Lead SEND Teacher in Somerset

Bridgwater College Academy is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and compassionate LEAD SEND Teacher to join our specialist ASC Polden Centre, working with students who have autism and other needs such as ADHD. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a highly skilled team who are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing and aspirational learning environment for all students. This is a full-time position.

About the Role

• Support the Head of Centre, SEND teaching team and support staff team (LSAs) to provide teaching and learning as well as personal development and wellbeing in line with students' EHCP needs.
• Support the centre staff team with professional development, so that they are equipped to support the students in the best possible way.
• Deputise in absence of the Head of Centre.
• Complement the work of teachers by planning, delivering and evaluating structured learning activities for individual pupils, small groups, and whole classes.
• Support the academic, social and emotional development of students with autism through high quality interventions and targeted in-class support.
• Contribute to assessment, monitoring and reporting of pupil progress.
• Promote independence, positive behaviour, engagement and inclusion.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, wider school colleagues, and external agencies and families.
• Play an active role in creating a safe, purposeful and nurturing learning environment within the Polden Centre.
• Promote Inclusion within the centre and across the wider school community.

This role is varied, rewarding and impactful - ideal for someone passionate about making a difference for young people with SEND and with an interest in developing their own leadership skills.

About You

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Has experience teaching students with SEND (either in specialist or mainstream settings).
• Understands how to adapt lessons, manage behaviour positively and meet a range of learning needs.
• Is reflective, enthusiastic and committed to professional development.
• Builds strong relationships with students, staff and families.

What We Offer

• Employee Reward Scheme including high street discounts and a staff wellbeing centre.
• A supportive, skilled and welcoming SEND team.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in a well-resourced specialist provision.

We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge, skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don’t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply. We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, employer pension contribution of at least 19%, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work-life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part-time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.

We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.