PolyMAT is a small but ambitious Multi-Academy Trust with a unique family feel. Our vision is Success for Everyone, and the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in making this vision a reality.

We currently have three schools in our Trust:

• Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys – a long-established and successful boys’ school
• Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls – opened in 2019 and has quickly become a beacon for success and progress
• Bannockburn Primary School – a large, thriving primary school that joined the Trust in November 2023

We also have a flourishing co-educational Sixth Form.

Across our Trust, we pride ourselves on a culture of high standards, underpinned by our core values of Care and Unity. We provide a rewarding environment where students and staff feel valued, supported, and part of a larger family.

Teaching is the most rewarding job in the world.  We have the opportunity to change students’ lives for the better and you could make a positive impact at Woolwich Polytechnic for Girls as Deputy SENCO.

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls is looking for a primary trained or SEN teacher who can bring their knowledge, skills and experience to our secondary school setting. As Deputy SENCO, you will work closely with the SENCO, school leadership team, teachers, and external professionals to ensure that all pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) receive the support they need.

We are at a pivotal stage in our development as a school in regard to Inclusion. We recognise the growing level of need coming into our school community and, as a result, are looking for an individual who is creative, pro-active and ambitious in developing and delivering a provision which enables all our SEN students to be successful.

As a primary trained or SEN teacher, you will use your experience to help develop a curriculum, and interventions, for students who are joining secondary school significantly below expected standard with a key focus on literacy and numeracy. Your teaching commitment will be between 12-15 hours a week to support with the delivery of this.

You do not need to have previous SEN leadership experience. However, we are looking for someone who is a strong classroom practitioner with experience of   overseeing and/or delivering in-class/additional interventions.  The successful candidate will be supported in securing their NPQ for SENCOs.

We are looking for a teacher who has:

• Qualified Teacher Status with primary SEN teaching experience
• Experience of working in a school environment, preferably within SEN, with ability to understand the complexities and challenge of working in this unique environment
• Knowledge of effective teaching and learning strategies, and confident in the ability to adapt teaching to meet pupil’s needs
• To be able to confidently communicate effectively with pupils, parents and carers
• To collaborate and work with colleagues and other relevant professionals within and beyond the school – to be a good team player
• Firm commitment to achieving the school’s vision and values.

As a member of staff at PolyMAT, we can offer you:

• Opportunities for career progression
• Access to apprenticeship training
• Excellent professional development
• A contributory pension scheme
• Opportunities to collaborate with outstanding and dynamic teaching professionals
• Access to various discounts for a small monthly fee
• An employee assistance programme
• Season ticket loans
• Excellent catering facilities
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Secure on-site parking
• Free daily coffee for staff

PolyMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offer of employment is subject upon the Academy Trust receiving an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate (DBS), which the Academy considers to be satisfactory. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The post you are applying for is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and it is therefore an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

An online search will be completed for information that is publicly available online.  This will include social media accounts you may hold.  This will only be carried out on shortlisted candidates and usually before interview.

PolyMAT is committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and providing opportunities for people with disabilities. We are an inclusive Trust who strives to provide an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. We aspire to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of circumstances or background, have the opportunity to be the best version of themselves through our vision of ‘Success for Everyone’. 

For any potential applicants, we would like to encourage you to inform us of any additional support or adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process. We have an open approach to support for candidates with disabilities and recognise that reasonable adjustments may be required based on each individual’s needs.

Sharing your needs with us ahead of interview, allows us to fully support and ensure you are not disadvantaged during the process. We welcome candidates contacting us at any point should you feel uncomfortable declaring a disability, to reassure you that we are here to support. So, please contact hr@polymat.co.uk if this is the case.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 29 March. Interviews will be scheduled to take place shortly after.

Suitable candidates will be interviewed promptly upon receipt of application. The closing date will be brought forward in the event that the post is filled