Specialist Support Centre Class Teacher

Sidegate is a vibrant three-form entry primary school in the north of Ipswich. The school hosts a 25 place Specialist Support Centre for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, giving approximately 655 pupils on roll. The school boasts large grounds, an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium and excellent ICT provision. We pride ourselves in the broad and engaging curriculum we offer our pupils; sport and culture feature highly and are used to enhance the curriculum in all areas.

The school received a “Good” Ofsted rating in April 2017.

Pupils in our Specialist Support Centre all have Education and Health Care Plans for Moderate Learning Difficulties with a complexity of need (these include a range of genetic, neurological and behavioural disorders). All pupils are admitted to the SSC through application from mainstream schools to a Local Authority admissions panel. The panel consists of representatives for all schools with SSCs, as well as LA representatives.

Our SSC is split into two classes of approximately 11 children. The children are split according to age and ability. Usually our lower age range class hosts children from Year 1 to Year 3 and the older age range from Year 4 to Year 6. The pupils follow a curriculum that is modified to meet their abilities and interests. Alongside developing academic skills, we focus on developing their language, social and life skills. The curriculum is being further enhanced by the development of a Forest Schools approach to much of the learning. We work in close collaboration with other schools with SSCs, regularly planning joint, high-quality CPD.

We are recruiting for a class teacher for the younger age range. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified teacher with an interest in working with children with SEND. Experience of working with SEND pupils is preferred but not absolutely necessary as, if the successful candidate is keen to learn and full of enthusiasm, we have experienced staff that will be able to mentor and coach them.

Sidegate became an academy in May 2014 with The Active Learning Trust (ALT). ALT pride themselves in allowing each of their schools to develop a curriculum that meets the needs of the pupils in the school. They work closely with the school, providing specialist advisory support as necessary and offering excellent middle-leadership development through a range of in-school support. We work closely with other schools in the ALT Ipswich Hub and the Northgate Pyramid of Schools.

The successful candidate will:
• Be an excellent classroom practitioner;
• Preferably have experience of teaching pupils with a range of SEND, particularly MLD (see above);
• Preferably have experience of teaching in EYFS and/or KS1;
• Preferably have experience of assessing using P-scales;
• Be very patient and consistent in their approach to behaviour management;
• Be confident in adapting the curriculum to meet the needs of pupils;
• Be able to lead and work alongside a small team of dedicated teaching assistants;
• Have the resilience required to meet the demands a SSC classroom.

Further information on our school can be found by visiting our website www.sidegate.net. An application form can be downloaded from the TES site or our school website and should be returned with a covering letter either by email to the Headteacher’s PA toni.cornish@sidegate.net or by post to Sidegate Primary School, Sidegate Lane, Ipswich, IP4 4JD.

Applications must be received by: 9am on Wednesday 31st January.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to visit the school for a morning on 4th, 5th or 6th February, to observe the class in preparation for interview.

Interviews are scheduled for: Thursday 6th February 2018.