Teacher in Meopham

Salary Band: MP1 - UPS3 (depending on experience) + SEN allowance

Hours: Normal Teachers Hours + attend meetings and training courses outside normal work pattern.

Information about the school:

Helen Allison School is a welcoming and inclusive independent National Autistic Society day school. We cater for children on the autism spectrum aged 5-19 who have an Education, Health and Care plan. We are a small school that can take up to 83 pupils and on average has around 6 pupils per class. Our transdisciplinary team deliver an outstanding and highly effective service to support our children and young people. Our aim is to equip every pupil with strategies to overcome their barriers to learning; to nurture each young person’s talents and interests and to develop their self-esteem and well-being. We aim to offer a curriculum that meets the needs of all our pupils, to ensure pupils become the best version of themselves and embrace their individuality, creating an environment which can meet their learning needs. Helen Allison School has been recognised with Beacon Status following Autism Accreditation and Good with Outstanding features from OFSTED. Join us at the Helen Allison School, where every pupil’s success stories are celebrated.

Purpose of role:

The Helen Allison School are looking for a teacher who is passionate about working with pupils with Autism and who has the energy and enthusiasm to deliver creative and inspirational lessons. You need to ensure the quality of teaching and learning meets statutory requirements. You will need to work effectively within the transdisciplinary team to contribute to joint planning of the curriculum, which could include practical sensory approaches to learning and teaching. You will be responsible for high quality, autism specific education and development of a class/group of pupils with ASD enabling all pupils to make progress. We encourage applicants with knowledge of Early Years and the Primary Curriculum to apply. Applicants must have a creative approach to teaching pupils according to their educational needs, ensuring a curriculum is delivered to maximise pupils' progress.

Key responsibilities:

• Plan, develop and deliver a broad and balanced curriculum.
• Be accountable for student progress and gaps in learning, identifying ways to support all pupils' learning.
• Devise and implement an individualised educational programme in liaison with a multidisciplinary team.
• Assume responsibility for classroom management as well as the environment, pupils and staff including line management of class staff (with support and training).
• Assist in the development of the Curriculum.
• Report on and discuss pupil’s attainment, achievement and progress with parents and any other bodies that have statutory functions.
• Be responsible for monitoring, assessing, reporting, recording and evaluation of learning experiences.
• Provide the highest standard of support, assisting pupils in achieving their maximum potential through the implementation of the SPELL framework (ongoing training & support given).
• Manage a designated budget as required.
• Ensure the provision of an appropriately broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum for students in accordance with the aims of the school and the curricular policies determined by the Governing Body and Headteacher.
• Effectively manage and deploy support staff.

Wider Professional Responsibilities:

• Constantly seek strategies that will bring about improvement in your practice.
• Keep up to date with current practices in teaching and learning and school improvement and share these with staff.
• Meet all requirements of Teachers’ Standards.
• Work as part of a team in the planning and delivery of a creative and stimulating curriculum.
• Work collaboratively with others to develop effective professional relationships.
• Communicate and co-operate with relevant external bodies.
• Make a positive contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school.

Job Descriptions only reflect 80% of a role, and are not an exhaustive list of duties. You are expected to carry out other activities that are within the scope of the role.

Reporting to: Principal / Appropriate leadership member of staff

Person Specification:

The role would suit an experienced qualified (QTS) teacher with a keen interest and skills in working with pupils with Autism and commitment to ongoing professional development. The following are some of the qualities and qualifications we will be looking for in the successful applicant:

• Up to date knowledge of developments in education.
• Ability to articulate characteristics of effective teaching and learning for students of all abilities.
• Ability to delegate and support others to achieve specific targets.
• Ability to lead staff in a variety of contexts and by example where appropriate.
• Ability to take difficult decisions and convey outcomes clearly and sensitively.
• Commitment to the development of links with the wider community.

Skills & attributes:

• Ability to explain ideas clearly and succinctly.
• Ability to think analytically.
• Approachable, caring personality, with integrity and the ability to listen.
• A high level of commitment.
• Competent user of ICT to enhance learning.
• Flexibility and strength of character.
• Willingness to ask for advice and support where necessary.

Safeguarding Statement:

Helen Allison School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.