Penny Field School

Class Teacher

Start April 2025!

Salary: MPS/UPS + SEN point 

Do you…

• Want to make a real difference to some of the most vulnerable pupils in the city? 

• Work with the most incredible pupils who have complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? 

• Be part of an amazing, caring and nurturing team?

• Move away from the restrictions of a mainstream pathway?

• Have a passion for creative teaching and want to have the space to develop individuals with a more flexible curriculum? 

We require an exceptional teacher at Penny Field School who is passionate about providing the best possible education and care for pupils with complex SEND. This teaching post is an exciting opportunity to join the teaching team within our school and work with our older pupils who are following our Engagement Pathway of learning. Students within this pathway require a more sensory approach to learning and focus on the 5 Areas of Need (Cognition and Learning, Communication and Literacy, SEMH, Physical Development and Sensory). The curriculum is focused on each individual’s EHCP targets and develops key skills of communication, physical development, independence and self-care. As some of our pupils in our older class are in Post-16, there is a strong emphasis on the development of functional skills and preparation for life beyond Penny Field. This primarily involves students in KS5 working on a broad range of skills with real-life applications, often through the ASDAN accreditation programmes.

Penny Field School is an all through special school from EYFS to Post-16 and is part of Wellspring Academy Trust. As such, there is great potential for both support, professional development and career opportunities. It is a small school with seven classes and has close working relationships with various health teams and professionals. This enables us to have a holistic approach to support and education.  

This position would suit a teacher with a proven track record of exceptional practice, who is able to work with pupils with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It would suit an individual who is passionate about making a real difference to pupils' life chances and supporting them in achieving their potential and being prepared for life beyond Penny Field. The ability to be creative and use imaginative flair to engage is essential, along with having resilience, drive and high expectations to inspire students to achieve. We operate a primary type model and you would be working with a small group of students on a wide range of subject areas with specialists delivering therapies such as Hydrotherapy and Rebound Therapy. You will have the opportunity to work as part of a team with teaching assistants, HLTAs, Interveners and an Educare team in supporting the needs of these young people in your care. 

About us

We aim to offer all pupils the opportunity to learn and develop in a supportive, nurturing environment. Our vision is to enable pupils to succeed in their learning and improve their communication, interaction, physical and SEMH skills. Almost all students attend the school full time, which encourages a sense of belonging and community. 

Penny Field places a huge emphasis on professional development and invests significantly in staff training at all levels. This means that, although experience of working in an SEND setting would be an advantage, specialist support and training will be provided for outstanding teachers wishing to make the career-fulfilling move into special education. We already have a number of ex-mainstream teachers who have successfully made this transition. 

At Penny Field, we offer staff:

• A happy, welcoming, supporting team of staff.

• A commitment to you and your professional development.

• Strong, supportive leadership and staff who put the needs of the pupils first.

• Wonderful pupils who will reward you with many memories that will last throughout your entire career.

If you work with us at Penny Field school, you will be part of a committed and hardworking team that is dedicated to making a difference to the lives of the children and young people with which we work.

What our staff say…

“It is a unique, vibrant and caring school.”

“I love working at Penny Field as I have a real feeling of satisfaction when I go home each day that even in the smallest of ways I

       have helped our students and parents/carers that day.”

“It’s the best place to work.” 

“It feels like a family and everyone cares about everyone. I've never stayed anywhere so long.”

“A place of inspiration for all.”

“It’s a safe, happy place for pupils to learn and grow.”

What our parents/carers say…

“Brilliant school. Really helped A come on and to be the best she can be.”

“It's a great school and the staff are amazing.”

“R has made loads of progress in school and is talking a lot more and now we can understand what he is trying to say.”

“I cannot praise the school enough as G has come on so much.”

We welcome tours of the school to be arranged. 

If you would like to discuss or find out more about this post, please contact Hannah Duffey (Headteacher), via email. hannah.duffey@pennyfield.org.uk

Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview.

Further pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128 checks, if deemed relevant for the role, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

As you will be working with children and vulnerable adults, this post requires you to undertake regulated activity. It is an offence to seek to work in regulated activity with a group with which you are barred.

We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/ countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.