English Special Educational Needs Teacher

Horizons Specialist Academy Trust consists of 8 Academies, serving a population of over 1000 students with a broad range of special educational needs. Abbey Hill Academy & Sixth Form provides for approximately 360 young people and is at the forefront of current developments in the education of young people with special educational needs. We specialise in meeting the needs of students aged 11 to 18 who have a full range of learning difficulties as well as other physical and social needs.

The post is to teach students aged 11-18 with a broad range of special educational needs, predominantly those with moderate learning difficulties. The post will include delivering our English curriculum to students working on entry in Year 7 at Y1-3 expectations up to Entry Level and Level 1 qualifications at the end of Year 11.

No two days are the same, so we are seeking a teacher who can work at pace to turn ‘can’t do’ into ‘want to’ and is motivated by working with young people with complex needs. You will be confident in your belief that every child can achieve and reach their potential. The ideal candidate will enjoy working with children in a calm and engaging demeanour, whilst being resilient and using innovative styles of teaching. We want to hear from people with drive and a willingness to go the ‘extra mile’ to improve the lives of the young people in our care.

While previous experience of working in a SEN environment would be desirable, excellent teaching skills and the right motivation, personal qualities and levels of resilience are just as important.

What will I be doing?

• Establish and maintain good working relationships to promote the development and effective delivery of the school curriculum to maximise our young people’s achievement.
• Teach students according to their educational needs and acknowledge that every lesson counts.
• Deliver our KS3 and KS4 curriculum, including relevant qualifications.
• Create a well‑ordered and secure environment that will ensure the educational well‑being of individual children within the group.
• Support students in a positive manner, through an attachment‑friendly ethos that fosters warmth as well as sets high boundaries so that all can achieve their potential; following agreed and consistent strategies alongside school in‑house professionals and therapeutic colleagues.
• Ensure careful and ongoing assessment of the students’ learning to inform further planning and next steps.
• Ensure that tasks and activities are matched to the ability of the student - allowing them to make progress at the right pace and level.
• Work with school leaders to complete and teach individual pupil plans where students have specific needs.
• Liaise effectively with parents and a wide range of professionals.
• Lead a class team of enthusiastic and hardworking teaching assistants.
• Work with key professionals to deliver a well‑rounded curriculum, which supports the students’ ability to learn, self‑regulate, develop students’ social skills and supports their mental health.

What do I need?

• Must have an appropriate teaching qualification (QTS or QTLS).
• Knowledge of the English curriculum.
• A knowledge of phonics is extremely beneficial.
• Have some knowledge of SEND and an awareness of tools and strategies to support literacy development in learning with literacy difficulties.
• Be resilient, supportive and sensitive towards the needs of our learners.
• Be an outstanding practitioner.
• Understand the curriculum in order for successful planning and delivery.
• Have the ability to manage challenging behaviour effectively.
• Have a strong commitment to the welfare and safeguarding of students.

What the school offers its staff

• Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference.
• Continuous professional development & training for a clear career path.
• No two days are ever the same.
• Open and positive working environment.
• Be part of a fantastic team who work hard together and support each other and have achieved Gold status with Investors in People for people management and Silver status for Staff Wellbeing.

Horizons Specialist Academy Trust is committed to safer recruitment practices and pre‑employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed, this may include online searches. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.