Vacancies

Thank you for looking at our current vacancies. Please find below further details and application packs for the following posts:

SEN Teacher - Closing date Monday 17th March 2025 at 9.00am - Start Date ASAP
Band B Learning Support Assistants (Fixed Term Contract until 31/08/2026) - Closing date 9.00am on Monday 17/03/2025 - Interviews 20th & 21st March - Start Date 28/04/2025
Band B Pupil Specific Learning Support Assistant (Fixed Term Funded Post required ASAP for 2 Terms until 31/08/2025) Closing date 17/03/2025 - Interviews 20th & 21st March - Start Date ASAP
Band C Learning Support Assistant (MAT Cover) Fixed Term 1 Year Post - Closing date 9.00am on Monday 17/03/2025 - Interviews 20th & 21st March 2025 - Start date ASAP
Band C Learning Support Assistant (Fixed Term until 31/08/2026) - Closing date 9.00am on Monday 17/03/2025 - Interviews 20th & 21st March 2025 - Start date 28/04/2025
Casual Midday Supervisor opportunities - Rolling advert - Interview date/s TBC

SEN Teacher (Autistic Spectrum Disorders Specialist) Required ASAP

Salary MPS 3 - UPS 1 + 1 SEN Point (£33,814–£43,266 + SEN £2,539)

Full-time (Permanent) Post

Not applicable to ECTs

Fantastic Career Opportunity for SEN/ ASD Specialist Teacher

Come along and find out more about why working at Merstone is so amazing! We strongly advise a visit to get a real understanding of the work that we do every day!

Are you looking for an exciting challenge teaching children and young people with a range of special educational needs where every day is different but rewarding? Are you willing to go above and beyond to ensure our school is always outstanding? We are looking for the best of the best and we really hope that this could be you!

We are currently specifically looking for a SEN Teacher to work in our Autism Specific Department, so expertise and experience of working with children with a range Autistic Spectrum Disorders would be essential.

Can you juggle meeting the children’s needs, planning great experiences, playing, signing and being asked to undertake a million different jobs all with a SMILE on your face? Can you be a musician, an artist, a performer, a player, a dancer, a magician, a baker, an athlete or a scientist at the drop of a hat?

If so then you could be just the SEND teacher for us; where we will ask you to use your passion and enthusiasm to engage children in creative ways every minute of every day. You will need to use this passion for teaching to work with our children with special educational needs in our new all through special school for children aged 2–19 years in Solihull.

Whatever your background, you should be able to demonstrate that you are hardworking, committed, passionate about children, and above all, an exceptional teacher who cares deeply about making a difference to the lives of children.

We are keen to find the right person for this post and can offer a good package of support which includes a very comprehensive induction package to include signing, manual handling, medication administration and safeguarding as well as all elements of Learning and Teaching. There are opportunities within the school as it grows to take on further roles and further training.

The teacher role will be ideal for someone who has a positive and caring approach when working with children who have special educational needs (SEN). You will be required to work closely with our whole school team and support children and students, encouraging them to engage with various learning activities to help them to achieve success and to learn.

What our children want from you!

1. GREET ME EACH DAY - Wish me good morning, and send me off with a “see you tomorrow.”

2. SMILE - When you look at me, let me see happiness in your eyes.

3. GIVE ME YOUR ATTENTION - Sit and talk with me privately; even if only for a second.

4. IMAGINE WITH ME - Help me dream of things I might be able to do; not just the things I need to do now.

5. GIVE ME CHALLENGES - Show me how to handle it. Teach me what to do.

6. ASK ABOUT ME - Enquire about my weekend, the game I played, the places I go. It shows you care about my life.

7. LET ME HAVE TIME - Time to let things sink in. Time to think. Time to reflect, process, and play.

8. DEMAND OF ME - Hold me accountable to high standards. Don’t let me get away with less if you know I am capable of doing better.

9. NOTICE ME - Leave special messages in my desk or locker. Just a quick note that says you notice something right.

10. LET ME ASK THE QUESTIONS - Even if my questions are off topic, let me ask them. It will show that I am thinking about new perspectives, curious, and willing to learn more. Let me have the chance to show what I am wondering about, not just what I know.

11. ENGAGE ME - I came to you in love with learning. Keep me excited, keep me wanting more.

12. TRUST ME - Believe that I can do it. Allow me the chance. I promise to show you I can.

To be considered for this role, you will need to:

Hold QTS. 
Experience of teaching students with autism and a desire to takeadditional SEND training if necessary, i.e. SCERTS/ TEACCH, etc.
Have experience of using a range of SEND pedagogies.
The ability to deploy teaching assistants effectively and to liaise with mainstream teachers.
The ability to deliver a range of activities to students on a one to one or small group basis.
Have a willingness to share ideas and good practice.
Show a passion for raising the achievement of all children.
Have high expectations of pupil achievement and behaviour.
Be effective communicators with staff, parents and children.
Provide and maintain a stimulating classroom environment that promotes children’s learning.
Be willing to contribute to our programme of extra-curricular activities.
Have a positive and caring attitude with a flexible approach as every day is different.
Have excellent behaviour management skills with the ability to work as a part of a team.
Be punctual and reliable.
Have a calm and resilient approach.
Have the ability to work within a team – we are highly motivated, lively and fun!

So! Are you interested? Do you have what it takes to join our super team and help shape our school and community? Are you able to work with a wide range of professionals and families to ensure that our children receive the very best?

If so, then please call the school to request an application form or request via this site.  (CVs and late applications will not be considered).

Your application should CLEARLY state the post that you are applying for, and in your supporting statement you should detail WHY you want to work at our school, the teaching skills and experience that you have related to children with ASD and also what you can bring to the role.

To find out more, please contact Kim Archer-Clarke at the school.

Tel: 0121 717 1040

Email: office@merstone.solihull.sch.uk

Closing date: Monday 17th March 2025 at 9.00am

Interviews: Date to be confirmed

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions in this school will be subject to Enhanced DBS checks. We undertake an online search of shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees – a place where we can all be ourselves.

SEN Teacher Job Application Pack

Teacher Job Description

SEN Teacher Person Specification

Application Form

SMBC Recruitment Monitoring Form

Band B Learning Support Assistants

Post 1: Band B Learning Support Assistants to include Personal and Medical Care Support

(Fixed Term Posts until 31/08/2026)

Salary: B Band - £22,737 - £23,500 (pro-rata) £17,121 - £17,698 (Actual Salary) This is subject to qualifications and experience and agreed working days/ pattern

Start date: Monday 28^th April 2025

A fantastic opportunity to work across Forest Oak and Merstone Schools.

Both schools are Ofsted rated outstanding and this is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to start a career in SEND education and care.

We are seeking to appoint at least 8 highly motivated and enthusiastic Band B Learning Support Assistants to be part of our schools who have a fun-loving positive attitude that makes every pupil feel valued as playing and interacting with the learners is essential. You will be involved in the day-to-day education and care of children and young people with a wide range of SEND aged from 3 -19 years and could be at any one of our school sites to include;

Pebbles Nursery
Forest Oak School
Merstone School
Oakwood Centre
Woodlands Campus

Each morning you will be allocated your placement for the day. This will give you a wide range of experiences and opportunities to work across ages and phases and to support a wide range of SEND to include MLS, SLD, PMLD, ASD and ADHD. You will be joining a fantastic, hardworking and experienced staff team who will encourage and support you to grow and develop.

You will need;

A high level of multitasking is essential - this is a busy hardworking environment and on a daily basis you could be working at any site in our schools
A calm and sensitive approach, combined with patience, tolerance, stamina, and humour
A willingness to learn and develop your own skills and abilities to best support our pupils
Resilience, as there are times when things are a challenge both mentally and physically
To build positive and supportive relationships
To be a team player, resilient, and motivated by challenge
To have the ability to think creatively

Finally, you must be prepared to feel special and important to many children and young people and their families. There is simply no other job quite like it.

The role

The role is for 8.30 – 3.30 Monday to Friday. We are looking to appoint up to 8 people for these roles, working either 2 ,3, 4 or 5 days a week. You will need to be able to work set days, the same days every week. Please indicate on your application form what days you would be prepared to work.

We are dedicated to providing a range of induction and continuing professional development opportunities to the successful candidates and look forward to hearing from applicants with suitable skills and experience. In the supporting statement part of your application, you should clearly specify the following;

Do you have basic literacy and numeracy skills?
Do you have any SEND or childcare / adult social care / school-based experience?
Do you have any relevant qualifications?
Are you able to assist in the physical care and behaviour management of pupils, including moving, lifting and handling when appropriate?
Do you have an awareness and understanding of the needs of the children with physical disabilities, learning difficulties, sensory impairments, challenging behaviour and medical difficulties?
Tell us about your personal skills and qualities.

Essential/ Desirable;

NNEB/ NVQ 2 /BTEC or other relevant childcare or healthcare qualification desirable
GCSE Maths & English Pass or Reading & Writing Skills and Numeracy Skills NVQ Level 2 essential
SEN experience desirable
Recent experience of working with children in a learning environment desirable
Ability to work positively with parents, school nurses and other professionals to improve the support for the pupil essential
Medical care experience desirable
Basic knowledge of First Aid desirable

Would you like to be part of the team? If so, download the information and application pack and return your completed application form to office@merstone.solihull.sch.uk or contact school for more information.

An information session for these posts is being held on Wednesday 12^th March 2025 from 2.30pm – 3.30pm at the schools – please call 0121 717 1040 to book a place.

Forest Oak School and Merstone School

Windward Way

Smith’s Wood

Birmingham B36 0UE

Merstone: Tel: 0121 717 1040/ Forest Oak Tel: 0121 717 0088

Email: office@merstone.solihull.sch.uk / or office@forest-oak.solihull.sch.uk

Closing date: Monday 17^th March 2025 at 9.00am

Interview dates: Thursday 20^th March and Friday 21^st March 2025

Our schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions in our schools are subject to Enhanced DBS checks. We undertake an online search of all shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Post 2: Band B Learning Support Assistant Pupil Specific (Fixed Term Post - 2 Terms until 31/08/2025)

Working hours: 5 days per week, 32.5 hours, 39 weeks per year (Term time only)

Salary: B Band - £22,737 - £23,500 (pro-rata) £17,121 - £17,698 (Actual Salary) This is subject to qualifications and experience

Start Date: ASAP

Governors are seeking to appoint a Learning Support Assistant and a 1:1 Learning Support Assistant. The roles will entail supporting pupils with education, care and medical care needs. Full training will be given to support pupils with medical care needs, but some healthcare or medical care experience would be desirable.

Merstone School is:

for pupils with Severe & Complex Learning Disabilities, aged 2-19 years
an outstanding school (Ofsted 2011, 2014, 2017 & 2023)

We are offering a school community:

where pupils enjoy learning and value their relationships with us
where staff are passionate about enabling all pupils to achieve beyond expectation
where together we make a creative, dynamic team, proud to overcome challenges and celebrate each individual’s achievements
a campus with two other schools, in a very well resourced building
where the mental health and well-being of the whole school community is valued and supported

Essential/ Desirable:

NNEB/ NVQ 2 /BTEC or other relevant childcare or healthcare qualification desirable
GCSE Maths & English Pass or Reading & Writing Skills and Numeracy Skills NVQ Level 2 essential
SEN experience desirable
Recent experience of working with children in a learning environment desirable
Ability to work positively with parents, school nurses and other professionals to improve the support for the pupil essential
Medical care experience desirable
Basic knowledge of First Aid desirable

Closing date: 5.00pm, Monday 17th March 2025 at 9.00am

Interview date: Thursday 20^th March and Friday 21^st March 2025

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions in this school will be subject to DBS checks. We undertake an online search of shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Band B Learning Support Assistant Job Application Pack

Band B LSA Job Description

Band B LSA Person Specification

Application Form

Recruitment Monitoring Form

Band C Learning Support Assistants

Post 1: Band C Learning Support Assistant (Temporary Maternity Cover) Fixed Term 1 Year - Start date ASAP

Post 2: Band C Learning Support Assistant (Fixed Term until 31/08/2026

Salary: C Band - £24,702 - £27,334 (pro-rata) £18,601 - £20,582 (Actual Salary) This is subject to qualifications and experience

Monday – Friday, 8.45am – 3.45pm, 32.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year

Governors are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and experienced Learning Support Assistant, SEN and ASD experience would be desirable. The role will entail supporting pupil’s education, care and medical needs. Full training will be given to support pupils with medical care needs, but some healthcare or medical care experience would be desirable.

Merstone School is:

for pupils with Severe & Complex Learning Disabilities, aged 2-19 years
an outstanding school (Ofsted 2011, 2014, 2017 & 2023)

We are offering a school community:

where pupils enjoy learning and value their relationships with us
where staff are passionate about enabling all pupils to achieve beyond expectation
where together we make a creative, dynamic team, proud to overcome challenges and celebrate each individual’s achievements
a campus with two other schools, in a very well-resourced building
where the mental health and well-being of the whole school community is valued and supported

Essential/ Desirable:

NNEB/ NVQ 3 /BTEC or other relevant Level 3 childcare qualification essential
GCSE Maths & English Pass or Reading & Writing Skills and Numeracy Skills NVQ Level 2 essential
Ability to work positively with parents, school nurses and other professionals to improve the support for pupils essential
SEN experience, ASD experience and positive behaviour management expertise desirable
Recent experience of working with children in a learning environment desirable
Medical care experience desirable
Basic knowledge of First Aid desirable

Tel: 0121 717 1040/ Email: office@merstone.solihull.sch.uk

Closing date: Monday 17th March 2025 at 9.00am

Interviews: Thursday 20th & Friday 21st March 2025

Band C Learning Support Assistant Job Application Pack

Band C LSA Job Description

Band C LSA Person Specification

Application Form

Recruitment Monitoring Form

CASUAL MIDDAY SUPERVISORS OPPORTUNITIES (REQUIRED ASAP)

Post:

Fixed Term & Bank/ Cover Staff Required

Hours: 7 hours 30 minutes per week: 11.45am – 1.15pm
Salary: Band A - £22,366 - £22,737 pro rata for term time and part-time hours
(Actual Salary - £3,887 - £3,951)

Lunchtime supervisors required to help support our children to have happy lunchtimes.
Some previous experience of working with children is desirable but is not essential.

Merstone School is:

for pupils with severe (SLD) or profound learning difficulties (PMLD), aged 2-19 years
an outstanding school (Ofsted 2011, 2014, 2017 & 2023)

Applicants will need to:

enjoy working with children
be able to relate positively to children
have a vigilant approach to pupil safety
be firm, fair and friendly
be able to carry out personal care whilst upholding dignity of individuals
have a sense of humour
be flexible
work as part of a team
be willing to undertake first aid training

Would you like to be part of the team? If so, please return your completed application form along with the contact details for at least two referees, to Merstone School. If you would like to find out more information, please contact the school office.

Closing date: TBC
Interview date: TBC

Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and a commitment to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. We undertake an online search of shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Midday Supervisor Application Pack

MDS Job Description (Merstone).pdf

Standard Job Application Form DBS SCHOOLS v5.1 March 2023 Updated.doc

HRSRecruitmentMonitoringFormV1.doc