Lower School (Primary) Teacher - Term Time - Special Needs Position

West Heath School, Sevenoaks

• Ref:KCC886-6079-261T
• Posted:22/05/2025
• Pay:Teacher Pay Scale, Fringe
• Start Date:Autumn Term 2025
• App Close Date:08/06/2025 at 23:45
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

Can you make the difference to the lives of our students?  Do you like to be challenged?   Are you solution focused?

Do you want to be part of our SEMH school?

This could be the job for you.

West Heath School is a challenging place to work, but our dedicated staff rebuild lives through education. Teaching respect, encouraging responsibility, building relationships, and developing resilience in our students is an integral part of the role. Our committed, dynamic, and resourceful staff find working at West Heath School rewarding.

This position has been created for a primary-trained teacher who is keen to develop their practice in a supportive SEND environment, as well as potentially have the opportunity to teach across two Key Stages (KS2 – Year 5/6 and KS3 – Year 7). The successful candidate will be predominantly based in our unique Juniors house and will work closely with the Lower School Curriculum Lead and the Head of School to deliver a bespoke educational programme to our special community of Lower School students.

Our teachers benefit from working across our Lower School primary model to ensure a consistent kinaesthetic and thematic approach to teaching and learning. Our Primary model supports students’ transition into Year 7 and is key in bridging this gap and ensuring that smooth and successful transitions are an integral part of the West Heath School journey for students.

Many students have experienced significant time out of education, and have varying educational needs, and therefore students can have significant attainment gaps and can be working up to one to two years below their neurotypical peers. We strive for staff who are energetic and flexible and enjoy adapting their lessons to build engagement. Our staff work hard to create lessons that are challenging, but enjoyable and fun, and ensure all students develop socially and emotionally.

Due to the nature of the role the ideal applicant must hold, at minimum, QTS or other relevant degree in Primary Education and have strong KS2 curriculum knowledge. Experience of working in a SEND environment or with SEND students would also be advantageous.

West Heath School works towards the end goal of helping students re-integrate into mainstream learning and preparation for adulthood.

If you would like to be part of the journey helping our students gain their best outcomes, we can support you by offering:

• Free lunches
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Charity Discount Scheme
• Summer and Christmas Social events
• Free onsite parking
• Swimming pool 
• Excellent training opportunities both internal and external

If you want to know more about us or would like to visit before applying, please call or e-mail the whs.HR-team@ westheathschool.com

Working at West Heath School involves close and unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups including children and as such is a regulated activity. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post (including an Enhanced DBS check. Management positions will require a 128 Check.)

Information about the school

WEST HEATH SCHOOL

Ashgrove Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1SR

“Rebuilding lives through education”

OFSTED outstanding May 2022

West Heath School is an Independent SEN residential school with charity status. We provide a therapeutically informed learning environment for children aged 10-19 who have suffered some form of trauma and are unable to access main stream education. We believe in “rebuilding lives through education”, developing life skills and encouraging students to enjoy social activities .

“A fun place to work where social development is valued as much as education”

“The support you receive from the moment you arrive at West Heath School is excellent…”

“Two days are never the same at West Heath School and this certainly keeps you on your toes!”

Job Contact Information

• Name:Nicola Kelly or Chloe Checkley
• Address:West Heath , Ashgrove Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1SR
• Telephone: 01732 460 553
• Email: whs.hr-team@westheathschool.com

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description and Personal Specification