The Catch22 Multi Academies Trust is the vehicle for our sponsorship of an expanding number of academies focusing on learners who can benefit from small, supportive alternative education provision.

The Austen Academy is a Special Free school, which will offer full time education and therapeutic support to 125 children, aged 4 to 16 years old. The children at The Austen Academy all have a diagnosis of Autism, and are  generally working at age related expectations. Pupils will be referred to the school by the local authority as part of their duties to arrange SEN provision. 

About the role

As part of our next stage of growth, we are looking for a teacher to work in our provision, teaching students who have a diagnosis of Autism and SEN, in small groups. The work is intensive, requiring flexibility, sensitivity, patience, and resilience. An ability to work with and engage all students, with creativity and passion towards learning, is essential.

We are particularly interested in teachers with experience in a mainstream secondary or primary school, who would like to learn more about working with young people with Autism / SEN.

Subject areas of particular interest are Maths, Music, Science, and vocational subjects, with the ability to teach to GCSE level.

You will be part of a small but effective team, where communication and professionalism is paramount. The work, whilst challenging, is extremely rewarding. Primarily, you will be required to teach, and produce schemes of work and lesson plans. Building rapport with students/families/carers is key to this role, and you will need to liaise with a variety of agencies to problem-solve student issues and barriers to learning.

As a Teacher in our school, your main accountabilities will include:

Teaching and learning:

• Creating an inspirational learning environment, with high expectations of learner achievement, success, and progression, respecting individual differences in culture and background, and reflecting this in the environment of the classroom.
• Overseeing and co-ordinating the development of your subject(s) area.
• Planning, producing and updating schemes of work to meet curriculum, inspection, and accreditation requirements, taking into account guidance from the DfE and other regulatory bodies, to ensure compliance with all current requirements.
• Preparing and delivering lessons/learning activities to individuals and groups of learners, as required by the curriculum/timetable, that:
  • Are informed by relevant and up to date subject, curriculum, and pedagogical knowledge.
  • Reflect the wide range of needs of students within your classroom.
  • Use a range of teaching and learning strategies and resources, in line with the school’s teaching and learning policy, adapted to learners’ individual needs.
• Developing learning resources and learning routes that meet learner needs, and the requirements of Catch22 and commissioner requirements.
• Preparing lessons for off-site students, for support staff to deliver.
• Implementing and maintaining systems for monitoring, and evaluating learning activities, to ensure they are effective and worthwhile, and best practice is maintained.
• Identifying clear teaching objectives, learning outcomes, and Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Supporting and guiding learners so that they can reflect on their learning, identify the progress they have made, and set positive targets for improvement.
• Maintaining a regular system of monitoring, assessment, record-keeping, and reporting of student’s progress, using targets, tracking, and other school systems.
• Providing management information and other statistical data.
• Maintaining good order and discipline among the students, safeguarding their wellbeing. Setting high expectations for behaviour, being responsible for behaviour management within your classroom, and aiding in behavioural management across the school.
• Building effective and supporting relationships with students and families/carers, embedding that trust and support within the education process. Liaising with outside agencies as appropriate.
• Working as part of a team, to ensure effective pastoral support for learners.
• Ensuring the effective use of support staff within the classroom.
• Undertaking relevant administrative tasks associated with the teaching function, including examination/accreditation entries for learners, register taking, and invigilation.

Other duties:

• Acting as a role model, champion Catch22 and vision and values of the Education directorate. 
• Comply with Catch22 policies and procedures, including safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, data protection, and confidentiality.
• Undertake personal and professional development activities, and liaise with other staff, so knowledge and best practice can be shared.

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status.
• Other relevant Degree Level Qualifications.

Experience

• Experience of working with young people with autism, or a desire to do so and learn more.
• Good behaviour management experience with students who have complex needs and challenging behaviour.
• Relevant classroom teaching experience.
•  Experience of delivery of curriculum to a range of pupils.

Knowledge

• A clear understanding of the National Curriculum and its application.
• A robust knowledge of behavioural techniques and theories, and their application.
• Knowledge of the statutory requirements of equal opportunities, discrimination, health and safety, safeguarding, and child protection.
• A sound knowledge of planning and assessment techniques.
• A secure knowledge and understanding of subject(s)/curriculum area(s), and related pedagogy.
• An extensive knowledge and understanding of how to use and adapt a range of teaching, learning, and behaviour management strategies, including how to personalise learning to provide opportunities for all learners, to achieve their potential.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to learn how to work effectively with students with autism.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in verbal and written form.
• Ability to effectively use a variety of teaching and organisational styles and resources, including ICT, to deliver outstanding teaching and learning.
• Ability to work as part of a team to deliver a holistic educational package.
• Ability to cope with emotionally demanding situations.
• Ability to manage your time effectively.
• Flexible, creative, and adaptable approach.
• Ability to build positive and professional relationships with students, colleagues, parents/carers, and other stakeholders as appropriate.

Other

• A commitment to Catch22 MAT's vision and values.
• An interest in working with young people with Autism.
• A passion for achieving positive outcomes for young people and life long learning.
• A willingness to be involved in the wider life of the school.
• A personal commitment to professional development.
• Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the school, including some evening and weekend work.

Please click here to view the full job description.

Salary: £28,000 - £38,000 depending on experience (MAT teacher main pay range) + SEN Allowance
Contract: Full time, Permanent

Contract start date:

Post 1 - April 2023 (subject to clearances)
Post 2 - September 2023 (subject to clearances)
Post 3 - September 2023 (subject to clearances)

Catch22 MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice will be followed and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Working Conditions include: 

• Working with children 5 – 16 years old.
• Children with special needs and/or who demonstrate challenging behaviours.
• Verbal abuse and/or aggression.
• Physical Behaviour Management Techniques.
• Lone Working.

See the benefits of working for Catch22 here.

Unless otherwise stated, interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised.

At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live.