The posting
At Samuel Laycock School we are constantly striving to create the best learning opportunities for every pupil. We aim to provide a specialist, high quality, relevant and balanced education for pupils aged 11-16 who have moderate learning difficulties, autistic spectrum condition and severe learning difficulties. We also tailor the learning experiences for individual pupils’ social and emotional development and communication needs. All children and young people at Samuel Laycock School have an Education Health and Care Plan. You can view our school’s website here. In our most recent staff survey, colleagues rated their wellbeing at an impressive 7.09, reflecting our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive and positive workplace.
Samuel Laycock is delighted to be part of the New Bridge Multi Academy Trust (MAT) having joined on 1st April 2022. The Trust is a growing family of schools catering for young people aged 4 to 19 with an EHCP currently in the local authorities of Oldham, Tameside, Manchester and Rochdale. Samuel Laycock was visited by Ofsted inspectors in October 2024. The school was graded as 'Outstanding' in most areas. You can view our latest Ofsted report here.
The Trustees and Governors are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated practitioner to join our dynamic, growing and committed staff team in the following area:
Cover Teacher
This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified teacher who enjoys variety and is passionate about supporting pupils with a range of additional needs. The successful candidate will work across the whole school, providing high-quality teaching and learning during staff absence and maternity leave. Unlike a traditional Cover Supervisor role, this position carries the full professional responsibilities of a teaching role, including planning, assessment, monitoring pupil progress and contributing to curriculum delivery.
The role will involve covering lessons across a range of pathways and age groups, including our Aspire Route, Sensory Route, and Communication Route and KS4 Pathway Options. As such, we particularly welcome applications from teachers with experience in SEND, Primary, Early Years, Autism Specialist Provision or Special School Settings.
As a Cover Teacher, you will:
- Deliver high-quality teaching across a range of classes, key stages, pathways and curriculum areas.
- Plan, prepare and assess learning in line with school expectations.
- Support the delivery of core subjects including English, Maths, Science, PSHE, Living Skills and Careers, alongside other curriculum areas as required.
- Adapt learning to meet the individual needs of pupils with SEND, autism and complex learning needs.
- Use assessment information and pupil progress data to monitor achievement and inform future planning.
- Establish positive learning environments which promote engagement, achievement and wellbeing.
- Work collaboratively with teaching, support and pastoral staff to ensure continuity of learning and high standards across the school.
- Support learners working within specialist pathways where communication, sensory regulation and personalised learning approaches are central to successful outcomes.
About Our Specialist Provision
Our Aspire Route provides a structured and ambitious curriculum for pupils with additional needs who are developing greater independence and accessing a subject-based curriculum. Teaching promotes academic achievement alongside communication, social development and preparation for adulthood. Learning is carefully adapted to meet individual needs while maintaining high expectations, enabling pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence required to achieve their EHCP outcomes and prepare for their future.
Our Sensory Route provides a highly structured and consistent approach for pupils with a range of complex learning needs, including autism and Down's syndrome. Teaching incorporates a variety of evidence-informed approaches including multi-sensory learning, TEACCH, Attention Autism and continuous provision opportunities to support engagement and independence.
Our Communication Route provides a consistent and supportive environment for pupils with autism and associated complex needs. Communication development, social interaction, emotional regulation and sensory regulation are at the heart of the curriculum. Learning is delivered through a thematic approach which enables pupils to make meaningful links across subject areas and supports the achievement of EHCP outcomes.
At Key Stage 4, pupils on all routes through school follow personalised pathways that offer a range of accredited qualifications and vocational opportunities, supporting successful transitions into further education, employment and adult life.
Cover Teachers may be required to work within these provisions and should be confident in adapting their teaching to meet a diverse range of needs.
The Successful Candidate Will Have
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
- Excellent classroom practice with the commitment, creativity and motivation to inspire pupils' learning and development.
- Experience of planning, delivering and assessing learning across a broad curriculum within a primary-style model.
- Experience and/or a strong interest in working with pupils with SEND, autism and complex needs.
- High expectations of young people, with a commitment to raising standards of attainment and achievement.
- Experience of enhancing pupil progress and securing positive outcomes for all learners.
- Experience of current assessment practices and the effective use of pupil progress and attainment data.
- The ability to create imaginative, engaging and highly differentiated learning opportunities that meet individual needs.
- Experience of developing alternative approaches to support pupil engagement and participation in learning.
- Knowledge of, or willingness to develop expertise in, SEND-friendly approaches such as TEACCH, Attention Autism, SCERTS, Colourful Semantics, Six Bricks, multi-sensory teaching strategies
- Strong behaviour management skills and an understanding of proactive approaches to supporting emotional regulation.
- The emotional and physical resilience required to work with young people who present a wide range of complex learning, communication and behavioural needs.
- The ability to build and maintain positive relationships with pupils, families, colleagues and external professionals.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A commitment to continuous professional development and innovation in teaching practice.
- A flexible, solution-focused approach and the willingness to work collaboratively across all areas of the New Bridge team.
