At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and educate students with autism and learning difficulties in a creative classroom environment.
- Company: Join Acorn Education, a leading provider of specialist education, dedicated to improving student outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, life assurance, pension options, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive and innovative team.
- Qualifications: Must have UK QTS or equivalent and previous teaching experience.
- Other info: Unique school environment with opportunities for personal interests like animal care and outdoor education.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 36000 £ per year.
How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four? Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent). If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!
Location: Wessex Lodge School, Frome, Somerset BA11 4LA
Salary: From £32,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
We now have a fantastic opportunity for Class Teachers to join our close-knit team at Wessex Lodge School, part of Acorn Education.
As a dynamic and motivated qualified teacher, you already have a passion for making a difference in the lives of pupils. In this role, you will have every opportunity to live up to this ambition, responding to the needs of individuals with autism, learning difficulties and complex needs, helping them flourish and thrive.
You will plan and deliver engaging learning on a daily basis, developing exciting and innovative methods that stimulate interest and excitement in the classroom. Working as a Teacher with us is not your average teaching role. At Outcomes First Group you are able to work creatively, making the most of all the extensive resources and expert support we have available.
You will observe, monitor and assess our students, making sure their personal development and wellbeing are as important as the academic curriculum.
Who we are looking for:
- You will be a passionate teacher and a great communicator, as comfortable talking to pupils with autism, learning difficulties and complex needs as you are with contributing to the school’s vision and direction.
- Our schools are unique environments, each one having its own special atmosphere and range of opportunities and resources. Our teachers enjoy becoming part of their school’s ‘family’, exploring the potential of the building and environment and getting to know the brilliant pupils in our care.
- You will enjoy building these caring relationships as well as liaising with fellow professionals, whether they are colleagues in the same school or they work in the pupils’ previous educational establishments.
Requirement: UK QTS or equivalent, Previous experience
Wessex Lodge School currently comprises of three sites: Wessex Lodge Primary School located in Kilmington, Wessex Lodge Secondary School located in Frome, and Newmead Farm, located in Maiden Bradley. All sites allow students the opportunity to explore the curriculum alongside a range of subject paths, including animal care, horticulture, DT, and forest school, as well as sporting activities.
Our students are aged between 6 and 18 years old. Each student has individual needs and, supported by the THRIVE approach, through a proven range of practitioner-led services and our talented staff, we can help to improve life outcomes for every student.
The established staff team come from a variety of previous occupations and have a vast range of individual skills, which can be utilised within this school. So, if you have an interest and/or qualifications in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry or any other specific trade or hobby, we would love to hear from you!
Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Why join Acorn Education? Benefits:
- Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including: Life Assurance, Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions, “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks.
- And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including a wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits, 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad, Cycle to Work Schemes, Electric Car Purchase Scheme, Critical illness cover, Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Teacher employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the THRIVE approach mentioned in the job description. Understanding this methodology will not only help you connect with the students but also demonstrate your commitment to their personal development during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any experience you have working with children who have autism or learning difficulties. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've adapted your teaching methods to meet diverse needs, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Wessex Lodge School and its unique environment. Knowing about their specific programmes, such as animal care and horticulture, can help you tailor your conversation and show genuine interest in becoming part of their community.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would contribute to the school's vision and direction. Think about innovative teaching methods you could implement and how you can engage with both pupils and fellow professionals to create a supportive learning atmosphere.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant teaching experience, especially with students who have autism or learning difficulties. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to engage and support these students.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for teaching and how you can contribute to the unique environment at Wessex Lodge School. Mention any innovative teaching methods you've used and how they benefited your students.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your UK QTS or equivalent qualifications in your application. If you have additional certifications or training related to special education, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since communication is key in this role, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated with students, parents, and colleagues. This could include strategies you've used to build relationships with students with complex needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Show Your Passion for Teaching
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for teaching and working with students who have autism and learning difficulties. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your previous roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Creativity
Since the role involves planning engaging lessons, be prepared to discuss innovative teaching methods you've used in the past. Bring along examples of lesson plans or activities that showcase your ability to create stimulating learning environments.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to talk about how you adapt your communication style to connect with different students and collaborate with colleagues. Consider sharing a story where your communication skills led to a positive outcome.
✨Research the School's Approach
Familiarise yourself with the THRIVE approach and other methodologies used at Wessex Lodge School. Showing that you understand their educational philosophy and are aligned with their values will demonstrate your commitment to their mission.