Job Title: Cover Supervisor – Autism and Complex Needs
Location: Harborne
Contract Type: Full-time / Flexible
About Us:
We are a specialist day and residential school supporting secondary-age students (ages 11-19) with autism and additional disabilities. Each year, we admit approximately 12 new students to our main school, with an additional resource base for students with autism and severe developmental delays. Our school provides an individualized, highly structured, and integrated approach to education and therapy, focused on helping each student reach their full potential within a Total Communication environment.
Our team of teachers, therapists, and support staff work collaboratively to deliver a curriculum designed around the specific needs of our students. The curriculum is thematic and adapted every three years to align with student interests and needs, with a focus on the "Triad of Impairments" that guides our teaching, planning, and communication strategies.
Job Overview:
As a Cover Supervisor specializing in autism and complex needs, you will play a vital role in providing stability and support during teacher absences. This position requires an experienced individual capable of managing classrooms and offering assistance to students with diverse needs, including non-verbal communication, complex learning requirements, and personal care. You will ensure continuity of learning, helping students engage with the curriculum in a low-arousal and structured environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise and support classes during teacher absences, ensuring students stay on task and engage meaningfully with lesson activities.
- Work with small groups and individual students, adapting tasks to meet the diverse needs of students with autism and additional disabilities.
- Assist non-verbal students with communication tools such as PECS, Makaton, and AAC, promoting understanding and participation.
- Provide personal care support as needed, including toileting, feeding, and mobility assistance, with attention to students' dignity and comfort.
- Support the delivery of individualized learning plans, reinforcing Positive Behaviour Support principles to create a calm and productive classroom environment.
- Work with teachers, SEN staff, and therapists to implement a consistent, holistic approach to student support.
- Supervise students in a variety of settings, including outdoor education, sensory circuits, and vocational training activities, fostering independence and life skills.
Essential Requirements:
- Extensive experience working with students with autism, complex learning needs, and non-verbal communication challenges.
- Strong ability to support students with personal care needs while maintaining sensitivity and respect.
- Proficiency with autism-specific communication methods, such as PECS, Makaton, or AAC, and familiarity with sensory processing strategies.
- Confidence in managing classrooms and supporting diverse needs with patience and empathy.
- [Insert any required qualifications, e.g., Cover Supervisor or SEN-specific training.]
Desirable Skills:
- Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support, sensory processing accommodations, and behavior management techniques.
- Experience with functional independence skills and support for vocational learning.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Why Join Us?
- Access to an exceptional, low-arousal learning environment with specialized facilities, including a Forest School area, horticulture and nature trails, an outdoor gym, and much more.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development, working within a collaborative and supportive team.
- The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with autism and complex needs, supporting their journey towards independence and well-being.
How to Apply:
If this sounds like the next step in your teaching career, please apply.
Join us and make a lasting impact on the lives of young people!
If you’re ready to embark on a fulfilling career where your expertise makes a daily impact, apply now!
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
