At a Glance
- Tasks: Teach and inspire KS3/KS4 students with diverse needs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Rodenhurst School, a specialist independent SEND provision in Shropshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, small class sizes, consistent support, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on staff wellbeing and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a calm, rural setting.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and experience in teaching or SEND settings.
The predicted salary is between 39900 - 39900 £ per year.
Rodenhurst School is a small, specialist independent SEND provision for pupils aged 6-16 with Autism, ADHD, SEMH needs and communication differences. Many of our pupils have experienced disrupted education or periods out of school. Our role is to re-engage them in learning through a calm, structured and relationship-led approach.
Our curriculum is built around three pathways:
- Engage & Communicate
- Explore & Apply
- Achieve & Aspire
This allows all pupils to access an ambitious, language-rich curriculum matched to their developmental stage rather than age.
We are seeking a reflective and committed teacher to work across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, delivering a primary-model curriculum within a specialist SEND setting. You will teach a small class (maximum five pupils), supported by consistent Learning Support Assistants, and deliver a personalised curriculum that balances academic outcomes with communication, regulation and independence.
You will support pupils working towards:
- Functional Skills (English & Maths)
- Entry Level qualifications
- AQA Unit Awards / similar accreditation pathways
Key Responsibilities
You will:
- Plan and deliver engaging, well-sequenced lessons across KS3 and KS4
- Adapt curriculum content to meet a wide range of needs
- Deliver accredited pathways appropriate to pupil readiness
- Use low-arousal, relational and trauma-informed approaches
- Embed communication strategies (visuals, modelling, scaffolding)
- Work collaboratively with LSAs and the wider team
- Monitor and support progress in both academic and developmental outcomes
- Oversee key pupil documentation, including risk assessments, regulation plans and APDRs
- Work alongside the SENCo to support the annual review process
Our Approach
Teaching at Rodenhurst is:
- Structured and predictable
- Language-rich and communication-focused
- Therapeutic and relationship-led
- Adapted to support all learners
Why Work at Rodenhurst?
- Very small class sizes with high staff ratios
- Consistent LSA support in every class
- A clear, well-structured curriculum model
- Strong focus on staff wellbeing and sustainability
- Supportive and visible leadership
- High-quality CPD in SEND, communication and curriculum delivery
- Opportunities to develop experience in KS4 accreditation pathways
- A calm, rural setting with access to outdoor learning
Who This Role Is For
This role would suit:
- Teachers with KS3 and/or KS4 experience
- Teachers with experience of Functional Skills, Entry Level or similar qualifications
- SEND or SEMH practitioners
- Secondary teachers seeking a more personalised approach
- Primary teachers looking to develop KS4 experience
- Teachers transitioning from mainstream into SEND
Person Specification
You will:
- Hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Have at least one year of teaching experience
- Be confident in planning and adapting the curriculum
- Be reflective, adaptable and emotionally intelligent
- Understand the importance of communication and emotional regulation in learning
- Be committed to developing specialist SEND practice
- Be fully committed to a trauma-responsive approach, demonstrating the ability to translate trauma-informed principles into consistent, responsive practice
Safeguarding
Rodenhurst School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including Enhanced DBS clearance, references, and online checks in line with statutory guidance.
KS3/KS4 Specialist Teacher in Norton employer: Family Care Group
Rodenhurst School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing environment where teachers can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. With very small class sizes, consistent support from Learning Support Assistants, and a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, you will find ample opportunities for professional development in a calm, rural setting that promotes outdoor learning. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values reflective practice and fosters a collaborative approach to education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land KS3/KS4 Specialist Teacher in Norton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Rodenhurst School and its approach. Understand their curriculum pathways and be ready to discuss how your teaching style aligns with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! Be ready to share examples of how you've tailored your teaching methods to meet diverse needs, especially in a SEND context.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Rodenhurst.
We think you need these skills to ace KS3/KS4 Specialist Teacher in Norton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role at Rodenhurst School. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our calm and structured environment.
Showcase Your Passion for SEND:Let us know why you're passionate about working with pupils with SEND. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to supporting their learning and development.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Rodenhurst School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Family Care Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the curriculum pathways at Rodenhurst School. Understand how to adapt lessons for pupils with SEND needs, and be ready to discuss specific strategies you’ve used in the past to engage students with Autism, ADHD, or SEMH challenges.
✨Show Your Reflective Side
Be prepared to talk about your teaching philosophy and how you reflect on your practice. Share examples of how you've adapted your approach based on student feedback or outcomes, especially in a small class setting.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Highlight your experience working collaboratively with Learning Support Assistants and other staff. Discuss how you’ve successfully integrated support into your lessons and how you value the role of teamwork in achieving positive outcomes for students.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Since the role requires a trauma-informed approach, be ready to discuss how you manage classroom dynamics and support emotional regulation. Share specific instances where you’ve helped students navigate their emotions and stay engaged in learning.
