English & Literacy Lead

English & Literacy Lead

Salary: Teachers pay scales M1 to UPS3 £30,000 to £49,084 plus £2,679 SEN allowance

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The English & Literacy Lead in a Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) school is a critical leadership role that involves shaping the curriculum, teaching, and learning of English, literacy & reading across Key stages 2, 3 & 4. The role ensures that all students, regardless of their SEMH needs, receive high-quality instruction in English and literacy and gain relevant qualifications for their abilities as well as identifying and addressing gaps in learning to date and developing their reading ages. The successful candidate will lead the school in creating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging environment that promotes both academic achievement and the personal development of students.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Support SLT in developing a whole school literacy strategy.
• Develop and oversee a tailored English and literacy curriculum that meets the specific needs of SEMH students.
• Ensure the curriculum is differentiated and accessible to all students, with a focus on closing attainment gaps and improving reading ages.
• Regularly review and update the curriculum in line with national standards and the evolving needs of students.
• Line manage a literacy HLTA to target pupils who need individualised development plans in literacy.
• Attend & contribute to extended SLT meetings to develop SDP/SEF.
• Set high expectations for both staff and students.
• Manage and allocate resources effectively to support teaching and learning in English and literacy across the school within the department.
• Lead literacy development departmental meetings, promote collaboration among staff, and encourage the sharing of best practices across the school.
• Contribute to whole-school initiatives and the broader leadership team, particularly in areas related to literacy and SEMH support.

Teaching & Learning

• Lead by example in delivering outstanding English lessons that inspire and engage students.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of English, literacy & reading across the school within the department, providing feedback and support to staff to improve practice.
• Implement and promote effective teaching strategies that support students with SEMH needs, including those with additional learning needs.
• Support staff in the use of alternative communication methods and adaptive resources to enhance literacy development.

Assessment & Progress Monitoring

• Develop and implement effective assessment strategies that accurately measure student progress in English, literacy and reading.
• Use data to identify students at risk of underachievement and design individual interventions to support their progress.
• Ensure that individual education plans (IEPs) and behaviour plans are effectively integrated into the English curriculum.

Professional Development

• Identify and address the professional development needs of English delivery and arranging relevant training.
• Stay informed of current research and developments in SEMH education and English pedagogy, applying this knowledge to improve practice.
• Mentor and support less experienced teachers within the school, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and quality first teaching.

Other

• Any duties required by the Principal, Senior Leadership Team or Trustees, which is in the scope of the post. 
• At all times carry out duties with due regard to the school’s Health and Safety policy.
• To work within and encourage the school’s Equal Opportunity policy and contribute to diversity policies.

Person Specification

Qualifications and Training

Essential

• Relevant teacher qualification
• Willingness to work towards further qualifications as required
• Evidence and a track record of ongoing and sustained continuing and relevant professional development 

Desirable

• Other national accredited relevant qualification 

Experience

Essential

• Experience of work with autistic spectrum conditions and/or challenging behaviour
• Experience of planning, delivering and teaching lessons
• Experience of leading whole school initiatives on English and literacy

Desirable

• Experience working within a specialist SEMH/ASC setting

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Effective communication skills, verbal and written
• Ability to record information accurately
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to deal with complex and challenging behaviour
• Ability to demonstrate empathy
• Good IT skills
• Ability to tailor teacher and learning to the needs of individual students
• Ability to lead and coordinate effectively

This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore, the successful applicant will be required to disclose any relevant criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or final warnings. An Enhanced DBS check will be undertaken for the successful candidate. An online check will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates and references may be requested prior to interview.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

If you have a disability and need any adjustments to help you with an interview, then let us know and we will be happy to work with you to find out more about what you need. 

All personal information provided in the application process will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation and will be used solely for the purposes of recruitment and selection.

If you've got what it takes to join our amazing team, follow this link or scan the QR code at the back of the pack to download an application form. Completed application forms should be emailed to HR@Chaigeleyschool.org before the closing date.

The closing date for applications is Midnight on Sunday 29th September 2024 with interviews expected to be held w/c 7th October 2024.