At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage and inspire students with tailored lessons in a supportive SEND environment.
- Company: Rodenhurst School, a specialist independent provision for pupils with diverse needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, small class sizes, and strong focus on staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a calm, rural setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in KS3/KS4 or SEND settings.
The predicted salary is between 39900 - 39900 £ per year.
Location: Rodenhurst School, Shropshire
Client / Employer: Occupop
Job reference: cdc1bfc1453a7fb75639a0d29773b737
Listing type: Basic
EU work permit required: No
Posted: Permanent | Full-time | Term time + 5 INSET days
Salary: Up to £39,900 per annum (dependent on experience)
About Us
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.
Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 employer: Occupop
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 both professional growth and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land KS3/KS4 Specialist Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local job fairs, and join online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a teaching position at a place like Rodenhurst School.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s approach and values. Familiarise yourself with their curriculum model and think about how your teaching style aligns with their focus on communication and emotional regulation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tailored lessons for diverse learning needs. Highlight your experience with SEND practices and how you can contribute to a calm, structured environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace KS3/KS4 Specialist Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the KS3/KS4 Specialist Teacher role. Highlight your experience with SEND and how you can adapt the curriculum to meet diverse needs.
Showcase Your Teaching Style:Use your written application to give us a glimpse of your teaching philosophy. Talk about how you create engaging, structured lessons and your approach to building relationships with pupils.
Emphasise Collaboration:Mention your experience working with Learning Support Assistants and other team members. We value collaboration, so let us know how you’ve successfully worked in a team to support pupil learning.
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 fantastic opportunity at Rodenhurst School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Occupop
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) before the interview. Understand the specific needs of pupils with Autism, ADHD, and SEMH challenges, and be ready to discuss how you would adapt your teaching methods to support these learners.
✨Showcase Your Curriculum Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you would plan and deliver engaging lessons across KS3 and KS4. Think about examples from your past experience where you've successfully adapted curriculum content for diverse learning needs, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Rodenhurst values teamwork, so highlight your experience working with Learning Support Assistants and other staff. Discuss how you’ve collaborated in the past to create a supportive learning environment and how you plan to do this in your new role.
✨Reflect on Your Teaching Approach
Prepare to discuss your teaching philosophy, especially regarding trauma-informed practices and emotional regulation. Reflect on how you can create a calm and structured classroom environment that fosters communication and engagement among pupils.
