Post Title: Qualified Design and Technology Teacher
Salary: £31, £49,084.00 per year DOE
Location: Silver Birch School, Briercliffe
Silver Birch School is a specialist independent school providing education for young people aged 11–16 who have social, emotional, and mental health needs, autism, communication difficulties, or cognition and learning challenges.At Silver Birch School, our aim is for pupils to develop a love of learning in an environment that is nurturing, inclusive and aspirational. Our school motto – "Empowering Every Learner, Building Skills for Life" – reflects our belief in the potential of every child. We support pupils in imagining what is possible, believing in their ability to succeed, and achieving meaningful outcomes in school and beyond.
The curriculum at all Key Stages is carefully structured to enable pupils to secure success:
* Academically – by accessing appropriate, personalised learning pathways.
* Personally and developmentally – by building confidence, resilience and independence.
* In life at the school – by participating fully in the school community and forming positive relationships.
We are seeking a skilled and passionate Design & Technology Teacher with a strong background in mechanics and construction to join our dedicated team.
Overall Responsibilities
As a teacher at Silver Birch School, you will play a vital role in the academic, emotional, and social development of our pupils. You will be expected to:
* Deliver an engaging and appropriate curriculum that promotes high-quality learning experiences and outcomes.
* Adapt content, resources, and teaching strategies to suit the individual needs and interests of each pupil.
* Create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.
* Support whole-school initiatives, including the delivery of reading and literacy across the curriculum.
* Understand and apply school policies, values, and educational philosophy in everyday practice.
* Prioritise safeguarding in all areas of your work and ensure pupils' safety and welfare is central to your role.
Curriculum and Teaching
You will tailor your teaching to support a wide range of learning needs and styles. Each pupil requires a personalised approach to help them make meaningful progress. You will be expected to:
* Plan, deliver, and evaluate creative, challenging, and inclusive lessons for small class groups
* Teach practical subjects including mechanics, basic engineering, construction skills and workshop-based learning
* Promote safe working practices and maintain high standards of health & safety in workshop environments
* Adapt teaching approaches to meet the learning preferences and needs of individual pupils.
* Regularly review and refine the curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of all learners.
* Integrate a range of resources, including ICT, to enrich teaching and learning experiences.
* Maintain high expectations for every pupil, regardless of their starting point.
* Build strong relationships with pupils to better understand their motivations, barriers to learning, and potential.
* Support pupils to achieve recognised accreditations and qualifications such as GCSE's and Functional Skills, including external examinations.
* Assist with arrangements for pupil assessments, presentations, and the supervision of exams.
* Lead on subject-specific planning, development, and whole-school progression where appropriate.
Pupil Support
Developing strong, positive relationships is key to encouraging pupils to engage, thrive, and succeed. In this role, you will:
* Serve as a consistent and positive role model for all pupils.
* Provide a safe and supportive learning environment where pupils feel valued and secure.
* Help build confidence, self-esteem, and independence in all pupils.
* Equip pupils with the skills and knowledge to become responsible and well-rounded individuals.
* Use the school's Behaviour, Rewards, and Sanctions Policy effectively to reinforce positive behaviour and manage challenges.
* Foster strong partnerships with parents/carers and external professionals to support pupils' development.
* Consistently challenge and support pupils to make excellent progress.
* Offer meaningful and constructive feedback on pupils' work to guide improvement.
* Support colleagues and pupils by covering lessons and participating in break and lunch duty rotas as required.
Collaboration and Staff Engagement
A positive and collaborative staff culture is essential to the success of our school. As a member of the team, you will:
* Communicate professionally and effectively with colleagues.
* Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and INSET days with a commitment to development.
* Collaborate with your team to ensure the best outcomes for pupils and to support one another.
* Contribute to a supportive and dependable staff environment built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals.
Assessment and Marking
Ongoing assessment and effective feedback are essential to pupil success. You will:
* Maintain up-to-date and meaningful marking and assessment records (our small class sizes support this).
* Keep clear records of each pupil's learning journey and achievements.
* Use assessment outcomes to inform and adapt planning.
* Follow the school's Assessment, Feedback, Marking, Recording, and Monitoring Policy.
* Produce progress reports as required, including for annual reviews.
General Expectations
In line with your professional role, we also expect you to:
* Keep safeguarding as your highest priority at all times.
* Regularly reflect on and refine your teaching practice to meet the needs of all pupils.
* Attend school events, meetings, and other relevant activities as needed.
* Proactively inform the Head Teacher of any training or CPD needs. Career development and progression are important to us, and we will support your growth through regular appraisal and planning.
* Demonstrate commitment, enthusiasm, and integrity in everything you do.
Safeguarding – Safer Recruitment
This position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure (DBS) check. Silver Birch School, part of Prosperity Children's Services, is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
As part of the selection process, we will undertake thorough checks to ensure that the appointed candidate poses no risk of harm to children and young people.
The post-holder is expected to uphold the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and report any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL
Why Silver Birch?
* Career Growth & Opportunities – We're expanding, which means more pathways for you to grow too
* Comprehensive Induction & Training – Including Safeguarding, First Aid, CPI, PACE, Attachment & Trauma training
* Supportive Team – You'll be working with a skilled, encouraging, and friendly staff group
* Refer a Friend Bonus
* Blue Light Card – Enjoy discounts on lots of everyday favourites
-Free On-Site Parking
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
* Previous teaching experience with pupils of the same age range as the role applied for.
* Fully Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
* Strong working knowledge of construction and/or mechanics and the ability to translate this knowledge into teaching material
* Excellent subject/Key Stage knowledge. Confident in delivering a differentiated curriculum to all ability levels.
* Strong communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. Skilled in managing challenging behaviour.
* High level of professionalism. Emotional resilience and physical fitness, especially for situations requiring Restrictive Physical Interventions. Team player with collaborative mindset.
Desirable Criteria:
* Experience working with children with SEMH. A strong drive and passion for addressing individual educational needs.
* Specialist qualification in Special Education.
* Previous experience teaching construction and/or mechanics to young people aged particularly those with SEND and MLD)
* Knowledge of SEN, SEMH, ADHD, ECHPs, and 'looked after' children processes.
* Ability to differentiate work effectively.
* Willingness to attend training courses occasionally outside of normal working hours.
Please reach out to Emily Baker ) if you would like an application form or if you have any queries.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £31,650.00-£49,084.00 per year
Work Location: In person