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Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School)

Salary: Grade 7 Pay Point 11-14 (£26,832 - £28,146 per annum, approximate starting salary of £13,034.05 per annum )

Hours: 21 Hours per week; 39 Weeks per year (Term time only plus Inset days)

Contract Type: Fixed Term until 30 April 2027

Working Pattern: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 08:30am to 16:00pm, inclusive of 30 minute lunch break

About the Role

Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School) are looking to appoint someone to provide support for vulnerable pupils referred by the SENCo and EPIC team in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.

Why Choose Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School)?

Joining Birch Wood means becoming part of a warm, committed and highly collaborative community where staff are supported to thrive professionally and personally.

Key Responsibilities

• To provide support for pupils with behavioural, social, emotional and / or psychological difficulties that affect or are likely to affect, learning and engagement with education at schools within the Discovery Schools Academies Trust group and beyond
• To work with pupils to help them to remove or reduce barriers to achievement
• To communicate and work with pupil parents and carers to help them remove or reduce barriers to pupil achievement and to keep them informed, as appropriate, for the duration of sessions 

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications:

• Able to demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy equivalent to level 2. 
• Evidence of relevant training or professional development related to working with children, families or communities.
• Relevant further education qualification or experience (e.g. childcare, education, social work, family support).

Experience:

• Experience of working with disadvantaged children, young people and families.
• Experience of supporting individuals with social, emotional or behavioural needs. 
• Experience of working collaboratively with professional across different services (inter-agency working). 
• Experience of maintaining records and producing reports.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Ability and willingness to undertake professional development
• Ability to effectively manage pupil behaviour in accordance with school policy and procedure
• Knowledge of child protection and health and safety procedures.
• Understanding family dynamics and the impact on children’s learning and wellbeing 

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.

Why Join Us?

Professional Growth & Support

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
• Highly committed and motivated Team
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun
• A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues 

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.

Additional Perks

• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support.

Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

AI

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting. 

Apply Now!
If you are ready to make a difference in children's lives, apply today!