Post-16 - SEN Teacher

Job description / Role

Key Responsibilities:

• BTEC Course Delivery: Lead the teaching of BTEC Level 1 qualifications in subjects such as hospitality, travel and tourism, and food technology. Ensure that courses are delivered to a high standard, providing students with practical skills and knowledge for future employment.
• Team Leadership (HLTAs and Job Coaches): Manage and support a team of 4 HLTAs and Job Coaches. Provide training, guidance, and ongoing support to ensure that they are effectively deployed to assist students with SEN. Ensure that each student receives the necessary support for both academic and vocational skills development.
• Work Experience Management: Oversee students' work experience placements, ensuring the opportunities are meaningful and aligned with students' future goals. Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, training providers, and community organisations to create and monitor work experience placements for students.
• Independence and Transition Support: Support students in developing key life and employability skills, promoting independence, and preparing them for work placements and employment. Provide tailored support to students to help them transition successfully from education into the workforce.
• Individualised Learning Plans: Develop and implement individual learning plans (ILPs) for each student, ensuring that their specific needs are met through differentiated teaching strategies and personalised support.
• Use of Alternative Communication Tools: Utilize alternative communication tools such as Proloquo or other augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods to support students with communication difficulties. Ensure these tools are integrated effectively into lessons to enhance student engagement and participation.
• Sensory Needs Support: Support students with sensory processing difficulties and provide appropriate adaptations to the learning environment to accommodate sensory needs. Use strategies that promote sensory regulation, ensuring students can engage fully in lessons and activities.
• Collaboration with External Stakeholders: Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, such as local businesses, employers, and community organisations, to secure relevant and meaningful work experience placements for students. Liaise with employers to ensure students receive the necessary support and feedback during placements. Support the external stakeholders with training to support work placements.
• Assessment and Tracking Progress: Regularly assess and monitor student progress, providing feedback to students, parents, and the senior leadership team. Use data to inform teaching methods and adapt the support provided to students to improve learning outcomes.
• Staff Development and Training: Lead regular training sessions and professional development for HLTAs and Job Coaches and external stakeholders, ensuring they are up to date with best practices for supporting students with special educational needs in both classroom settings and work placements.
• Reporting and Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student progress, assessments, and work experience placements. Report regularly to senior leadership and parents on student achievements, work placements, and individual outcomes.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Educational Requirements: A teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS) or equivalent, with specialisation in special educational needs (SEN) essential. A Level 5 or 6 qualification in SEN or vocational education is an advantage.
• Experience:
  • Proven experience teaching BTEC Level 1 qualifications, particularly in vocational subjects such as hospitality, travel and tourism, and food technology.
  • Experience working with young adults with special educational needs, including supporting sensory needs and communication difficulties.
  • Demonstrated experience in leading and managing a team of HLTAs or Job Coaches, providing guidance, training, and support.
  • Experience in securing and managing work experience placements for students with SEN.
  • Experience using alternative communication tools such as Proloquo or other augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods to support students with communication difficulties.
  • Experience supporting students with sensory processing needs, ensuring that the learning environment is adapted to meet these requirements.
  • Experience upskilling external stakeholders on supporting young adults with special needs in the workplace.
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of SEN teaching methods and strategies for supporting students with additional learning needs.
  • Proficient in delivering BTEC Level 1 curriculum and understanding the assessment processes.
  • Experience and proficiency in using alternative communication tools (e.g., Proloquo) and other AAC technologies to support students' communication needs.
  • Knowledge of sensory processing difficulties and the ability to implement strategies to support students with sensory needs.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with students, colleagues, employers, and other stakeholders.
  • Strong organisational skills and the ability to lead and manage a team effectively.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Passionate about supporting young adults with special educational needs and helping them achieve their full potential.
  • Empathetic, patient, and adaptable to the diverse needs of students.
  • Strong leadership abilities, with a focus on motivating and guiding your team of HLTAs.
  • A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to creating positive learning experiences for students.

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.