Specialist Class Teacher Key Stage 3/4

At Acorn Care and Education, we pride ourselves on helping the most vulnerable and hard to place children maximise their potential. This is an exciting time of growth at Acorn and we are seeking an exceptional candidate who is inspirational, passionate and dedicated to raising student achievement through the delivery of a personalised and engaging learning experience.  

We are currently recruiting for a specialist classroom teacher at Longdon Park, our ‘outstanding’ school (OFSTED, March 2015), situated in Egginton, South Derbyshire  Longdon Park School is a co-educational day school catering for pupils aged 7-18 with autistic spectrum conditions, complex educational needs, communication difficulties and challenging behaviour. We are committed to raising achievement and enabling pupils to recognise their potential and supporting them through a personalised, engaging curriculum. Our priority is to develop the foundation knowledge and skills required to make a manageable and smooth transition to the next life stage. We will offer an outstanding therapeutic, supportive learning environment where our young people accept responsibility for their actions, make positive decisions and display pro-social behaviour.   

We require a qualified and experienced Key Stage 3 and/or 4 teacher who has a proven track record of working successfully with pupils with a range of complex learning and special educational needs and has the ability to make a significant contribution to our team.   The successful candidate will preferably be able to teach either Science or English to examination level and have some experience of working with young people with a range of complex needs including autism spectrum conditions. A commitment to training and liaison with the onsite therapy team to support best practice would be an integral part of the role.   In working to meet the educational and emotional needs of their class cohort the successful candidate will need to be innovative, nurturing and reflective practitioner who can demonstrate the willingness to adapt and learn. We are looking for an individual with high expectations and standards who can offer excellent behavioural management skills in line with ASD best practice guidelines.  Furthermore, a commitment to creative and flexible curriculum design & planning that takes into account the sensory needs of our pupils is essential and would demonstrate an understanding of the potential challenges of both the classroom and outdoor learning environment for the young person with complex learning needs, communication difficulties and ASD.   The ability to contribute to the development of our school is essential and we believe that energy, passion and a commitment to high standards are key characteristics required. We are looking for a special individual who is able to help inspire and re-engage the young people that we serve. This is an opportunity for the successful candidate to develop their skills and experience in a challenging, motivating and highly rewarding environment.   Applications for this post are invited from colleagues offering SEN experience, from mainstream schools and other educational settings.  

For an informal discussion by telephone or in person, please contact, in the first instance, Nyree Parker, Acting Head of School (01283) 733195.  This position is due to commence as soon as possible (subject to all necessary safeguarding checks including verified references and DBS checks).  

Closing Date:  Tuesday 20th December 2016   (Midday)

Acorn Care and Education are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to fully Enhanced DBC Check