SEN Teacher (8-10 pupil unit) ASD/SEMH

Deprivation does not determine destiny!

I hope that caught your attention.

I am Daniel, the executive headteacher of Mason Moor and St. Mary's - two schools totalling almost 1000 pupils in the city of Southampton. I was motivated to lead the schools, upon learning of their recent struggles - high teacher turnover, difficulty recruiting in the city and a lack of curriculum thinking to inspire and motivate the children.

I too grew up in a similar area to Mason Moor, in Manchester. I had a rocky start to education in a school that had suffered turbulence. I didn't read or write until I was at secondary, I had a statement of need and we were poor. I know the struggles that families who I serve face, because I've been in their shoes! My resolve to make a difference comes from a place of determination that we can change life-chances, improve a community and develop an institution that we can be proud of. Raising aspirations, therefore, is as big a part of the mission as raising their attainment. But it isn't for everyone and if you continue reading, I'm hoping it's because you might be that person!

The SEN Teacher role:

Thank you for your interest in our advertised SEN teacher role. We are looking to appoint an exceptional candidate to our dedicated school team. The successful candidate will be presented with the opportunity to progress within the family of schools if demonstrating the right impact.

This is an exciting role and one that will establish a new pathway curriculum, for children across both schools, who have diagnosed/pre-diagnosis specific learning needs.

Our SEN unit 'The Ark':

• Will cater for 8 - 10 children at Mason Moor.
• The SEN teacher will have a newly designed classroom, with access to EYFS outdoors.
• The children will enter as Reception (September 2023) and move through the school.
• Needs vary between SLCN (Speech/Lang/Communication), ASD and SEMH.
• The unit has access to an innovative outdoor classroom within a wooded area of the school to be integrated as part of the provision.
• The base has direct access to the school hall. This is equipped with space for sensory circuit development as well as physical exercise.
• Pupils will have 50% access to mainstream class teaching.
• The SEN unit will also be staffed with a HLTA and TAs.

The wider role of the SEN teacher:

The wider purpose of the role will be to liaise with mainstream class teachers in developing effective provision that meets the varying needs of children who are educated within the mainstream classroom. We hope that the candidate will be able to think creatively and strategically in devising provision for small groups of learners who require additional pathways in their learning journey.

We are passionate about inclusivity and celebrate our differences - this could be your opportunity to step up and become the architect of a new pathway for exceptional children.

Information about our school:

We are a small (one and a half form entry) primary school situated in the Millbrook ward of Southampton. We serve an increasingly diverse community and one where deprivation is high with many of our parents and carers living on Southampton’s largest social-housing estate.

In September 2022, we welcomed a new headteacher and newly established senior team. In September 2023, we aim to open a newly established Nursery provision. We will also admit children in Reception class to a SEN unit - called 'The Ark'.

Our offer to every teacher:

• We work closely with Southampton Inclusion Partnership (SIP) with tailored support from Clare Belli. We commission annual packages from SIP to develop and evaluate SEND provision.
• Cutting-edge technology for the planning and delivery of lessons. Use of multi-collaboration platforms to simplify the process of lesson planning.
• A device to help your planning, preparation and assessment.
• A ‘Staff wellbeing charter’ with perks including, a paid days leave throughout the year for personal wellbeing. A commitment to reduce planning.
• The introduction of a new curriculum for non-core subjects that includes the sequential planning, learning resources and visuals.

Application information:

Your interview day is a mutual process aligned to helping you to decide if this is the school to advance your career in. We aim to make the day as supportive as possible. Any questions pre or post application can be sent to Kevin Brown - School Operations Manager - on kevin.brown@stmaryspri.org.uk.

Conversations with the Headteacher are encouraged. It would be expected that the post holder can demonstrate strongly the competencies outlined in this post definition to be shortlisted for interview by the Governing Body.

As part of our safer recruitment routines (KCSIE 2022) para 220: we are conducting online presence checks for the internet and you will be asked for social media handles if shortlisted.