AddressINTRODUCTION
Frank Wise School caters for 120 students aged between 2 and 19 years with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties. We serve a growing community within a mixed catchment area extending over 15 miles across much of North Oxfordshire. As an outstanding school we offer an excellent environment in which to teach, including a hydrotherapy pool, an innovative space with a 3-wall projection system, a purpose built Post-16 block, and an all-weather pitch and outdoor fitness equipment on the school field.
SCHOOL STRUCTURE Currently, the school has 12 broadly chronologically-based classes, including a Foundation class and a Post-16 class. Students are grouped by age to enable every child to develop within a socially diverse Family Group in which each child is valued as a unique individual. Each class of around 9 children is led by a teacher supported by three full-time Classroom Support Officers.
JOB OUTLINE
Conditions of service will be in accordance with the Oxfordshire County Council’s ‘General Terms and Conditions of Employment for all Employees’ and the ‘Terms and Conditions for ‘Green Book’ staff’.
The person appointed will be expected to:
Support the development in all aspects of the education and welfare of the children, working under the direction teaching staff. This will include:
- Working with a wide range of children and young people of differing ages from 2 to 19 who have varying cognitive abilities and who may have have additional communication, social, emotional, physical or sensory needs
- Working flexibly alongside the teacher
- Supporting whole class lessons and other learning activities
- Delivering individual and small group learning programmes, under the direction of the class teacher
- Managing behaviour effectively, under the direction of the class teacher
- Providing support with toileting and feeding, where appropriate
- Promoting the safety and well-being of all pupils and staff
- Safely supervising pupils both on and off the school site
- Preparing and organising school resources and keeping these in good order
- Facilitating the smooth running of the school day and taking an active part in the life of the school
- Attending weekly half hour team meetings and a monthly half hour staff meeting after school
- Contributing to and become fully involved in all aspects of school life
SALARY
Starting on OCC Grade 6, Point 8, 32 hours a week, term-time only - actual salary £17,913.
THE APPLICANT
The professional qualities we are looking for are:
- A commitment to being effective in supporting the teaching of pupils with severe and multiple learning difficulties
- An appreciation of the positive attitudes required to encourage independence in our pupils
- A good standard of education, particularly in English, and highly effective communication skills
- The capacity to perceive the need for consistency in the day to day management and welfare of our pupils
- A willingness to think reflectively and analytically
- High expectations and respect towards our pupils
The personal qualities we are looking for are:
- Energy, enthusiasm, warmth and a sense of humour
- A commitment and positive attitude towards the education of pupils with disabilities
- Common sense, flexibility and a willingness to learn
- Someone who is highly motivated, fit, healthy and ready to work as a member of a lively, committed and hard-working team
- A passion for excellence and the capability to enjoy the challenges associated with a motivated school committed to high professional standards in all aspects of its work
We are looking for people who will fully support the stated purpose, values and aims of the school and will be able to play a major part in all aspects of its future development. We believe that the relevant skills for this post can be taught, but the positive attitudes required cannot. Therefore, previous experience and additional specialist qualifications would be an advantage, but are not essential as full training will be given.
In addition:
Applicants must respect the need for confidentiality and professionalism which this post demands. The person appointed should enjoy the challenges that are associated with a school motivated by and committed to high professional standards.
APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES
We would warmly welcome applicants who wish to visit the school before they apply. Visits can be arranged by phoning (01295) 263520 or by emailing [email protected].
Completed application forms should highlight any previous experience, professional interests and skills and please ensure we have an email address and contact telephone number for confirmation.
In line with the KCSIE guidance, we will be conducting an online search for all shortlisted candidates.
Please note that, if you are successful in your application, you will be required to provide information at the point of interview which will be checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
All shortlisted candidates will be asked to visit the school (if they have not done so already) to meet with children and staff prior to or as part of the interview process.
Closing Date 18/03/2024
Interviews 25/03/2024
