Job Description
Temporary contracts up to 12 months
Who we are & what we stand for
Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.
We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.
At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.
Supporting young children with emerging SEND needs to thrive, learn and succeed through specialist teaching, assessment and early intervention.
The Early Years Assessment Provision is a specialist service within Education, Schools and Inclusion, supporting young children with emerging special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including those with complex social communication, social, emotional and mental health needs. Working closely with families, early years providers, schools, therapists and multi-disciplinary professionals, the team delivers high-quality assessment, teaching and targeted interventions to identify needs early and provide the right support at the right time. The service is committed to inclusion, helping children develop the skills and confidence they need for successful transitions, reintegration into mainstream provision where appropriate, and the best possible educational, social and emotional outcomes.
Make a lasting difference at the earliest stage of a child's journey by combining outstanding teaching, specialist assessment and family-centred support.
What you will get to do:
- Lead and deliver high-quality teaching and learning for children with emerging SEND needs within the Early Years Assessment Provision.
- Create a safe, engaging and inclusive learning environment that supports all children to access a broad and balanced curriculum.
- Plan and deliver differentiated learning experiences tailored to individual needs, encouraging independence and personal development.
- Deliver therapeutic programmes in partnership with therapists and specialist professionals.
- Assess, monitor and record children's progress using observational, formative and summative assessment approaches in line with the EYFS framework.
- Lead and support teaching assistants and other support staff to ensure high-quality provision for all children.
- Build strong relationships with parents, carers, schools, early years settings and multi-disciplinary teams to ensure a joined-up approach to support and assessment.
- Contribute to outreach support, partnership working and transition planning to help children move successfully between settings and into mainstream provision where appropriate.
- Promote children's wellbeing, safety, positive behaviour and achievement, maintaining high expectations for every child.
- Play an active role in the ongoing development of the provision while continually developing your own professional practice.
Join a dedicated team helping children with complex needs achieve the best possible educational, social and emotional outcomes.
What you will bring:
- Qualified Teacher Status with a recognised DfE teaching qualification and at least two years' experience teaching within an Early Years setting.
- Experience of working with children with special educational needs and disabilities, with the ability to deliver high-quality teaching and learning that meets individual needs.
- Strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, assessment, planning and recording processes, and effective approaches to behaviour support.
- Excellent communication and partnership-working skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, schools and multi-disciplinary professionals.
- A reflective and motivated approach, with a commitment to continuous professional development and developing expertise in SEND.
- The ability to lead and work collaboratively as part of a team, demonstrating initiative, flexibility, confidence, patience and enthusiasm.
- A strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, enhancing children's self-esteem, multi-disciplinary working and maintaining high expectations for every child, alongside access to transport and a valid driving licence (or appropriate mobility support).
If Successful you will have to apply or an Enhanced Disclosure
What’s in it for you
- Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
- Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info TEACHERS PENSIONS
- Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
- Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
- Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).
Our commitment to you
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
How to apply
You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.
We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.
If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk
Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.
Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.