Key Stage 4 - SEN Teacher

Job description / Role

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Curriculum Delivery: Deliver a differentiated curriculum for Key Stage 4 students within the Alternative Provision setting, ensuring students can access and succeed in Maths, English, and Science, as well as vocational subjects such as BTEC qualifications. Adapt lessons to support students' individual learning styles and abilities, ensuring engagement and progress.
• Behaviour and Emotional Support: Work closely with students who may display challenging behaviour due to their social, emotional, or behavioural needs. Implement positive behaviour management strategies, helping students regulate their emotions, develop self-awareness, and improve their social skills. Create a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and builds students' confidence.
• Social, Emotional, and Sensory Support: Provide tailored support to students with social, emotional, and sensory needs. Use strategies to help students manage anxiety, improve social interactions, and support sensory processing difficulties to ensure they can engage fully in lessons. Adapt the learning environment to support students' sensory needs and emotional wellbeing.
• Use of Alternative Communication Tools: Employ alternative communication tools such as PECs (Picture Exchange Communication System) or Proloquo for students who experience communication difficulties. These tools will be integrated into lessons to promote interaction and participation.
• Individual Learning Plans (ILPs): Develop and implement Individual Learning Plans (IEPs) for students with complex needs, identifying specific targets, interventions, and progress monitoring. Work with the students and parents to ensure that these plans are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect students' changing needs and progress.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration: Collaborate with your class HLTA and LSAs to provide tailored support to students both in and out of the classroom. Lead, guide, and support teaching assistants in ensuring that students' needs are met in line with the curriculum and their ILPs. Ensure that all team members are aware of and understand students' individual needs.
• Assessment and Monitoring: Regularly assess and monitor students' academic, social, and emotional progress. Use both formal and informal assessments to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Provide feedback to students, parents, and senior leaders, adjusting teaching and interventions accordingly.
• Collaborating with External Agencies: Work with external professionals, including therapists and counsellors, to support the holistic development of students. Ensure that any recommendations made by external agencies are implemented into students' learning plans.
• Safeguarding and Wellbeing: Ensure the welfare and safety of all students in your care, adhering to the school's safeguarding policies and procedures. Promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing by fostering a safe and supportive learning environment.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Educational Requirements: A teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS) or equivalent, with a specialisation in Special Educational Needs (SEN) is preferred. A Level 5 or 6 qualification in SEN or special education would be an advantage.
• Experience:
  • Experience teaching Key Stage 4 students with complex needs, including students with social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties.
  • Proven experience of delivering entry-level GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science, as well as vocational qualifications such as BTEC.
  • Experience in SEN schools or alternative provision settings.
  • Strong experience in behaviour management and supporting students with emotional, social, and sensory needs.
  • Proficiency in using alternative communication tools such as PECs and Proloquo.
• Skills:
  • Excellent understanding of differentiation and personalised learning strategies to meet the needs of students with a range of SEN.
  • Strong behaviour management skills with a focus on positive behaviour strategies.
  • Ability to work effectively with teaching assistants (HLTAs and LSAs) to support students' needs.
  • Experience in collaborating with external agencies and specialists to support students' learning and development.
  • Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to track student progress and provide clear feedback to stakeholders.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Patient, empathetic, and passionate about working with students with complex needs.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to different challenges.
  • Committed to fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment where students can thrive.
  • Ability to reflect on practice and improve approaches to meet student needs.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.

About the Company

GEMS Education is a pioneering education company with an international network of award winning K-12 schools. Over the past 55 years GEMS has grown from one school to being a truly global company with one incredible mission – to make quality education available to every student. Over 20,000 education professionals unlock the potential of over 250,000 students across 14 countries each and every day, preparing children of all ages for real world success.