At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a new SEND Unit, ensuring high-quality teaching for pupils with special educational needs.
- Company: Join St Andrew's Church Junior School, part of the supportive Pathway Trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a nurturing work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative network of schools focused on great education for every child.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by creating an inclusive learning space.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and experience in supporting children with SEND.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 € per year.
Contract type: Permanent
FTE/Hours: 1.0 FTE
Salary: TMS-UPS plus SEN Allowance 1
Location: St Andrew's Church Junior School, Dunstan Rd, Burnham-on-Sea TA8 1ER
Closing Date: 9th June 2026
Proposed Interview Date: 15th June 2026
Proposed Start Date: 1st September 2026, this could be delayed for the right candidate.
TPLT are looking to recruit a Specialist Teacher Leading the SEND Unit Provision, to work at our St Andrews Church Junior School. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and dedicated educator to develop a new SEND Unit Provision. The successful postholder will lead a team of staff, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning for a small cohort of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This provision is new from September and links through from our unit at the neighbouring Infant School with a designation around supporting children with cognition and learning difficulties.
You will create an inclusive and nurturing environment where all pupils can thrive, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and care for pupils with SEND. The role requires a therapeutic approach to education, incorporating strategies to support pupils' emotional and social development. You will complete referrals to outside agencies and annual reviews for children in the unit, monitor and assess pupil progress, using data to inform teaching strategies and interventions and ensure a safe and supportive learning environment, applying de-escalation strategies where necessary.
About us: St Andrews Church Junior School is currently part of TPLT, a group of like-minded schools whose shared ambition is to provide A Great Education for Every Child. Whilst St Andrews School retains its own unique identity and ethos, being part of a family of schools brings additional support as well as opportunities to share expertise, provision and costs across our schools. From September, we will be part of the newly formed Pathway Trust. Our new trust brings together two existing organisations, Castle School Education Trust and The Priory Learning Trust who have been working closely together over the last few years with great success. Pathway Trust will comprise seven secondary and thirteen primary schools across Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. We educate children from 2-18 years old. We have a strong track record of school improvement and a positive trend of improved outcomes. We are bringing together the complementary strengths and values of both trusts, with the sharing of resources and expertise across an extended network of schools enabling us to further invest in leadership and teaching for the benefit of all. As a trust, our ambition is to enable every child to experience a great education. We have a compelling vision for each of our schools based on a deep understanding of each community we serve. Many of the challenges facing school leaders are common to all schools. Our approach to school improvement enables staff and pupils to benefit from the sharing of resources and expertise whilst remaining true to their unique identity and context. The Trust has employee development as a key priority.
In order to apply for this role please complete an application form via the link above. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the process. Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. Join us in Providing a Great Education for Every Child.
The trust is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities, as we recognise the importance and benefit this has for our pupils. The Priory Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles across the trust have a varying level of responsibility for ensuring safeguarding practice, with some roles holding significant responsibility and involving working with children on a daily basis in regulated activity. Regardless of the level of responsibility and involvement in each role, we expect all staff, visiting professionals and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Successful candidates will be required to provide a disclosure of any unspent convictions and cautions, as well as any spent convictions or cautions that are not ‘protected’ (i.e. filtered) under the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). All appointments are subject to a comprehensive pre-employment checking process. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (including a Children’s Barred List check), satisfactory references, medical fitness, Right to Work in the UK, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching/management check. In line with KCSIE guidance, we will also conduct online searches on all shortlisted candidates. Our full Recruitment and Selection policy is available on our website.
Specialist Teacher Leading the SEND Unit Provision employer: The Priory Learning Trust
St Andrew's Church Junior School, part of the Pathway Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for educators. With a strong emphasis on professional development and collaboration across a network of schools, staff are empowered to grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Located in Burnham-on-Sea, the school offers a unique opportunity to lead a new SEND Unit Provision, ensuring high-quality education in a nurturing atmosphere that values every child's potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Teacher Leading the SEND Unit Provision
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its ethos! Research St Andrew's Church Junior School and TPLT to understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through educational forums. They can provide insider tips about the school culture and what they look for in a candidate, giving you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions! Think about how you would lead a SEND unit and support pupils with special needs. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and passion for inclusive education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, early applications are encouraged, so get your materials in as soon as possible to increase your chances of landing that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Teacher Leading the SEND Unit Provision
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and working with SEND pupils shine through. We want to see your dedication to creating an inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role at St Andrew's Church Junior School. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our vision of providing a great education for every child.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy early if we find the right candidate. Head over to our website to apply!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Priory Learning Trust
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with the latest strategies and approaches to support pupils with cognition and learning difficulties. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed about the needs of the children you'll be working with.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Specialist Teacher leading the SEND Unit, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed a project in the past. Highlight your experience in creating inclusive environments and how you've supported staff in delivering high-quality teaching.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about how you would apply de-escalation strategies or manage a difficult classroom situation. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Connect with the Trust's Vision
Research TPLT and the Pathway Trust's vision for education. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of providing a great education for every child. Showing that you understand and resonate with their goals will set you apart from other candidates.
