WHO WE ARE

We are a small, specialist SEND school, that was set up to provide purposeful learning for students between the ages of 11 and 17 years of age. We offer education in a therapeutic environment for young people who have previously struggled in mainstream provision. CCS Essex is based in a tranquil, rural location in Little Clacton, Essex. We are accommodated in 5 classrooms. This includes a separate therapy room, as well as facilities for cooking lessons. We also have outdoor space, which our young people use for recreation at break times and lunchtimes and for PE lessons.
Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.
The work we do is both varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support.
Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision making, ensuring that education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and, most importantly, our students can work together to secure outstanding outcomes for all.
The Role
We are all primarily teachers of children before teachers of subjects. Central to this role is knowing the child, building professional, nurturing and positive relationships and motivating students. As we are a small and specialist school, the way in which our staff go about their day does, in many ways, define its outcomes, its successes and its character. As such, Compass Community School Essex are looking for a practitioner who shares our vision and can embody our ethos in every decision they make and every conversation they have, be that with students, parents or professionals.
We require an English specialist with experience and/or ability to plan and deliver a curriculum that spans Entry Level, Functional Skills, Key stage 3 and GCSE. No matter the accreditation which is best for the child to pursue, we maintain high aspirations for our children regardless of their learning journey and don’t underestimate the importance of qualifications to provide our children with life chances and opportunities.
In addition to English, the successful candidate is likely to be asked to teach other subjects across the curriculum, for which full schemes of work will be provided.
Compass Community School teachers inspire children, creating a sense of awe and wonder and making subjects and lessons real and relevant to them. They plan exciting and engaging learning opportunities which challenge and push students, whether they are working on the very basics or they are have a special talent or passion for the subject.
Our children require very special teachers who are able to manage some complex and challenging behaviours. They will know that our children require lots of attention, the right sort of communication, consistency and flexibility in equal measure, and a non-judgemental approach.
We want our teachers to be part of the decision making that drives our school, provides outcomes for children and advocates for every child. We welcome their input in developing both the academic curriculum and the opportunities in our extra-curricular offer – bringing their own interests and passions to the table.