources, willing to learn from their practice and from others in order to be successful. It is hard work but incredibly rewarding- often in tiny immeasurable ways. Our academic and non-academic outcomes are outstanding but we are constantly striving for more!

We have a strong focus on developing strategies to effectively teach our young people. Teaching and Learning Strategies, supported by Therapeutic support, and Research Informed Practice is delivered through a comprehensive CPD programme.

The successful candidates will work within a small but experienced teaching staff team, supported by a large and dedicated LSW (Learning Support Worker) team. There will also be an expectation to work alongside a team of dedicated and highly specialised Speech and Language and Occupational Therapists. This whole team approach is key to our excellent provision.

If you are an enthusiastic and inspirational teacher and you want to make a significant difference to the lives of young people then we would like to hear from you.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Bernardo Vega, Deputy Headteacher on 01629 822586, or Bernardo.vega@senadgroup.com.

If you have any specific recruitment questions then contact our recruitment team on 01885 488 096 Ext 12103

 Your letter of application should be no more than 2 sides of A4 and should include the following, as well as a description of how you meet the necessary person specification:

Why do you love teaching the subject(s) you currently teach?

Your values around education and how you embody them

What have you seen, read or heard about the school that inspires you?