At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire young minds through engaging English lessons and lead curriculum development.
- Company: Join a supportive and friendly school community at Fernways School.
- Benefits: Enjoy health programmes, discounts, cycle schemes, and generous life cover.
- Other info: Be part of a dedicated team committed to safeguarding and supporting children.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while growing in your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status with expertise in English and experience in SEND settings.
Are you passionate about supporting young minds and making a real difference in the classroom? We are seeking a motivated English Specialist Teacher and Key Stage Lead to join our dynamic team and help shape the future of our children and young people.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting the development and achievement of the school’s vision to secure success and improvement.
- Playing a major role in ensuring high quality education for all pupils and improvement in standards of learning and achievement in your Key Stage.
- Work in close partnership to ensure smooth transition between key stages.
- Helping to secure commitment of the wider community to the school in developing and maintaining effective networks within the Key Stage.
- Deliver high-quality, well-structured English lessons that inspire and challenge students, adapting teaching approaches to meet diverse learning needs.
- Model excellent practice in English teaching for staff, providing guidance and support.
- Collaborate with clinicians and parents to tailor teaching strategies that overcome barriers to learning.
- Ensure the curriculum integrates EHCP targets and supports progression towards students’ next steps and adulthood.
- Develop and embed strategies to enhance literacy skills, including systematic synthetic phonics, reading fluency, transcription skills, and communication.
- Regularly review and update the curriculum based on assessment data, research, and best practice.
- Take full responsibility for the leadership and management of an agreed subject.
- Help to ensure that pupils in the Key Stage develop life skills in order to learn more effectively and with increasing independence.
What we’re looking for:
- Qualified teacher status (QTS) with specialist expertise in English.
- Proven experience designing and leading English curriculum development, ideally in a SEND or ASD setting.
- Strong understanding of dyslexia, communication needs, and strategies for inclusive teaching.
- Experience with assessment and qualification frameworks (GCSE, Functional Skills, Entry Level).
Why join us?
- Supportive and friendly school community
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- A rewarding role where you’ll make a real impact!
We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children in our care. When you join Kedleston Group, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect a supportive environment which enables you to excel in your role and grow in your career. You will have access to an attractive benefits package including:
- Access to health and well-being programmes, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service
- Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform
- Cycle to work scheme
- Generous life cover
Who are we?
Fernways School is an independent specialist school which supports children and young people with an autism spectrum condition, the school has a lovely location in Windlesham, Surrey. Our focus is on maximising every child’s potential to develop into a confident, resilient, and skilled young person who will make a positive contribution to society and live as independent a life as possible. Fernways School is part of Kedleston Group. We specialise in providing specialist education for children aged 7-19 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These include autistic spectrum condition (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children are recruited to work for us. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and is subject to a range of vetting checks including a criminal records disclosure. We are a disability confident committed and equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
English Specialist Teacher and Key Stage Lead in Windlesham employer: Kedleston Group Ltd
At Fernways School, part of the Kedleston Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and friendly school community. Our commitment to ongoing training and development ensures that as an English Specialist Teacher and Key Stage Lead, you will have ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs. Located in the picturesque Windlesham, Surrey, our school offers a unique environment where your hard work is valued, and you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land English Specialist Teacher and Key Stage Lead in Windlesham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current teachers or staff at Fernways School on LinkedIn or social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Personal connections can really make a difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can demonstrate your passion for supporting young minds. Have some examples ready that showcase your experience with diverse learning needs and how you've adapted your teaching strategies in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your knowledge of the curriculum! Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in English education, especially in SEND settings. Being able to discuss how you would integrate EHCP targets into your lessons will definitely impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our supportive community at Fernways School.
We think you need these skills to ace English Specialist Teacher and Key Stage Lead in Windlesham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for teaching and supporting young minds shine through in your application. We want to see how you can make a real difference in the classroom, so share specific examples of your experiences and successes!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications and experience relevant to the role of English Specialist Teacher and Key Stage Lead. We’re looking for your expertise in English and any experience with SEND or ASD settings, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Be sure to connect your skills and experiences to the job description, and don’t forget to mention how you can help shape the future of our children and young people.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kedleston Group Ltd
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the English curriculum, especially how it applies to diverse learning needs. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to adapt lessons for students with SEND or ASD.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Teaching
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through. Share personal anecdotes that highlight your commitment to making a difference in students' lives and how you’ve inspired young minds in the classroom.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific classroom situations, particularly those involving dyslexia or communication needs. Think of examples from your experience where you successfully supported students facing these challenges.
✨Highlight Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with clinicians and parents, be prepared to discuss how you’ve effectively collaborated with others in the past. Share examples of how you’ve built strong relationships to support student learning and development.