At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape a new Vision Impairment Resource Base and provide exceptional support to students.
- Company: Oasis Academy Mayfield, a values-driven school in Southampton.
- Benefits: Professional development, supportive team, and a chance to influence school practice.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through innovative and inclusive education.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status with experience in supporting children with visual impairment.
- Other info: Join a community focused on kindness, pride, and determination.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Shape a new provision. Transform access. Lead the way. We are excited to be opening a brand new Vision Impairment Resource Base at Oasis Academy Mayfield and we are looking for a passionate, skilled Qualified Teacher of Vision Impairment (QTVI) to help shape it from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to build a specialist provision within a thriving, values driven school that is proud to serve its community. If you are motivated by inclusion, innovation and the chance to create something meaningful that will impact students for years to come, this role offers exactly that.
About Oasis Academy Mayfield
Oasis Academy Mayfield is a co-educational 11-16 secondary school in Southampton, serving a diverse and vibrant community. Our ethos is built on the Oasis values of Kindness, Pride and Determination, and we are committed to providing exceptional education at the heart of East Southampton. We are a Good school (Ofsted, 2024) with strong behaviour, a supportive culture and a clear vision for continuous improvement. Our curriculum is broad, ambitious and enriched through extensive extra-curricular opportunities, community partnerships and the Oasis Horizons programme, which provides every student and staff member with a laptop to enhance learning. This is an exciting moment in our development as we expand our inclusive offer through the creation of a dedicated Vision Impairment Resource Base, a provision that will sit at the centre of our commitment to equity and access for all.
About the Role
As our Specialist Teacher for Vision Impairment, you will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading high quality provision within the new resource base. You will help define the culture, systems and practice that ensure students with VI needs receive exceptional, personalised support. Your work will include:
- Delivering specialist teaching and support within the new VI resource base
- Providing expertise and guidance across the wider academy
- Teaching Braille where required
- Ensuring full curriculum access and entitlement for students with VI
- Training and supporting teachers and LSAs to meet VI needs confidently
- Delivering pre Key Stage (KS2) English and Maths for identified SEND groups
- Leading assessments, identifying needs and recommending specialist equipment
- Working closely with families, external agencies and the local authority advisory service
- Contributing to statutory processes, including annual reviews and ADPR cycles
This is a role where your expertise will directly shape the quality, identity and long term success of a new provision.
About You
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Qualified Teacher Status, with either the Mandatory Qualification for Vision Impairment (QTVI) or a commitment to undertake this training with our full support
- Experience supporting children and young people with VI and/or additional needs
- Confidence in advising and training colleagues
- Strong communication and partnership building skills
- A reflective, compassionate approach and a deep commitment to inclusive education
- Excellent organisation, adaptability and resilience
- Alignment with the Oasis ethos and our 9 Habits
- A contracted Braille qualification is desirable but not essential.
Why Join Us?
At Oasis Academy Mayfield, you will benefit from:
- The chance to shape a brand new resource base from its earliest stages
- A supportive Inclusion team and committed senior leadership
- Specialist CPD and Trust wide professional development
- Opportunities to influence whole school practice
- A culture that values wellbeing, collaboration and continuous improvement
- Access to the Oasis Horizons laptop programme
- A strong community ethos rooted in kindness, pride and determination
Your work will help define what outstanding VI provision looks like at Mayfield and will change the lives of the students who rely on it.
Visits and Applications
We warmly welcome visits so you can meet the team, explore the academy and see the vision for the new resource base.
Recruitment Timeline: Close date: 22nd February Interview date: 2nd March
Specialist Teacher - Visual Impairment in Portsmouth employer: Oasis Academy Mayfield
Contact Detail:
Oasis Academy Mayfield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Teacher - Visual Impairment in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to research Oasis Academy Mayfield. Understand their values and ethos, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you show them that you're not just a good fit for the role, but also for their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your teaching demo! If you're asked to deliver a lesson or presentation during the interview, make sure you prepare something engaging and relevant to the needs of students with visual impairments. Show off your creativity and passion for inclusive education!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff! If possible, reach out to teachers or staff members at Oasis Academy Mayfield before your interview. They can provide insights into the school's culture and what they value in a colleague, which can give you an edge during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Oasis Academy Mayfield site. This not only streamlines the process but also shows your genuine interest in being part of their exciting new vision impairment resource base.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Teacher - Visual Impairment in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for inclusive education shine through in your application. We want to see how motivated you are to make a difference for students with visual impairments and how you align with our values of kindness, pride, and determination.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who can lead the way in shaping our new Vision Impairment Resource Base, so be specific about how your background fits this role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. This helps us see your suitability at a glance!
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 exciting opportunity to shape a new provision at Oasis Academy Mayfield.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oasis Academy Mayfield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest teaching methods for students with visual impairments. Familiarise yourself with Braille and any specific tools or resources that can aid learning. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences working with children who have visual impairments or additional needs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported their learning and development, as this will highlight your suitability for the position.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since you'll be training and supporting other teachers and LSAs, demonstrate your ability to work well in a team. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with colleagues in the past to create inclusive learning environments.
✨Align with the Values
Familiarise yourself with Oasis Academy Mayfield's ethos of Kindness, Pride, and Determination. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you plan to contribute to the school's community-focused approach.