Newly Qualified Teacher - Music & Creative Arts, Trauma-Informed in Northampton

The Gateway School specialises in teaching children with an Education and Health Care plan (EHCP) which identifies social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH) as their primary need. They may also have other needs including cognition and learning, communication and independence. Some of these challenges arise from past experiences, which can result in many of our students displaying negative behaviours.

We teach our pupils in classes of no more than 9 pupils (with a minimum adult to pupil ratio of 1:4). We may also teach pupils in pairs or on a 1:1 basis. Our school is entering an exciting phase of its development with the imminent completion of an expansion project which will add even greater levels of resource.

As a member of The Gateway School, you will help provide our students with ways of re-defining themselves and their personalities through positive experiences, focusing on their strengths, understanding their regressive tendencies and providing nurture when needed, all whilst delivering our curriculum in a way that is meaningful and tailored to the needs of our students. You will be expected to think creatively and will need to problem solve, traversing a classroom brimming with complexity, pain, fear, anger and above all, incredible potential.

What we are looking for

Although we are a secondary school, we are looking to appoint a skilled and committed primary or secondary-trained UQT / RQT to join our school team and deliver lessons primarily in music and the creative arts. This is because an increasing number of our cohort have missed significant periods of their primary school education and/or have learning and cognitive processing difficulties. All subjects at the Gateway School follow bespoke curricula designed to address these gaps and allow pupils to progress to a sufficient standard to enable them to access and achieve a range of qualifications and subsequent meaningful and impactful destinations.

We're looking for someone who embodies resilience, empathy, and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. Someone who can believe in the untapped potential of these students when others may have given up or lost hope. You’ll also need to be happy to get hands-on with all sorts of activities. Drawing on your life experiences, you can provide valuable guidance and support to help our children thrive.

Teaching and working at The Gateway School requires flexibility, humility, perseverance, humour, teamwork and understanding. Applicants must therefore fully endorse and accept three core principles which if adhered to, help bridge the gap between education and a pastoral-based environment. Arguably, this is what sets Gateway apart from mainstream approaches.

Staff are expected to have or be willing to develop a basic understanding of trauma and attachment issues to provide an informed approach (internal training provided). This aids our perception of behaviour as communication, keeping us curious and aware of our own internal processes.

Contribute to a reflective culture, participating in relevant CPD. You will be expected to think, explore and question from a place of non-judgement and mutual respect. Understand that collaboration and teamwork is essential when working within a high-quality environment. You will be confronted with challenging behaviours and emotional affect. Working within a team that supports and guides one another is fundamental to our success.

As a member of The Gateway School, the post holder will receive induction training and a range of CPD opportunities and professional support through the school. You will be subject to all school policies.

Creating Tomorrow Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding children, promoting the welfare of all students, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Enhanced clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service will be undertaken for the successful candidates.