KS3/KS4 Specialist Teacher

KS3/KS4 Specialist Teacher

Rodenhurst School, Shropshire

Permanent | Full-time | Term time + 5 INSET days

Salary: Up to £39,900 per annum (dependent on experience)

About Us

Rodenhurst School is a small, specialist independent SEND provision for pupils aged 6–16 with Autism, ADHD, SEMH needs and communication differences.

Many of our pupils have experienced disrupted education or periods out of school. Our role is to re-engage them in learning through a calm, structured and relationship-led approach.

Our curriculum is built around three pathways:

• Engage & Communicate
• Explore & Apply
• Achieve & Aspire

This allows all pupils to access an ambitious, language-rich curriculum matched to their developmental stage rather than age.

The Role

We are seeking a reflective and committed teacher to work across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, delivering a primary-model curriculum within a specialist SEND setting.

You will teach a small class (maximum five pupils), supported by consistent Learning Support Assistants, and deliver a personalised curriculum that balances academic outcomes with communication, regulation and independence.

You will support pupils working towards:

• Functional Skills (English & Maths)
• Entry Level qualifications
• AQA Unit Awards / similar accreditation pathways

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Plan and deliver engaging, well-sequenced lessons across KS3 and KS4
• Adapt curriculum content to meet a wide range of needs
• Deliver accredited pathways appropriate to pupil readiness
• Use low-arousal, relational and trauma-informed approaches
• Embed communication strategies (visuals, modelling, scaffolding)
• Work collaboratively with LSAs and the wider team
• Monitor and support progress in both academic and developmental outcomes
• Oversee key pupil documentation, including risk assessments, regulation plans and APDRs
• Work alongside the SENCo to support the annual review process

Our Approach

Teaching at Rodenhurst is:

• Structured and predictable
• Language-rich and communication-focused
• Therapeutic and relationship-led
• Adapted to support all learners

Why Work at Rodenhurst?

• Very small class sizes with high staff ratios
• Consistent LSA support in every class
• A clear, well-structured curriculum model
• Strong focus on staff wellbeing and sustainability
• Supportive and visible leadership
• High-quality CPD in SEND, communication and curriculum delivery
• Opportunities to develop experience in KS4 accreditation pathways
• A calm, rural setting with access to outdoor learning

Who This Role Is For

This role would suit:

• Teachers with KS3 and/or KS4 experience
• Teachers with experience of Functional Skills, Entry Level or similar qualifications
• SEND or SEMH practitioners
• Secondary teachers seeking a more personalised approach
• Primary teachers looking to develop KS4 experience
• Teachers transitioning from mainstream into SEND

Person Specification

You will:

• Hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Have at least one year of teaching experience
• Be confident in planning and adapting the curriculum
• Be reflective, adaptable and emotionally intelligent
• Understand the importance of communication and emotional regulation in learning
• Be committed to developing specialist SEND practice
• Be fully committed to a trauma-responsive approach, demonstrating the ability to translate trauma-informed principles into consistent, responsive practice

Safeguarding

Rodenhurst School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including Enhanced DBS clearance, references, and online checks in line with statutory guidance.