About the School: Dunbar Education is thrilled to be working with a distinguished SEN Secondary School that specialises in providing exceptional education to pupils aged 11 to 16 with a range of social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. Our partner school is an independent institution committed to offering a supportive and nurturing environment for students who have experienced disrupted education, low attendance, and exclusion from mainstream settings. The school caters to students with diverse special educational needs, including dyslexia, social communication difficulties, ADHD, autism, and Tourette's syndrome.
Job Description: We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Head of Science to join our partner school's team. This is a pivotal role for an experienced educator with a passion for supporting students with special educational needs and a commitment to leading and inspiring a department.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management:
- Lead the Science Department, fostering a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement.
- Develop and implement innovative teaching strategies that cater to the varied needs of SEN pupils.
- Support and mentor Science teachers, providing professional development opportunities.
- Ensure the curriculum is tailored to meet the individual needs of students, promoting engagement and achievement.
Teaching and Learning:
- Deliver high-quality Science lessons that are accessible and engaging for SEN students.
- Utilise a range of teaching methods and resources to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
- Track and assess student progress, providing feedback and interventions as needed.
- Develop and maintain detailed and differentiated lesson plans that align with the curriculum and cater to the individual needs of SEN students.
- Foster a stimulating and inclusive classroom environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to achieve their potential.
Pastoral Care:
- Build positive relationships with students, understanding their individual challenges and supporting their social and emotional development.
- Work closely with the SENCO, pastoral team, and external agencies to provide holistic support for students.
- Implement and monitor individual education plans (IEPs) and behaviour support plans, ensuring they are effectively addressing the needs of each student.
Collaboration and Communication:
- Collaborate with colleagues across the school to promote a cohesive and inclusive learning environment.
- Communicate effectively with parents and carers, providing regular updates on student progress and well-being.
- Contribute to the wider life of the school, participating in extracurricular activities and school events.
- Liaise with external professionals, such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and occupational therapists, to support student development and well-being.
Essential Requirements:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Proven experience teaching Science at the secondary level, preferably within an SEN setting
- Strong understanding of SEN and strategies to support students with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties
- Excellent leadership and management skills
- A commitment to inclusive education and the ability to inspire and motivate students and staff
Desirable Qualities:
- Experience working in an independent or specialist SEN school
- Additional qualifications in SEN or relevant areas
- Ability to adapt and innovate within a challenging and rewarding educational environment
How to Apply: If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with special educational needs and have the skills and experience to lead a successful Science Department, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Dunbar Education is committed to the highest standards of safeguarding to ensure the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, to share this commitment. To adhere with safer recruitment procedures and guidelines, all registrations will be required to fill out our application form in, to receive work. This will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS disclosure and satisfactory references. Dunbar Education is an equal opportunities employer and recognises the value of and seeks to achieve a diverse workforce in schools. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Dunbar Education is a member of ASPCo compliance plus, for more information please refer to our recruitment & selection policy statement.
