Birch Wood Special School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Cover Supervisor to join our team. In this pivotal role, you will supervise classes in the absence of teachers, ensuring students remain engaged in their learning. You will explain set work, answer questions, and provide valuable feedback to teachers regarding student engagement and any challenges faced during lessons. Collaboration with staff is essential as you help maintain a safe and secure learning environment aligned with lesson plans. You will also support the development of curriculum resources and provide scaffolds to help promote pupil progress. Our ideal candidate will promote positive behaviour and build strong relationships with both students and colleagues, contributing to a supportive school atmosphere. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of students with special needs and are looking for a rewarding opportunity, we invite you to apply!
The role will be primarily based at Birch Wood Vale and Ashton House, a secondary provision for students with learning & cognition and communication & interaction needs. We’d welcome candidates with a variety of skills and experiences, including aspirant teachers who are looking to gain experience of teaching.Birch Wood Area Special School is a dual site school with a strong vision for achieving the best outcomes possible for children with a range of special educational needs. At our Grange Drive site students range from early years to year 14 with special educational needs including learning and cognition needs (Moderate-Severe Learning Difficulties and Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulties). Students may have a diagnosis of Autism and or AHHD. Students have access to a range of specialist facilities in a positive, communication rich environment. Birch Wood Vale (BWV) is our 11-19 school for students with moderate learning and cognition difficulties and ASC. We also have a specialist Autism provision- Ashton House (AH), based at this site. BWV & AH caters for students who will eventually be capable of achieving entry level qualifications, full GCSEs or a range of vocational qualifications in a nurturing and supportive environment that is sensitive to their needs and aspirational for their futures.
We provide a broad, enriched and expanding curriculum which is based on National Curriculum guidelines. Outcomes for all pupils are consistently high and we maintained an overall judgement of good as a result of our most recent Ofsted inspection in April 2024.Key responsibilitiesIn the absence of a teacher, to supervise a class of students, ensuring they are engaged in learning activity that has been set by a teacher. This may include explaining the work to be completed and answering questions from pupils to ensure that they understand what is required of them.
To liaise with teachers / other relevant staff with regard to work set for a class.
To feedback to the relevant teacher on pupil engagement in the set work and also on any issues that may have arisen during the covered lesson(s).
To help prepare, monitor and maintain a safe and secure learning environment in line with the teacher’s lesson plans.To undertake pupil registration of a class, in the absence of the normal registration tutor.To develop positive relationships with colleagues, providing consistent and effective support and working constructively as a member of the school staff team.To assist with the organisation of cover for absent colleagues (teachers or support staff), for both planned and unplanned absences.Qualifications and skills• Level 2 qualifications in maths/numeracy and English/literacy• Experience of working with students in a formal setting• Ability and willingness to undertake professional development.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Empathy with children and young people.
• Ability to effectively manage pupil behaviour in accordance with school policy and procedure.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team For further information, please see supporting documents for the job description and person specification. We can offer:
• A nurturing, caring and friendly environment
• Dynamic and energetic whole school team who work in partnership to support all children to succeed at our school
• Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme
• Staff parking available
• Health and wellbeing through our EAP
If you would like to apply, please download the attached application form.
Deadline for applications: Monday 18th November 12 noon
Interviews: w/c 25th November 2024