At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to provide exceptional education for children with complex needs.
- Company: Join VAL's Community, a supportive and inclusive organisation dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, ongoing training, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and professional development await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of children and young people with additional needs.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in SEN education are essential.
The predicted salary is between 33072 - 40560 £ per year.
Are you a passionate and experienced education leader looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities and complex needs? VAL's Community is an inclusive, supportive, and rewarding organisation providing specialist care and education for children and young people with Learning Disabilities, Autism, and associated health and social needs. We are looking for a dedicated Assistant Head Teacher to support the leadership and development of our school, ensuring every child receives an outstanding educational experience.
Location: On-site
Salary: £33,072.00 – £40,560.00 per year
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Term time only
About Us
Our SHINE values underpin everything we do and guide how we support our children and young people:
- SAFE – We create a safe and supportive environment where children feel secure and able to thrive.
- HAPPY – We make learning enjoyable, helping children feel settled, curious, and engaged.
- INCLUDED – We foster a strong sense of belonging, ensuring every child feels valued and included.
- NURTURED – We build trusting relationships and provide consistent encouragement so children can grow in confidence.
- EMPOWERED – We encourage independence, helping children develop their voice, make choices, and celebrate their achievements.
About the Role
As Lead Teacher, you will play a key role in the leadership and development of the school, supporting the Head Teacher to ensure outstanding educational experiences for all students. You will help create a positive learning environment where children with complex learning difficulties and low-functioning autism can thrive and make exceptional progress.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the orderly and continuous operation and development of the school
- Ensure the delivery of a personalised curriculum, high-quality teaching and learning, and effective pastoral support
- Promote high educational standards through effective use of the National Curriculum and individualised learning approaches
- Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards and Ofsted requirements
- Support the Head Teacher in maintaining the school's Single Central Register
- Lead the creation, implementation, and monitoring of the Self-Evaluation Form (SEF) and School Improvement Plan (SIP)
- Line manage and performance manage Teachers, Higher Level Teaching Assistants, Learning Support Assistants, and Teaching Assistants
- Conduct lesson observations, staff supervisions, and annual appraisals
- Monitor staff performance and ensure effective deployment of skills and resources
- Work collaboratively with the Principal and Registered Manager to develop student programmes, timetables, and whole-school targets
- Monitor and develop school timetables to ensure curriculum provision meets individual student needs
- Ensure the school environment remains safe, appropriate, and responsive to student needs, including risk assessments, audits, incident investigations, and health and safety checks
- Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of individual student support and curriculum plans
Qualifications & Experience
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – Essential
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent
- Evidence of continued professional development (CPD)
- Experience working with SEN pupils (minimum 1 year preferred)
- Leadership and management experience within an SEN school setting (minimum 1 year preferred)
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, SEND provision, and educational standards
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills
- A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with complex needs
Why Join Us?
- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people with additional needs
- Be part of a supportive and values-driven organisation
- Work alongside a passionate and experienced leadership team
- Ongoing training, professional development, and career progression opportunities
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of a growing specialist school
Benefits
- Casual dress
- Company pension scheme
- Employee discount programme
- Free on-site parking
- Referral programme
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
Important Information
- Applicants must be aged 21 or over
- All staff receive training in physical intervention techniques. As a last resort, physical blocks and restraints may be required. Applicants must be willing to undertake this aspect of the role
- All offers of employment are subject to safer recruitment checks, enhanced DBS clearance, and medical clearance
- Any relevant health conditions that may affect your ability to safely undertake the role should be declared during the application and interview process
Application Questions
- Are you able to travel to and from the place of work without disruption to your working or contracted hours?
- Do you require any reasonable adjustments to undertake this role? Please discuss this with our recruitment team.
- Can you confirm your willingness to undertake physical intervention training and, where necessary, use approved physical intervention techniques as part of your role?
If you're ready to take the next step in your educational leadership career and help create brighter futures for children and young people with complex needs, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today!
Lead Teacher - SEN School in Lincoln employer: Care & Education Management Services (CEMS)
At VAL's Community, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities. Our inclusive and supportive work culture fosters professional growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, while our SHINE values ensure a nurturing environment where both staff and students can thrive. Join us in a rewarding role as Lead Teacher, where you will collaborate with a passionate team and contribute to the strategic development of our specialist school.
Contact Details:
Care & Education Management Services (CEMS) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Teacher - SEN School in Lincoln
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know about openings before they're advertised or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching VAL's Community and their SHINE values. Show how your experience aligns with their mission to support children with complex needs. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to SEN teaching. Think about scenarios where you've made a difference in students' lives. We love hearing real-life examples that demonstrate your skills and commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Teacher - SEN School in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children with complex needs shine through. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight why you care about this role and how you can make a difference.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Teacher position. Highlight relevant experience, especially in SEN settings, and showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our SHINE values!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Care & Education Management Services (CEMS)
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs (SEN) and the specific challenges faced by children with learning disabilities and autism. Be ready to discuss how you've supported these students in the past and how you can apply that experience in this role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Teacher, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams, conducted lesson observations, or implemented school improvement plans. Highlight your experience in fostering a positive learning environment.
✨Emphasise Your Values
VAL's Community has core SHINE values: Safe, Happy, Included, Nurtured, and Empowered. Think about how your personal teaching philosophy aligns with these values and be ready to share specific instances where you've embodied them in your work.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to SEN, professional development opportunities, and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
