SEN Department Lead - Teacher in Oundle

Your career #EMATters! We are currently recruiting a Lead Teacher – Caterpillar Pod who inspires learning beyond the classroom. At EMAT, we value and celebrate our diverse workforce and are committed to innovation, inclusivity, and making a real impact. Join us to lead outstanding provision and help shape the learning journey of our youngest learners.

About EMAT

EMAT is an exciting, innovative, and growing organisation where we strive to do things differently, aligned with our core values and purpose: that every child deserves to be the best they can be. Our Trust was incorporated in July 2012 to establish, maintain, manage, and develop academies and free schools as world-class centres of excellence. We are a collaborative partnership that currently includes an all-through school in Northampton, a secondary school in Oundle, and five primary schools in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. By working for our Trust, you’ll be able to take advantage of a wealth of professional development and support opportunities, as well as a range of employee benefits. These include:

• Continuous professional development and training opportunities.
• Career and leadership opportunities within our growing family of schools.
• A confidential 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Flu jabs for all staff.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Access to health and wellbeing benefits, including an online GP.
• Access to an employee lifestyle savings platform.
• Generous family leave.

About the School

Castle Academy is a local school with a global vision, and this is at the very core of our curriculum offer. Every school in the East Midlands Academy Trust (EMAT) is committed to providing the highest standard of education so that all children are supported to be the best that they can be. This will be achieved by the delivery of a well-planned and highly effective inclusive curriculum which is driven by our values.

General Roles and Responsibilities:

The Lead Teacher – Caterpillar Pod, under the direction of the Head of School, will:

• Lead and coordinate teaching and learning for children in EYFS and KS1 with SEND, ensuring high-quality, individualised provision that supports each pupil’s progress and wellbeing.
• Be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Caterpillar Pod, including classroom organisation, resource management, and oversight of interventions.
• Plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality EYFS and KS1 teaching, adapting approaches to meet individual pupils’ needs.
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and professional support to colleagues within the Pod, fostering collaboration and reflective practice.
• Participate in statutory duties including Annual Reviews, EHCP consultations, and admissions, and work in partnership with parents, carers, and multi-agency teams.
• Maintain safeguarding standards, liaising with the DSL where appropriate, and ensure pupils’ safety both on-site and off-site.
• Lead by example, combining classroom teaching with leadership responsibilities, promoting the ethos and values of the Caterpillar Pod and Trust.

EMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). References will be taken up before interviews are offered. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, or age. EMAT encourage a “Speak Up” culture where colleagues are encouraged to raise any concerns relating to risk or wrongdoing. You will be responsible for ensuring that colleagues are supported where necessary to raise concerns without blame or recrimination and should pro-actively raise concerns should they come to your attention.