At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire students with complex learning needs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join Polam Hall School, a vibrant community dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development, and a positive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus experience in SEN support required.
- Other info: Be part of a school rated 'Good' by Ofsted, with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 26944 - 32597 £ per year.
Lead SEN Practitioner – Polam Hall School (Woodard Academies Trust) (Ref: N/A)
Salary £26,944 Grade G20 (FTE £32,597) Salary Band £20,001 to £30,000 Post Type Please See Advert Text Hours Per Week Please see advert text
Job and Application details
Categories Schools – Teacher
Directorate N/A Published Date 23/09/2025 Closing Date 08/10/2025
Polam Hall School – Darlington
Lead SEN Practitioner: Cognition and Learning
Post is term time only 37hrs per week, Monday – Friday.
Posted: 23rd September 2025
Interviews held: 15th October 2025
Polam Hall School wishes to appoint an enthusiastic and experienced individual, from either a psychology and or educational background, to the following post:
Lead SEN Practitioner: Cognition and Learning
The successful candidate will be based in the Special Educational Needs base (Ancora) and will be responsible for teaching a cohort of pupils aged mainly between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 with complex cognition and learning needs working below age related expectations.
The post requires the Lead Special Educational Needs Practitioner to work under the direction of the SENCO:
- To create a purposeful and effective academic support curriculum for pupils working below Age Related Expectations in Ancora which enables pupils to achieve.
- To deliver 1 to 1 and small group academic support lessons in line with the teaching and learning framework and SEN Policy.
- To coordinate, timetable and record pupil learning on school systems including Provision Map and Arbor.
- To contribute and when appropriate lead on all matters relating to the curriculum regarding design and implementation with emphasis on good quality of teaching and learning.
- To liaise with Heads of Phase, Heads of Faculty and teachers to ensure that an appropriate curriculum is designed, planned and delivered to pupils accessing this provision.
- To ensure that curriculum content is connected to the pupil’s cohort’s curriculum to keep abreast with peers.
- To ensure that teaching is adapted and suitable to stretch, challenge and support each pupil, including developing a range of resources and adapting pedagogical styles to suit the needs of each learner and will promote effective learning.
- To be accountable for pupil progress and performance and standards achieved in groups taught.
- To mark work providing feedback and target setting, ensuring that feedback is acted upon.
- To create and maintain a welcoming, well-ordered teaching space which is inviting and has a sense of purpose
- To liaise with parents and carers, including attending parent evenings as agreed in the annual calendar.
- To keep accurate records of pupils, curriculum and impact.
- To keep abreast of developments, local and national within the area of SEN.
- To promote the use of the school awards.
- To uphold school expectations regarding pupil conduct and deal with any unacceptable behaviour in line with the school behaviour policy.
- To promote and safeguard the welfare of all pupils.Qualifications at GCSE (or equivalent) are essential including in English and Maths as well as a Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning or equivalent.
- Experience of working with complex needs SEN Support are essential.
- Experience of working in a Primary setting with Key Stage 2 would also be an advantage.
This is a permanent post in so far is subject to continued funding for SEN pupils.
Our School:
Polam Hall School is a 4 – 16 years all-through academy and is part of Woodard Academies Trust and delighted to have been rated Good by Ofsted in October 2021 and strives to be Outstanding upon their return. We have 830 pupils on roll with 1.5 form entry in our Primary Phase whilst over the last four years our secondary phase has increased from three to four forms of entry. Polam Hall is a school with a unique and long history, which today is proud to be a fully comprehensive school serving the young people of Darlington. Our mission is to educate the whole child, developing leadership, compassion, character and academic ambition, through the combination of our Academic and Concordia Crescimus curricula. We have high expectations and aspirations for every member of our school community.
Polam Hall is a community where staff and students work together for common goals. We make every effort to develop our staff team, offering professional development opportunities and the chance to be part of a wider Trust, yet retaining the friendly atmosphere of a small school. We are looking for energetic and enthusiastic people to join our team, who have children at the heart of their practice and who will help us to drive forward our aim: to deliver an outstanding education to every single one of our pupils.
For further information about the role, please speak to Steph Lyle, SEND Manager.
Please note you should use the supporting statement section of the application form to clearly evidence your ability to meet the requirements outlined in the person specification. The information in this section will be used to shortlist applicants for the role and therefore it is important that you provide enough detail to give a full picture of your skills and experience and what you can contribute to teaching and learning at Polam Hall.
Polam Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
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Lead SEN Practitioner - Polam Hall School (Woodard Academies Trust) employer: Darlington Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Darlington Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead SEN Practitioner - Polam Hall School (Woodard Academies Trust)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Polam Hall School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they look for in candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEN practices. Think about how you can demonstrate your experience with complex needs and how you can contribute to the school's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead SEN Practitioner - Polam Hall School (Woodard Academies Trust)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their learning shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Use the supporting statement section wisely! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to meet the requirements outlined.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and make sure your passion for education comes across without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at Polam Hall School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Darlington Borough Council
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs, especially around cognition and learning. Familiarise yourself with the latest strategies and frameworks in SEN education, as this will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported students with complex needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Engage with the Curriculum
Understand the curriculum at Polam Hall School and think about how you can contribute to it. Be ready to discuss how you would adapt lessons to meet the needs of pupils working below age-related expectations, demonstrating your ability to create an inclusive learning environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the school's approach to SEN or how they measure pupil progress. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.