Teacher

Job Title: Teacher (SEN)

Job Location: Acorn School, Winkleigh (EX19)

Salary: Between £28,350 and £33,592 per annum, based on working 40 hours per week, (39.2 weeks of the year)

Contract Type: Permanent

We’re looking for a passionate Teacher who believes in the power of creativity and individualised learning. Acorn School is nestled in a beautiful rural location, offering a peaceful haven where pupils can access a meaningful education surrounded by the calming sounds of nature. This tranquil environment provides the ideal backdrop for pupils to grow, learn and flourish.

You’ll have the freedom to step away from traditional methods and design personalised learning experiences that align with each pupil’s unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. With small class sizes of four pupils, you’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and truly understand each child’s needs.

Imagine teaching maths by measuring ingredients in the kitchen, exploring scientific concepts through hands-on experiments in our science lab, or using the beauty of nature as inspiration for art projects. Your creativity will flourish as you engage your pupils in ways that connect with them.

While some of our pupils may pursue formal qualifications, we recognise that success comes in many forms. We celebrate every achievement, big and small, and emphasise the importance of developing essential life skills, particularly for those facing social and emotional challenges. Supporting our pupils as they transition into adulthood is a vital part of our mission.

You’ll get all the training and support you need to make sure our pupils have the best experience possible.

A day in the life of a Teacher will involve:

• Leading classroom activities including planning, teaching and assessing learning, particularly with ‘your’ class. This might involve a range of subjects and topics and involve pastoral support.
• Monitoring and recording progress, both academically and against EHCP outcomes
• Working closely with pupils keeping them engaged, motivated and inspired to reach their full potential.
• Working either 1-2-1 with pupils, or in small group settings to help them achieve their learning goals.
• Working closely with Teaching Assistants to direct them to effectively support the pupils.

To be a successful Teacher you’ll need:

• Patience, compassion, and resilience – All of the pupils you’ll support will be neurodiverse, which may impact their learning behaviour and communication needs.
• Great communication skills – Both verbal and written communication is important in this role as you’ll be speaking to a lot of different people at different times. You’ll need to be able to contribute to a range of resources as well as share information effectively.
• A driving licence — Our pupils love to learn in a wide range of settings. We need you to drive them to where they need to go. We have the cars; you need the licence.
• A genuine interest in a career focused on the education of people with a wide range of needs.

In return for your time, you’ll get:

• Holidays – You’ll only work term time (39.2 weeks), and get paid the additional 12.8 weeks whilst you’re off.
• Pension scheme– Our pension scheme is based on you paying in 5%, and us adding 3%.
• Learning & Development Opportunities – We provide comprehensive learning opportunities for team members to develop themselves.
• Discounts – You’ll have access to brilliant discounts through the Blue Light Card and our own employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support – Your wellbeing is always our priority. You’ll have access to mental health and wellbeing support. On top of this, our therapies team offers a monthly confidential check in clinic, and group reflective practice sessions.
• Cycle2Work -The cycle to work scheme enables you to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate.
• DBS – As this role required you to have an enhanced DBS carried out, we will cover this cost.
• After 12 months service - You’ll be eligible for our Medicash scheme which covers a wide range of medical, health and wellbeing expenses (Including immediate access to a GP). You’ll get life assurance paid at 2 x your annual salary, and even more high street discounts.

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS, online and social media checks, and reference validation. Due to the nature of our work, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), so we may ask you to disclose any spent or unspent criminal convictions during recruitment. This disclosure does not automatically disqualify you, and we encourage transparency at the application stage.

At Phoenix Learning and Care, we are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment where all team members feel safe to be themselves without risk of discrimination. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation, and we strive to ensure everyone can contribute authentically and openly.