Work Related Learning Trainer

Work Related Learning Trainer - 37 hrs/week, term time only

(GLPC-E SCP 12-19 = £24,496-27,852 pro rata = approx £20,978-£24596 per annum)

Oak Field School is an Outstanding Special School (Ofsted 2018, 2014, 2011) for 166 pupils aged 3-19 with a wide range of learning and physical disabilities, broadly SLD (severe learning difficulties) and PMLD (profound and multiple learning difficulties). This includes some pupils with challenging behaviours linked to SLD, some pupils with ASC, and some pupils with complex health needs. This is a permanent full-time post, to start on Monday 17th April 2023, or sooner if you are available.

We are seeking a proactive, enthusiastic, and committed Work Related Learning Trainer with a strong background in the field of SEN and Disability, ideally with Special School or College experience. Oak Field has considerable experience in the field of work-related learning, and is strongly committed to promoting self-confidence and independence in this area. We run our own café (Café 1) which is open to the public 3 mornings a week. Currently, we are actively seeking to support more students aged 14-19 to access offsite work placements with a wide range of commercial and public sector employers, and voluntary sector partners.

This is an exciting opportunity. Key duties are to provide 1:1 and small group coaching and mentoring for students to work towards, access, and sustain high quality work experience placements, on and offsite. This will include liaison, organisation, travel training, supervision, supporting effective communication with colleagues, and developing work portfolios. This post is linked to the 14-19 Team, but will involve lone working and working with the host placement teams. The post holder will be required positively to promote work related learning with parents/carers, employers, the local community, and other agencies, and will require excellent spoken, written and computing skills. The school would welcome applications from graduates with a degree in a relevant field, who have a strong interest in/experience of this sector, and from qualified TAs with skills and experience with young adults with learning difficulties. If in doubt re your qualifications and experience, please contact the Deputy Head, as below.

The successful candidate will be expected to be proactive in seeking and developing their own CPD; the school provides training in areas such as student accreditation, communication, Makaton, Behaviour Management, Moving and Handling, and Personal and Intimate Care (see appendix) to maximise access to learning. Candidates are actively encouraged to participate in the wider life and enrichment activities of the school.

Working hours for this post are: Mon–Thurs 8.20am-4.20pm (Fri 3.50pm), with the possibility of a slightly earlier start Weds-Fri and a slightly earlier finish on Tues and Thurs, by negotiation.

Since Oak Field is a unique specialised educational setting, we strongly advise that before you apply for this post you have a detailed look at our website (oakfieldschool.org.uk), especially the 4-minute video and the Learning At Home tab, then have an informal telephone conversation with Matthew Riley (Deputy Head) to discuss this post further. This opportunity is available between 9.30am and 5pm, and we would strongly encourage you to do this, to support your application.

Applications close on: Friday 24th February 2023 at 9am.

Provisional interview date: Friday 3rd March 2023

For the Personal Statement section of the application form, please write a covering letter (2 sides max) outlining your experience, knowledge, skills and abilities in relation to this post.