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 through personalised teaching and a calm approach.
- 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 York 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, educators are empowered to deliver a personalised curriculum in a calm, rural setting that promotes outdoor learning and professional growth opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land KS3/KS4 Specialist Teacher in York
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who work with SEND. They might know of 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 lessons for diverse needs. This will highlight your fit for the role and the school's ethos.
✨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 York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When writing your application, let your passion for working with SEND pupils shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting diverse learning needs and how you’ve made a difference in similar settings.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the KS3/KS4 Specialist Teacher role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in delivering personalised curriculums and using trauma-informed approaches, to show us you’re the right fit for our school.
Be Reflective and Honest:We value reflection and honesty in our team. In your application, don’t hesitate to discuss challenges you’ve faced in teaching and how you’ve learned from them. This shows us your growth mindset and adaptability, which are key in our environment.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application 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 and teaching methods used at Rodenhurst School. Brush up on how to deliver a primary-model curriculum and be ready to discuss how you would adapt lessons for pupils with SEND needs.
✨Show Your Passion for SEND
Demonstrate your commitment to working with pupils who have Autism, ADHD, and SEMH needs. Share personal experiences or strategies you've used in the past that highlight your understanding of trauma-informed approaches and how they can benefit students.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific classroom situations. Think about examples where you’ve successfully engaged students or adapted your teaching style to meet diverse needs. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show you’re genuinely interested in the role and the school’s approach. Inquire about professional development opportunities in SEND or how the team collaborates to support pupil progress.
