Lead Teacher (Communication and Interaction Unit)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated lead teacher for Polaris, our specialist unit for children with communication and interaction difficulties and ASD. There are 21 KS3 and KS4 students who attend the provision, all of whom have EHCPs. In Polaris, we aim to ensure that all of our students have access to an appropriate education allowing them to reach their full potential. The role involves advocating for the children and supporting colleagues in the main school when the children attend mainstream lessons, teaching mainly English and Maths in the unit at KS3 and 4, delivering interventions in small groups in line with the EHCPs, and liaising and working with multiagency colleagues to ensure the students’ needs are being met. Statutory work, such as annual reviews, will be supported by our SENDCO, and this would be an ideal opportunity for someone who wishes to become a SENDCO and complete SENDCO training.

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t have experience or qualifications that meets all the requirements, we would love to hear from you. Please apply as we may be able to support you in any areas for development or we may have alternative roles that are a good fit for you. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

Our schools work in close partnership as a family of schools who share the same inclusive philosophy, where every child is a valued member of the school community. We believe that every child has the right to achieve their full potential and every family can expect to be supported to enable the home and school partnership to flourish. We have aspirational and high expectations for children with SEND and believe in providing a bespoke curriculum to meet children’s needs. 

This is an excellent opportunity if you are looking for an exciting new challenge to further your development as part of a forward-thinking MAT to benefit from our supportive model for staff CPD and career development. 

We will offer: 

• Excellent career development opportunities across our trust network including trust-wide projects
• A two-week October half term
• Access to excellent training
• Support from an experienced and nurturing school improvement team
• On-hand expertise from our dedicated education and operations teams who are ready to support you
• Evidence-informed research opportunities via our Research School Wellbeing packages and an employee assistance programme

At Unity Schools Partnership our objective is to smash through barriers to make remarkable change happen. We pride ourselves on being an educational organisation that puts children first, going the extra mile for the vulnerable and disadvantaged, and every one of us has an impact on unlocking our pupils’ potential. We are committed to providing a working environment where our employees can grow and thrive. We value collaboration, wellbeing, diversity, equality and work-life balance. 

Throughout our diverse family of schools and within our vibrant central hub we nurture talent, whether you are at the beginning of your career or looking to grow your expertise. Unity Schools Partnership is made up of a family of 33 schools (9 secondary, 19 primary and 5 special schools) located on the Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire borders, as well as Romford in East London. The Trust expects its work to be characterised by ethical leadership, an ambition for improvement at pace and the expectation that remarkable improvements can be achieved. We refer to ourselves as a family because, throughout the trust, we foster a supportive and collaborative relationship, whilst recognising, and celebrating that, we are all different and have our own contextual characteristics. Sharing the same values and facing similar issues not only enables us to support each other, but to challenge each other too. This interdependence allows each of our schools to flourish and grow; providing stimulating, nurturing yet self-challenging environments in which our pupils and staff members can thrive. 

Unity Schools Partnership has created a subsidiary trading company Unity Schools Partnership Education. Having a separate legal entity that is free to trade independently with other commercial organisations as well as schools, gives scope and opportunities for greater impact and reach within the wider sphere of education. In return, income is invested into our trust to improve educational outcomes for the children in our schools. By working with Unity Schools Partnership, you may have the opportunity to work on a commission basis beyond a standard career in education and develop some ideas of your own. 

We would encourage applicants to arrange a visit to our school, please contact Georgina Ellis, Executive Director of Education (SEND) on gellis@unitysp.co.uk or 07826068941. 

Closing Date: 9;00am, 6th December 2023

Interviews: To be confirmed 

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required. 

Unity Schools Partnership – welcoming diversity.