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 collaborative team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status or in training, with a passion for special education.
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 in South Ockendon employer: Beacon Hill Academy
Beacon Hill Academy is an outstanding employer for Early Career Teachers, offering a nurturing and supportive environment that prioritises professional development and staff wellbeing. With a comprehensive ECT induction programme, opportunities for collaboration with experienced colleagues, and a strong focus on work-life balance, this academy fosters a culture of innovation and growth, making it an ideal place for passionate educators to thrive in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Career Teacher – SEN Class Teacher in South Ockendon
✨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 involved in local education events or workshops. Not only will you learn something new, but you'll also meet potential employers and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow schools and educational organisations on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Engage with their posts and show your passion for teaching and SEN.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our amazing team at Beacon Hill Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Career Teacher – SEN Class Teacher in South Ockendon
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 CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We love seeing how candidates align their backgrounds with our values and the specific needs of our SEND environment.
Be Reflective:Share examples of how you've learned from past experiences and how you're open to feedback. We value candidates who are reflective and eager to grow, so don’t hold back on showcasing your journey!
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised!
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.
✨Show Your Reflective Side
Be prepared to discuss how you've reflected on your teaching practice in the past. Think of specific examples where you've sought feedback and made changes based on it. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and grow, which is crucial for an Early Career Teacher.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since collaboration is key in a multidisciplinary team, come ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively with others. Highlight any experiences where you’ve contributed to a team effort or supported colleagues, as this will resonate well with their values.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Beacon Hill Academy's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your teaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to providing the best possible learning experiences. Showing that you’re on board with their vision will make a strong impression.