At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and educate students with autism and learning difficulties in a creative classroom environment.
- Company: Join Wessex Lodge School, part of Acorn Education, a leader in specialist education.
- 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 (Frome) employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teacher (Frome)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the THRIVE approach mentioned in the job description. Understanding this methodology will help you demonstrate how you can support students with autism and complex needs effectively during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase any unique skills or interests you have that align with the school's curriculum, such as animal care or outdoor education. This can set you apart from other candidates and highlight your potential contributions to the school community.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the benefits of the 4-Day Working Week trial and be prepared to discuss how this innovative approach can enhance your teaching effectiveness and work-life balance. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and alignment with the school's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Connect with current or former staff members on professional networks like LinkedIn. Gaining insights into their experiences at Wessex Lodge School can provide you with valuable information to tailor your approach during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Teacher (Frome)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience and qualifications relevant to teaching, especially in special education. Emphasise any previous work with pupils who have autism or learning difficulties.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for teaching and your commitment to improving the lives of students with complex needs. Mention specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills that are particularly relevant to this role, such as communication, creativity in lesson planning, and the ability to build strong relationships with students and colleagues.
Showcase Your Understanding of the Role: Demonstrate your understanding of the unique environment at Wessex Lodge School. Mention how you would adapt your teaching methods to meet the individual needs of students and contribute to the school's vision.
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 ideas for activities or projects that could excite students and enhance their learning experience.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with students, parents, and colleagues. This will show that you can build strong relationships within the school community.
✨Research the School's Approach
Familiarise yourself with the THRIVE approach and other methodologies used at Wessex Lodge School. Showing that you understand and align with their educational philosophy will demonstrate your commitment to their vision and values.