SLD Class Teacher

About the role

At Heron Academy we are seeking especially gifted and talented individuals who can bring fun and entertainment to teaching and learning for groups of pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties. The ideal Teachers will feel at ease planning and leading learning of lessons covering all subjects (Primary Model). You will have large shoulders (To take the weight of responsibility and expectation placed upon you by the pupils, parents and school community). You will possess the skills of an Artist, a Clown, a Storyteller, a Bake off Chef and a Community Explorer. You will have massive pockets (To store safely all of the sensory resources and symbols required to communicate and engage all pupils in your class). You will have a smile measuring approximately a mile wide, always presenting a welcome attitude to pupils, peers and other stakeholders, demonstrating your passion for education, play and caring for everyone around you. You will be flexible (able to juggle multiple deadlines, respond to needs as they arise, showing empathy, leadership and the ability to think on your feet every day). You will be a qualified Teacher, or working towards QTS/QTLS, preferably with experience of working with individuals and groups of pupils with SEND; however, we are more than happy to work with you to build skills and knowledge if you possess the positive attitude and aptitude we require.

What does a day at Heron Academy look like?

The day starts at 08:45 am, Teachers prepare the day ahead, working with their allocated team of Teaching Assistants to ensure that the learning areas are ready to welcome pupils from 09:00 am. Most pupils arrive by bus; Teachers support pupils to transition from buses to the classroom. Pupils are encouraged to prepare for learning; they carry out a range of morning tasks before the Morning Routine (Circle Time) commences.

The Morning Routine is an opportunity to sing, dance and check on pupil wellbeing (Zones of Regulation). The morning consists of structured learning which includes communication, phonics, numeracy for life, literacy for life and a range of other subjects which are planned using the Equals Curriculum as a starting point. Pupils enjoy snack time and meet with peers at lunchtime in our canteen.

At lunch time pupils can access a variety of lunch clubs, sport, music, dance, sensory and reading. Most groups complete their daily mile around the playground before afternoon sessions begin.

Afternoons are more creative, pupils access community learning, art, independence, PE, drama, yoga, enterprise and end the day with a love of literacy session (story time) before preparing to go home at 3:20 pm. Staff then work to capture learning highlights using evidence for learning, record CPOMs, contact parents/carers and complete CPD (Tuesday and Thursday 3:30 4:00 pm Teacher Training, Wednesday 3:30 4:00 pm Whole School Training). We have a clear focus on wellbeing and ensure that CPD is facilitated in short manageable workshops rather than extended afternoons. Whole school assemblies take place every Friday at 2:50 3:15 pm, (These are themed and facilitated on a rota by teachers and SLT).

Qualifications and Requirements

• Qualified teacher, or working towards QTS/QTLS, preferably with experience of working with individuals and groups of pupils with SEND.
• Ability to plan and lead learning across all subjects (Primary Model).
• Flexibility to juggle multiple deadlines, respond to needs as they arise, show empathy, leadership and the ability to think on your feet every day.

Equal Opportunities

London South East Academies Trust is fully committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer and to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status or marital or partnership status.

Legal and Eligibility

As the Trust supports children and vulnerable adults, all roles are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and, where relevant, a Children's and/or Adult's Barred List check. Any offer of employment may be withdrawn if these checks are unsatisfactory. Self disclosure is required as part of the recruitment process, and failure to make a full disclosure or to provide a DBS certificate is likely to result in withdrawal of an offer. The Trust's DBS policy on the recruitment of ex offenders is available on request.

All appointments are also subject to verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with Home Office requirements. Original documentation will be required prior to commencement of employment.