About our school
Seadown is a small, popular independent school for up to 31 pupils with varying academic abilities who have an EHCP for SEMH, ADHD, Autism and Dyslexia, to name but a few. We adopt an attachment aware and trauma-informed, whole school approach to improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. The 4Rs (regulate, relate, reason and repair) and PACE are at the heart of all we do at Seadown.
Our experienced and committed staff are dedicated to offering the best possible learning experience tailored to each pupil’s individual needs. We recognise the importance of developing pupils academically whilst also placing the same emphasis on helping them grow in line with our school values of respect, co-operation, curiosity and resilience.
Our school was inspected by Ofsted in July 2024 achieving a ‘Good’ standard overall.
The role
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate teacher to lead either our lower (Y7-9) or upper secondary (Y9-11) class. NB due to wide ranging needs, pupils are working below their academic year group . The ability to adapt learning to meet individual needs and the drive to ensure every child is successful are essential skills, alongside energy and enthusiasm to ignite every pupils’ passion for learning.
We recognise that education has been a challenge for many of our pupils and all will have significant gaps in their learning due to school moves/time out of school and or as a result of their learning needs. We pride ourselves on forming positive, trusting and respectful relationships where everyone is valued, and much emphasis is placed on getting to know each pupil as an individual.
We have reviewed our own curriculum offer to strengthen high quality teaching and learning opportunities to support pupils’ English and maths skills alongside a commitment to physical activities, life skills and opportunities to follow their interests in key curriculum themes. We have a range of therapies and interventions in place to support pupils’ to thrive.
The role will include ensuring lessons are planned and taught to support pupil progress through a bespoke curriculum, tailored to their individual needs. Importance is placed on reviewing, reflecting and assessing pupil progress to inform next steps in their learning journey and their social and emotional development. In our upper secondary class pupils undertake Functional Skills exams and ASDAN courses, though the ability to teach to GCSE standard for English/Maths is an advantage as pupils demonstrate their ability and ambitions to follow these courses.
The role will require contributing to the Annual Review process, writing (Individual) Risk Assessments) and Positive Behaviour Plans as part of a team. Team working is essential both directing and supporting staff within your classroom and working with other professionals across the school and with the Senior Leadership Team. We are interested in hearing about your curriculum strengths and how you may be able to contribute to enriching our curriculum offer.
Requirements
The successful candidate will:
· have experience of working as a Qualified Teacher with a range of SEN pupils with positive impact at secondary level
· be willing to learn and develop their knowledge and understanding of SEND teaching and commit to a comprehensive training programme
· actively engage pupils, finding ‘a way in’ to capture their curiosity in learning and be aspirational for our pupils
· be skilled in adapting learning to meet individual needs to ensure every pupil makes progress and feels successful
· have the genuine belief that all children can succeed and be passionate about supporting all pupils with consistent, unconditional positive regard, identifying and responding to their individual needs within our attachment aware and trauma informed approach
· have resilience and a sense of humour to cope with the daily challenges that working in a busy, successful SEN school can bring.
· be a strong team player alongside having the ability to work on initiative and be proactive
· demonstrate a positive, professional and confident approach and be keen to share their knowledge and understanding with others and build strong relationships with all stakeholders
· have recent and relevant professional development
· be willing to undertake PRICE training and be comfortable using this approach.
· have a good understanding of the importance of flexibility and patience and work effectively as part of a team
General responsibilities
· To support and promote the aims and ethos of Seadown School
· Be committed to raising the standards of achievement
· Implement all policies agreed by Seadown School
· Provide a safe welcoming, organised, creative, and interesting learning environment.
· Be aware that each child has a right to equal opportunities and equal access to the curriculum
· Maintain high expectations, encourage, and support the pupils to achieve their best.
· Work collaboratively with colleagues, setting high professional standards
· Set clear boundaries in line with our Behaviour Policy and be committed to working in an attachment aware, trauma informed approach
· Be sensitive to the needs, culture, and ethnic background of the children
Curriculum
· Plan, prepare and assess pupils’ work and lessons in line with our school policies and approach
· Develop and adapt conventional teaching methods to meet the individual needs of the pupils
· Provide guidance and advice to pupils on educational, social, and moral issues
· Be prepared to take responsibility in shaping our curriculum offer
Evaluation, Assessment and Record Keeping
· Access, record and report on the development, progress and attainment of pupils as defined in the school policies
· Communicate and consult with pupils, colleagues, parents/carers, and outside agencies as appropriate
· Mark work, providing regular feedback according to the agreed marking and presentation policy
· Set regular, ambitious, yet achievable, targets for the pupils (academic and social/emotional) incorporating EHCP outcomes
Other responsibilities
· Participate in scheduled meetings, and ongoing training
· Participate in duty rosters, including taking some assemblies if required
Safeguarding Responsibilities
· To comply with the safeguarding policies, procedures, and code of conduct
· Safeguard the health & safety for all pupils
· To demonstrate a personal commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
· To ensure that any safeguarding concerns or incidents are reported appropriately in line with school policy
· To engage in safeguarding and any other relevant training when required
· Be willing to undertake, and put into practice, the PRICE de-escalation training award including physical handling
· Adhere to any other reasonable requests from the Headteacher and/or Senior Leadership within the School
What Seadown offers
As a valued member of our team you will receive:
- Opt out Pension scheme/Teachers Pension Scheme
- Competitive salary
- A comprehensive training programme and support to help with your professional development alongside supervision
- Employee assistance/wellbeing support and regular supervision
- Free Lunch!
Start date 1st September 2026
Seadown does not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation, and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Visits to our school are warmly welcomed, please contact Sam Green to make an appointment.
Seadown is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All staff we register will undertake thorough interviewing and referencing checks and hold, or be prepared to undergo, an Enhanced DBS check. Online checks will be undertaken.
Pay: Up to £45,352.00 per year
Work Location: In person
