Primary Teacher

Contract Type: Permanent
Hours per Week: 32.5 hours
Weeks per Year: 52.14 (All year round)
Pay Grade: Teachers Main Pay Scale (Fringe) M2 - M6
Location: East London

We are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Primary SEN Teacher to join a vibrant and dedicated team at a residential special educational needs (SEN) school, rated Outstanding by Ofsted. The successful candidate will work with children aged 5 to 11 who have a range of complex needs, including Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. Approximately 30% of the students also have autism, with all students having an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming SEMH.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a teacher who is passionate about supporting children with complex needs, creating a nurturing and structured learning environment, and helping students develop both academically and socially.

• Planning & Teaching: Deliver high-quality, differentiated lessons to small class groups (maximum of 10 students) with a focus on SEMH needs. Classes are often mixed ages, with groups such as 5-7, 8-10, or 9-11 years old.
• Support & Development: Work closely with a team of staff, including a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and Learning Support Assistant (LSA), to provide tailored academic and emotional support for each student.
• Behaviour Management: Use a range of positive behaviour strategies, focusing on de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed approaches, to maintain a calm and structured classroom environment.
• Assessment & Reporting: Regularly assess students' progress, setting individual learning goals and providing detailed feedback to students, parents, and external professionals.
• Collaboration: Work in close partnership with the school's multi-disciplinary team to provide holistic support to students, ensuring their social, emotional, and educational needs are met.
• Safeguarding & Welfare: Promote and safeguard the welfare of students, adhering to the school's safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
• Professional Development: Participate in regular training and professional development opportunities to enhance your teaching skills and deepen your understanding of working with children with complex needs.
• Reflection & Training Time: Every Friday afternoon is dedicated to training, reflection, and team development, with pupil contact finishing at 12 pm and the school day concluding at 3 pm.

We are looking for a passionate and dedicated teacher who:

• Has experience teaching children with SEMH needs and is committed to helping them overcome barriers to learning.
• Is patient, resilient, and empathetic, with a strong understanding of the challenges faced by children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
• Can adapt teaching methods to suit a range of learning styles, using creative approaches to engage children and build their self-confidence.
• Has excellent classroom management skills and is able to use positive behaviour strategies effectively.
• Holds QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or an equivalent qualification and ideally has experience teaching in a special educational needs (SEN) setting, though this is not essential.
• Is committed to ongoing professional development and willing to engage in a range of specialist training such as PRICE, Transactional Analysis, Social Pedagogy, Non-Violent Communication, and more.

• Supportive Staffing Structure: Each class has a dedicated team of three staff members - a Teacher, HLTA, and LSA - to ensure all students receive the attention and support they need.
• Meals & Refreshments: Staff have meals provided free of charge, as well as tea, coffee, and other refreshments throughout the day.
• Training Opportunities: We offer a range of professional development courses, including training in PRICE, Non-Violent Communication, and more, to help staff further their skills in supporting children with SEMH and autism.
• Flexible Reflection Time: Friday afternoons are reserved for training, team reflection, and personal development, allowing staff time for ongoing learning and collaboration.