What skills and experience we're looking for
Principle responsibilities
Teachers across the whole school work to allow all our learners to flourish at West Lea whilst also promoting their independence through:
- Leading, supporting and developing their class team
- Providing pastoral care and support to learners within a secure learning environment
- Taking responsibility for planning, implementing and reviewing appropriate work programmes for identified learners in line with the national curriculum and school policies
- Maintaining assessment records and reporting on learners’ progress to key stakeholders in accordance with school policy
Learning for Life:
- Lead your own development through your own personalised learning plan
- Lead and develop support staff through the Partnering for Performance process
- Support learners in finding their pathway to adulthood, supporting their potential
- Stay updated with curriculum changes and educational policy developments
Community:
- Develop relationships with learners’ families and communicate regularly
- Plan and deliver a broad and balanced curriculum in collaboration with colleagues
- Organise and manage learning activities safely
- Support curriculum development and contribute to planning
- Coordinate with external agencies and support wider curriculum activities
- Perform additional duties as required by senior leadership
Inclusion:
- Build positive relationships to support learning and wellbeing
- Deliver structured lessons tailored to individual needs
- Assess and adapt teaching methods to meet learner needs
- Develop personalised learning plans collaboratively
- Promote independence and self-esteem through inclusive practices
- Support staff in understanding learner needs
Innovation:
- Adopt new ideas and solutions for vulnerable learners
- Use adaptive teaching strategies to promote engagement and independence
- Link work to practical experiences and real-life contexts
- Encourage learners to lead their own learning
Kindness:
- Maintain positive regard and build relationships
- Create a calm, stimulating environment with effective displays
- Support learners’ self-image and respect their voices
- Preempt and de-escalate behavioural issues
- Understand behaviour as communication and address barriers
- Apply behaviour management strategies appropriately
- Model school values and expectations
- Praise positive behaviours
Health & Safety:
- Ensure safety during all activities
- Manage trips and events with proper risk assessments
- Be aware of and manage learners’ medical needs
- Follow safeguarding policies and procedures
- Support school policies on equality, whistleblowing, and data protection
What the school offers its staff
We offer an attractive benefits package, including:
- Pension scheme with 23.68% employer contributions
- Supportive CPD and professional development opportunities
- Networking opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- A meaningful and rewarding role
Commitment to safeguarding
West Lea School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. Our staff and governors uphold this commitment. We have policies and procedures aligned with local authority and statutory guidance. The successful applicant will undergo DBS checks, provide proof of ID, medical clearance, and right to work in the UK.