Trainee Teacher (SEND)

Job Description

Teacher Training Programme

Classroom-based Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme based in Columbus School & College. Lift Schools is one of the largest school trusts nationwide and we are partnered with Ark Teacher Training to deliver our programme.

You'll gain a PGCE (Post-Graduate Certificate of Education) and your Qualified Teacher Status whilst working hands-on in the classroom as a Primary Teacher.Immediately having impact, your tutor and coach will support you to build up your independent teaching time during the year.

The Programme Includes

1. Summer school
We provide two weeks of intensive preparation in August. This ensures you enter the classroom with a good grounding in educational theory and practice.

2. Personalised support
Your tutor and in-school coach will be on hand to offer advice and discuss any challenges.

3. Weekly training sessions
These sessions will take place throughout your training year, enhancing the skills you're learning in the classroom.

4. National support network
‍We have trainees - and recent former trainees - in schools around the country. As a Lift Schools trainee, you will be able to draw on support from across our trust - during your training year and beyond.

5. Commitment to equal opportunity
‍We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity in our trust and its schools, and we provide a support system to ensure that all our trainees are able to reach their full potential.

The training programme itself is school-based and you will spend half a day every week in a session with your Ark tutor and other trainees from the network.

Salary Details

Graduate Teaching Apprenticeship £21,731 + £9,250 tuition fees paid by Lift Schools (£25,758 in London)

Tuition-Fee Route - Up to £30,000 per annumBursary/Scholarship*

*Degree dependent: 1st or 2:1 = Scholarship of £30,000, 2:1 or 2:2 = Bursary of £28,000 (Scholarships and Bursaries are Tax-Free)

2nd Year guaranteed salary of £31,650 (£36,413 in London)

Information about the School

Lift Columbus has a rich history that reflects the development of specialist education in Chelmsford. Originally two separate schools – Woodlands School, supporting children aged 3–19 with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex learning difficulties (CLD), and Hayward School, supporting children aged 4–16 with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) and autism – the schools federated in 2005 to form the Chelmsford New Model Special School. In September 2009, they formally amalgamated to become Columbus School and College, now proudly part of Lift Schools.

Today, Lift Columbus provides education for children and young people aged 3–19, across two campuses. We cater for a wide spectrum of additional needs, including PMLD, severe learning difficulties (SLD), moderate learning difficulties (MLD), and autism. Our provision is designed to support learners at every stage of their journey, from the early years through to preparation for adulthood.

We are committed to providing a personalised and ambitious curriculum, tailored to individual needs. This includes a strong focus on communication, independence, social interaction, and life skills, alongside academic learning. Our dedicated team of teachers, support staff and therapists work in close partnership with families and external agencies to ensure that every child can flourish.

Lift Columbus also benefits from excellent facilities, including:

Specialist classrooms and therapy spaces designed for sensory and physical needs.
Vocational learning opportunities to prepare young people for life beyond school.
A sixth form college provision, enabling students to continue their education in a supportive environment and develop the skills needed for adulthood, further study, or employment pathways

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

Our mission:

We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.