At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and support students with profound learning difficulties in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Beacon Hill Academy, an Outstanding Academy dedicated to innovative education.
- Benefits: Comprehensive ECT induction, mentoring, and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to professional growth and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher or nearing qualification, eager to learn and collaborate.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Beacon Hill Academy - Thurrock is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and passionate Early Career Teacher to join our innovative, passionate, and forward-thinking team as an SEN Class Teacher. This is an exciting opportunity for a teacher at the beginning of their career to develop their practice within a highly supportive and nurturing SEND environment.
We are an Outstanding Academy for pupils aged 2 to 19 with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), where ‘achievement has no boundaries’. As noted by Ofsted (2025), ‘Beacon Hill is an inspirational learning community; the staff are passionate about providing pupils with the best possible learning experiences’. As a specialist setting exclusively for pupils with PMLD, we provide highly personalised, holistic learning experiences that support communication, physical development, and engagement with the world. We do not cater for pupils with an ASD diagnosis.
Candidate Profile
- Is a qualified teacher (or due to qualify) and currently looking to complete their ECT Training
- Is reflective, eager to learn and open to coaching and feedback
- Is passionate about creating inventive, engaging, and personalised learning experiences
- Has excellent problem-solving skills and can respond flexibly to the complex needs of pupils
- Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and values collaboration
- Has effective communication skills and can build positive relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues
- Is aspirational for all learners and committed to helping all pupils reach their full potential
- Is reflective, resilient, and committed to improving their practice
While experience in a SEN setting is advantageous, it is not essential. We welcome applications from Teachers in other settings who are eager to develop their practice in specialist education.
What We Offer
- A comprehensive ECT induction programme with a dedicated mentor, protected development time and high-quality training
- Opportunities to plan and work together as a team alongside highly experienced colleagues
- A calm, friendly environment with a balanced, creative curriculum where opportunities for innovation are encouraged
- A strong culture of collaboration, coaching, and professional support
- Excellent opportunities for career progression with a skilled and dedicated team
- We also recognise the importance of staff wellbeing and work-life balance. In addition to a supportive working environment, we offer a two-week October half term.
We have two sites, Main Site, South Ockendon and Post 16 located in Grays. The successful candidate could be expected to work on either site if required.
The Board of Trustees are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS with a barred list check, including an online search, and where necessary, an overseas check (Certificate of Good Conduct). This post is being recruited under the Safer Recruiting framework, ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of pupils come first and is in accordance with KCSiE.
Early Career Teacher – SEN Class Teacher employer: Beacon Hill Academy
Beacon Hill Academy is an outstanding employer for Early Career Teachers, offering a nurturing and innovative environment where you can develop your skills in a specialist setting for pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, professional development, and staff wellbeing, you will benefit from a comprehensive ECT induction programme, dedicated mentorship, and ample opportunities for career progression. Located in Thurrock, our calm and friendly atmosphere encourages creativity and innovation, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Career Teacher – SEN Class Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow teachers, mentors, or even alumni from your training programme. They might have insider info on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty with some volunteering or shadowing in SEN settings. This not only boosts your CV but also shows your commitment and passion for working with pupils with PMLD.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to SEN teaching. Think about how you'd handle various situations and be ready to share your ideas on creating engaging learning experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Career Teacher – SEN Class Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through in your application. We want to see how passionate you are about creating engaging and personalised learning experiences for our pupils with PMLD.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Early Career Teacher role. Highlight any relevant experiences, even if they’re from different settings, that demonstrate your eagerness to learn and grow in a SEN environment.
Be Reflective:We value candidates who are reflective and open to feedback. Share examples of how you've adapted your teaching methods based on past experiences or feedback, showing us your commitment to improving your practice.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us get to know you better.
How to prepare for a job interview at Beacon Hill Academy
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs, particularly around Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). Familiarise yourself with strategies that support communication and engagement for these pupils. This will show your passion and readiness to create personalised learning experiences.
✨Showcase Your Reflective Practice
Be prepared to discuss how you've reflected on your teaching practices in the past. Share specific examples of feedback you've received and how you've used it to improve. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and grow, which is key for an Early Career Teacher.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since collaboration is crucial in a multidisciplinary team, think of examples where you've worked effectively with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built positive relationships with colleagues and families. This will resonate well with their team-oriented culture.
✨Bring Your Problem-Solving A-Game
Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've had to adapt your teaching approach to meet complex needs. Show them your flexibility and creativity in problem-solving. They want to see that you can think on your feet and respond to challenges in a supportive way.
