At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and support young learners with special needs to achieve their potential.
- Company: Join a passionate team at Lavender Lodge, part of the Witherslack Group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, training, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a rewarding teaching career.
- Qualifications: Experience with autistic pupils and Qualified Teacher Status required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Up to £65,283 + excellent benefits. Our teachers are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There’s lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference.
You will be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. You will help them learn, develop their abilities and raise their self-esteem. You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of. It can be a tough journey, but the positive steps forward will more than make up for it. As a Teacher at Witherslack Group, you will get all the support you need to succeed, from in-house psychologists to teaching assistants and therapy professionals. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well-resourced and we will be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.
Lavender Lodge school resides within an 18th Century building in the heart of Mitcham. Our pupils come from many different boroughs to attend our school and are lucky to experience a life-changing love of learning. We are proud of our pupils and our dedicated team, and pupils leave us with a sense of achievement. Having joined the Witherslack Group family in 2022, Lavender Lodge School is an independent specialist day school providing high-quality education, based in South London. The school meets the needs of pupils with a primary diagnosis of autism and additional needs such as ADHD, speech and language difficulties, sensory issues and associated behavioural difficulties. We were recently recognised as Good by Ofsted.
Skill set requirements:
- Must have worked with pupils who are autistic and have previous experience of this.
- Needs to be able to communicate in a variety of ways as 70% of our pupils are non-verbal e.g. can use Makaton, picture display symbols - we use PEC’s and PODD, have experience working with non-verbal pupils.
- Have worked with pupils who display challenging behaviour but would have the will and desire to support pupils to manage their behaviour and also for you to work to understand the function of the behaviour.
- Be flexible to work with pupils from 4 through to 11 years old.
- Be able to think outside the box in regards to delivering lessons. We have lots of tools to help support this, but our pupils need a bespoke and accessible curriculum.
- Have an awareness of autism strategies such as TEACCH, attention autism and use of PODD and be able to use these in practice.
What we do for you:
- We reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector.
- Training: A full induction and on-the-job training.
- Holiday: You will work hard at WG, so you will be rewarded with full school holidays.
- Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group.
- Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance.
- Pension: we offer a range of pensions to suit your lifestyle needs including Teachers' Pension and our very attractive TPS alternative.
- Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance.
- Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an optician's or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts.
- Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities.
- A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time.
Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs - and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You will be more than a Primary Teacher; you will be able to connect with our pupils because of:
- Your 'can do' attitude - a team player who rolls up their sleeves to help others.
- Your genuine passion for teaching primary aged children and the impact your subject can have on young lives.
- The ability to relate your subject to each pupil and build great relationships with your class.
- Your enthusiasm and expertise to build your department.
You will also need previous teaching experience and have Qualified Teacher Status.
At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference - especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we will be there every step of the way.
By building a diverse and inclusive team, we are better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.
The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
Key Stage 1 Class Teacher in Camberley employer: Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Stage 1 Class Teacher in Camberley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture before your interview. Check out Lavender Lodge's website and social media to see what they're all about. This will help you connect with their values during your chat!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to working with children with special needs. We can even role-play with a friend to make it feel more natural!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for teaching! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your students' lives, especially with those who have autism or other additional needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! It shows you're genuinely interested. Ask about the support systems in place for teachers and how they celebrate those 'huge small victories' with their students.
We think you need these skills to ace Key Stage 1 Class Teacher in Camberley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of our young people, especially those with special educational needs.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your experience working with autistic pupils and those with challenging behaviours. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and adaptability in the classroom.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your unique approach to teaching and how you connect with students.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on board to join our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the specific needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. Brush up on strategies like TEACCH and Makaton, as well as how to communicate effectively with non-verbal pupils. This knowledge will show your commitment and readiness to support their learning.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your dedication to making a difference in young people's lives. Remember, they want to see your genuine passion for helping children achieve those 'huge small victories'.
✨Be Ready to Think Outside the Box
Prepare to discuss how you would adapt lessons to meet the diverse needs of your pupils. Bring examples of creative teaching methods you've used in the past, especially those that cater to different learning styles. This will demonstrate your flexibility and innovative approach to education.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school environment and support systems in place. Inquire about the resources available for teachers and how the team collaborates to ensure every child’s success. This shows your interest in being part of a supportive community.