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Job Description
DIRECTORATE: Education and Transformation
DEPARTMENT: Ty Dysgu Pupil Referral Unit (PRU)
POST: Foundation Phase Teacher
GRADE OF POST: Teacher Main Scale / Upper Pay Scale + ALN
RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Centre and Management Committee
Job Purpose:
The primary responsibility of this role is to fulfil the professional duties of a teacher in accordance with the Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document, the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership in Wales, the Curriculum for Wales, and the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018.
The post holder will deliver high-quality, inclusive provision for pupils aged 3–7 in line with Foundation Phase pedagogy and Curriculum for Wales principles, supporting learners with Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD) and Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The role requires a strong focus on wellbeing, engagement, progression and relationships within a PRU context.
The post holder may also work flexibly with learners across the wider 3–16 age range, as required to meet service needs.
This role contributes directly to Ty Dysgu’s commitment to enabling all learners to progress towards the four purposes of the Curriculum for Wales, becoming:
•Ambitious, capable learners
•Enterprising, creative contributors
•Ethical, informed citizens
•Healthy, confident individuals
Principal Responsibilities and Activities:
The Foundation Phase Teacher will support pupils referred to Ty Dysgu due to complex needs that have impacted engagement and progress in mainstream education. The role involves working collaboratively with pupils, families, schools and agencies to support successful reintegration where appropriate.
A comprehensive learner profile will be developed for each pupil, drawing on baseline assessment, observation and learner voice to inform provision and next steps.
Under the guidance of the Senior Leadership Team, the post holder will:
•Design, implement and review enabling learning environments that promote curiosity, independence, wellbeing and engagement
•Plan and deliver learning experiences aligned to the six Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs), appropriate to learners’ developmental stages
•Use formative assessment and professional judgement to support progression, rather than attainment against age-related expectations
•Set and review individual targets that support academic learning, wellbeing and social development
•Lead and support classroom staff to deliver consistent, high-quality provision
•Promote positive behaviour and emotional regulation through trauma-informed, restorative and relational approaches
•Work in partnership with parents/carers and professionals to support learner progress and wellbeing
•Engage in professional learning to enhance practice in line with Ty Dysgu priorities
Learner Progress and Assessment:
The post holder will:
•Plan learning that builds on prior experiences and supports progression along individual learning pathways
•Use observation, dialogue, play-based evidence and work samples to assess learning holistically
•Track progress across literacy, numeracy, oracy and wellbeing in line with Curriculum for Wales expectations
•Use assessment information to adapt provision and inform next steps
•Maintain accurate, purposeful records that support planning, review and transition
•Contribute to review meetings, reintegration planning and multi-agency processes
Professional Practice:
The post holder will:
•Identify learners with ALN, developmental delay or advanced learning needs in line with the ALN Code for Wales
•Provide learning experiences that are purposeful, inclusive and responsive to learners’ needs
•Ensure effective use of time through flexible planning that responds to learner engagement and readiness
•Use a range of pedagogical approaches, including play, exploration, direct teaching and reflection
•Manage and deploy support staff effectively, ensuring clarity of roles and appropriate supervision
•Promote learners’ safety, wellbeing and self-regulation at all times
•Use appropriate resources and digital tools to enhance learning and engagement
Ty Dysgu Ethos and Contribution to School Improvement:
The post holder will:
•Work within Ty Dysgu policies, safeguarding procedures and values
•Contribute to PRU self-evaluation and improvement planning in line with the PIAP
•Use professional review and development processes to improve learner outcomes and professional practice
•Communicate effectively with parents/carers, Management Committee members and partner agencies
•Promote Ty Dysgu’s inclusive ethos, high expectations and commitment to equity
•Undertake additional responsibilities appropriate to the grade of the post
Our school story:
Ty Dysgu is a PRU that has made remarkable progress since being placed in special measures in 2022. Our school has been transformed, and both our secondary and primary campuses are now thriving together on the Dowlais site, creating a vibrant and supportive environment for our pupils.
Over the past 12-18 months, our new leadership team has driven these exciting changes, and we are proud of the strong, positive culture that has developed across the provision.
We would love to welcome potential candidates to experience Ty Dysgu for themselves at our Open Day on Wednesday, 25th March 2026. Come and see firsthand the incredible work happening here! Closing Date Thursday 9th April 2026 Shortlisting will take place on 14th April 2026, with interviews on 21st April 2026.
Accountability:
You will be accountable to the SLT at Ty Dysgu.
•This job description is current at the date shown, but in consultation with you, may be changed by SLT to reflect or anticipate changes in the job commensurate with the grade and job description.
GENERAL DUTIES:
Health and safety:
To fulfil the general and specific roles and responsibilities detailed in the health and safety policy.
Equal opportunities:
To ensure that all activities are operated in accordance with equal opportunities legislation and best practice.
Safeguarding:
Safeguarding children and young people is a core responsibility. All concerns must be reported in line with Ty Dysgu safeguarding procedures.
REVIEW DATE/ RIGHT TO VARY:
The job description is as currently applies and will be reviewed regularly. You may be required to undertake other tasks that can be reasonably assigned to you, including development activities which are within your capability and grade.
CRIMINAL RECORDS BUREAU:
This post requires a criminal records check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
For further information please contact Simon Pardoe.
You will be required to provide evidence of all qualifications specified as essential.
If you do not have access to the internet, application forms can be obtained by telephoning and are to be returned no later than Thursday 9th April 2026 to HR Administration, Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8AN.
Ability to speak Welsh is desirable.
Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is committed to protecting and safeguarding the most vulnerable people in our community. Rigorous pre-employment checks are undertaken for all appointments as part of our recruitment and selection process.
All employees are required to comply with their individual and organisational responsibilities under the Data Protection Act, the Information Security Policy and relevant supporting operational policies. Any matters of a confidential nature must not be disclosed or passed to any unauthorised persons or third party under any circumstance either during or after employment except in the proper course of your employment or as required by law, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council or both. Any breach of confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action.
Safeguarding Statement
Ty Dysgu PRU is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.