Do you believe that all children and young people have an equal right to enjoy a full and rewarding education, regardless of need or ability? Can you match a child’s unwavering ability to distract, avoid, manipulate and re-shape demands with equal measures of creativity, ingenuity, resilience and humour?
OR
Do you value compliance, conformity and tradition in education above all else?
Both have their place, however only one approach is right for our world.
So, if you’re in the former of the two camps, please read on.
However, if it’s the latter, then we thank you for reading thus far and wish you all the best, whilst respectfully suggesting that this role may not be one for you.
Could this be you?
We’re looking for a special person, who has the personal attributes and qualities to holistically support and educate a child, for whom the traditional model of schooling has failed. That child is our bright and inquisitive 13-year-old son, who has special educational needs. Despite good cognitive abilities, his complex needs and (often mis-understood) barriers to learning have delayed his educational journey considerably.
Our son has the benefit of a comprehensive EOTAS provision, via our Local Authority. This has been in place since 2016 and is subject to the statutory process for children and young people with an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP). You would be working from our home in the Northwich area.
This is a fixed-term 12-month contract, renewable annually, subject to agreement by all parties. The role is full-time (32.5 hours per week) during term-time. Currently this comprises of 15 hours teaching time and 17.5 hours of bespoke resource preparation, monitoring, record-keeping and associated admin, which can be undertaken remotely.
Supporting our son; the challenge:
- To create an engaging, pace-driven, creative and adaptable learning path
- To devise an ambitious, child-led and individualised curriculum that meets the needs and agreed statutory outcomes in the areas of Communication & Interaction, Cognition & Learning, SEMH and Sensory & Physical
- To seek out, recognise and respond to untapped potential and work tirelessly to capitalise on those opportunities
- To maintain daily, robust records of learning within an established system
- To work cooperatively and collaboratively with stakeholders – parents, LA and education and health-care professionals and advocate as appropriate, in support of our child’s voice, needs and aspirations
You’ll need:
- The determination, drive and commitment to re-write our son’s educational story and shape his opportunities for the future
- The willingness and ability to leave educational and neurodiversity pre-conceptions and associated baggage at the door
- Proven SEN experience (experience of working with a child with a PDA profile of autism would be a distinct advantage, although training can be provided)
- An open mind, in particular with learning and communication styles, such as the use of indirect language
- The ability to truly listen to, respect and respond to other stakeholders’ contributions and advice
- The ability to guide and direct a junior member of the tutoring team
- Bucket-loads of patience, stamina and resilience
- Broad shoulders – disclaimer: those that are easily shocked or of a weak disposition may struggle
- The ability to ‘think on your feet’, adapt to changing needs and provide a flexible learning environment to maintain engagement
- Bags of energy and a willingness to support and facilitate sensory and physical needs
- The ingenuity to gradually break down barriers, build confidence and self-esteem
- A clean, full driving licence and the daily use of a car
- Character, educational and/or professional referees, as appropriate
- A current, enhanced DBS clearance (we will undertake this if necessary)
We’re open to:
- Newly qualified teachers and those more established in their teaching career
- Hearing from those with a history in either Primary or Secondary educational roles
- Discussing flexibility around hours
What you’ll get in return:
- A competitive salary within the main teaching pay scales
- An SEN premium payment
- Lots of laughs, variety and opportunities for fun, with an allocated budget for educational trips and visits
- A friendly, welcoming, relaxed and highly supportive working environment
- Training & support, as appropriate
- Flexibility and a high level of autonomy
- Access to plenty of indoor and outdoor space to facilitate learning activities
And finally…
The right person will relish the opportunities, challenges and rewards that go hand-in-hand with this role.
Please know that we are driven to helping our son achieve the very best of his potential, whatever that may be. We have been relentless in this goal & will continue to be so into adulthood. Therefore, we’re keen to hear from individuals who share the same values, commitment and approach.
In the first instance, we’d like to understand what makes you tick. With that in mind, in addition to your CV, please provide the following:
- From what you know so far, what excites you about this role and equally what are your reservations?
- An example of a significant difference you’ve made to another person, whether professionally or personally
- What you love about teaching and what aspects you find less appealing
You can provide this either:
In writing, via email to apply@bemyteacher.co.uk OR upload your video and send a link to apply@bemyteacher.co.uk