At a Glance
- Tasks: Create a unique outdoor learning experience for a child with special educational needs.
- Company: Innovative alternative provision school focused on personalised education.
- Benefits: Consistent hours, excellent work-life balance, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Transform education for a vulnerable learner in a supportive, outdoor environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and Level 3 Forest School Leader essential.
- Other info: Immediate start available; enjoy autonomy in your teaching approach.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a specialist 1:1 Support Teacher who can redefine what "school" looks like for a child who needs a different approach. Based at our Burnley AP, you will be responsible for delivering a highly bespoke, outdoor-led curriculum for a pupil with Autism and a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile. This role is about moving away from the traditional classroom. You will utilise your Forest School qualification to foster a low-arousal, interest-led environment where the student can feel safe, empowered, and ready to learn.
Responsibilities
- Curriculum Innovation: Design and deliver a 1:1 educational program that integrates Forest School principles with core learning goals.
- PDA-Specific Strategy: Implement non-directive teaching methods, using collaboration and declarative language to navigate demand avoidance.
- Emotional Regulation: Act as a co-regulator for the student, using the outdoor environment to manage sensory needs and reduce anxiety.
- Assessment & Reporting: Track progress through qualitative observations, ensuring the student's EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) outcomes are met through creative evidence gathering.
Qualifications
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS) or significant equivalent experience in a specialised teaching capacity.
- Forest School Qualification: Level 3 Forest School Leader is essential.
- PDA Expertise: A deep understanding of the PDA profile and recognition that traditional behavioural strategies (rewards/consequences) are often ineffective and know how to adapt.
- Resilience: The ability to remain calm and objective during periods of high anxiety or challenging behaviour.
- Autonomy: The freedom to lead an outdoor curriculum without the constraints of a standard four-walled classroom.
- Impact: A rare opportunity to provide the intensive, 1:1 support that changes the educational trajectory for a vulnerable learner.
Hours & Start
- Hours: A consistent 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM schedule, offering an excellent work-life balance within an AP setting.
- Note: This position is an immediate start. We are looking for someone who can step in ASAP to provide the stability this student requires.
1:1 Forest School Lead Teacher (SEND) in Burnley employer: Forest School
Contact Detail:
Forest School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 1:1 Forest School Lead Teacher (SEND) in Burnley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its ethos before your interview. Research their approach to education, especially how they integrate outdoor learning and support for students with SEND. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their unique environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some examples of how you've successfully supported students with similar needs in the past. Think about specific strategies you've used that align with the Forest School principles and how you've adapted your teaching methods to meet individual requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
During the interview, be ready to discuss your understanding of PDA and how it influences your teaching style. Share your insights on non-directive methods and how you create a low-arousal environment that empowers students to learn at their own pace.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for the role! Show them that you’re excited about the opportunity to make a real difference in a child's life. And remember, if you find this position appealing, apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace 1:1 Forest School Lead Teacher (SEND) in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning: When writing your application, let your love for outdoor education shine through! Share any experiences you've had with Forest School principles and how they can transform a child's learning experience.
Highlight Your PDA Expertise: Make sure to emphasise your understanding of the PDA profile. We want to see how you can adapt your teaching methods to meet the unique needs of the student, so give us examples of your strategies!
Be Creative in Your Approach: This role is all about innovation, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Use your application to showcase your creative ideas for a bespoke curriculum that integrates both core learning goals and Forest School principles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forest School
✨Know Your Forest School Principles
Make sure you brush up on the key principles of Forest School education. Be ready to discuss how you can integrate these principles into a bespoke curriculum for the student. Think about specific examples from your experience that showcase your ability to create an outdoor-led learning environment.
✨Understand PDA Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the nuances of Pathological Demand Avoidance. Prepare to explain how your teaching strategies will adapt to meet the needs of a child with this profile. Share any past experiences where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, highlighting your non-directive teaching methods.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Regulation Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you manage your own emotions and help students regulate theirs, especially in high-anxiety situations. Think of specific scenarios where you've acted as a co-regulator and how the outdoor environment played a role in calming the situation.
✨Demonstrate Your Autonomy in Teaching
This role offers the freedom to lead without traditional constraints, so be ready to talk about how you thrive in such environments. Share examples of how you've designed and delivered innovative educational programmes independently, focusing on the impact it had on your students' learning.