Neurodiverse Lead Mentor

Neurodiverse Lead Mentor

We are seeking an exceptional and dedicated professional to join Southfield School as our Neurodiverse Lead Mentor, who can support and head up our brand new ASD Designated Specialist Provision (DSP) opening in January 2025. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop innovative support systems for our neurodiverse students while fostering an inclusive and understanding school environment both in the DSP and mainstream school.

This exciting new role offers the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of students with neurodiverse needs including ASD and ADHD. The successful candidate will take a proactive role in raising awareness of neurodiverse needs and support across the school while planning and delivering interventions to support regulation and social communication needs for students. Alongside, this lead role you will support as a HLTA by working collaboratively with the SENDCO, SEND team and subject teachers to provide essential in-class support during lessons, ensuring our SEND students can access the curriculum effectively.

The desirable candidate will bring expertise and knowledge in Neurodiversity and have skills and experience supporting SEND students in a range of environments. This role represents an excellent opportunity for a passionate educator who is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.

Southfield is an exceptional girls’ school with a mixed Sixth Form. With very strong outcomes that have been sustained over recent years, this is an exciting time to be part of an ongoing journey of expansion and development. Our new Sixth Form building has recently opened with state of the art facilities. This includes a lecture theatre, bespoke coffee shop and a dedicated Professional Learning space for our staff.

We are committed to providing a world class education for every student through a well-designed and balanced curriculum. Our established culture provides a calm, safe and stimulating learning environment. While our recent short Ofsted Inspection confirmed that the school remains Good. It also identified that the school may have been classed as Outstanding if a full inspection had taken place.

The school has a key focus on staff well-being with numerous initiatives in place to support this. They include time for planning off-site for all teachers, active sessions in school alongside a range of workload reforms. We place significant emphasis on working collegiately as a staff to share our expertise and subsequently enhance the learning experience with our students. Every member of the staff is involved in a variety of professional learning programmes that take place every Wednesday across the academic year. All teachers are members of the Chartered College of Teaching providing access to the latest evidence and research.

Ethical leadership is at the core of all decision making at Southfield. As such, staff are valued, treated with respect and afforded a diverse range of opportunities that come with professional trust.

We have implemented a bespoke leadership programme enabling staff to develop their knowledge and understanding of leadership. This has provided a number of promotional opportunities for staff within the school. Wherever possible, we will promote from within our school. We believe that our school provides something unique and the perfect environment in which both staff and students have opportunities to flourish and grow in a world of possibilities.

The SEND department at Southfield School has undergone a remarkable transformation in response to the evolving needs of its students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Through strategic development and unwavering dedication, the dynamic SEND team has cultivated a comprehensive support system that delivers bespoke interventions tailored to each student's individual requirements. The department's holistic approach encompasses academic support, social development, and emotional wellbeing, ensuring that every SEND student has the opportunity to thrive.

In collaboration with North Northamptonshire we are in the process of establishing a Designated Specialist Provision specifically designed for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). This expansion represents a testament to the department's expertise and success in creating an inclusive, nurturing educational environment.

To apply for this role, please visit the Southfield School vacancies page on our website or apply through the My New Term link found within the Applicant Info Pack attached.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday, 04th December 2024

Proposed date for interview is on Thursday, 05th December 2024

We may interview suitable candidates prior to the closing date.

If you have any queries, please contact the school at t: 01536

513063 and e: recruitment@orbismat.com

Southfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undergo enhanced DBS clearance. The school is committed to Equal Opportunities in Employment.