Smith’s Wood Academy is a rapidly improving school with approximately 780 students spanning Years 7-11. Two thirds are from disadvantaged backgrounds, and you will join a team who care deeply about our pupils and believe in what they can achieve. Our mission “to enrich lives and transform futures” shapes our daily work and it is our privilege to remove barriers and raise aspirations. As part of Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust, we also benefit from immediate access to support, resources and expertise from colleagues who have worked across a range of schools, trusts and Ofsted. This collaborative environment strengthens professional development and creates excellent opportunities for career progression.
We are looking for a dedicated individual who is proactive, patient and nurturing. You will need to be committed to making a difference to the lives of our Students and support their development holistically. You will be joining an experienced, dedicated SEND team. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who enjoys supporting children and young people and is committed to being instrumental in helping them reach their potential. You will work both inside the classroom and outside the classroom delivering tailored interventions for individuals or groups of pupils.
The role will require you to become a ‘Key Worker’ working with an identified number of SEND Students who will be on your caseload. You will become the expert on these Students and the main point of contact for the child/young person and their families, enabling you to develop strong positive relationships. The successful candidate will be a committed member of the SEND team with exceptional organisational skills. You will have the ability to support learning and teaching; develop relationships; and contribute to the changing provision for Students with SEND at Smith’s Wood Academy.
Our most recent Ofsted inspection recognised significant gains across leadership, behaviour, inclusion, personal development and wellbeing, and identified no areas of significant concern.
Inspectors say:
- Their renewed vision and ambitious goals are impacting positively across all levels of leadership.
- Staff and pupils benefit from a happy and collaborative place to learn and work
- Pupils’ increasingly positive behaviour reflects the high expectations that leaders have of them.
- Staff know that their wellbeing and professional development matters deeply to leaders.
This rapid progress places Smith’s Wood among the fastest‑improving schools in England. You can read the full report here - Smith's Wood Academy – Part of Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust. A comprehensive school based in Solihull, West Midlands.
Smith’s Wood’s transformation continues at pace, and we are excited about the next stage of our development. If you are someone who wants your contribution to matter immediately and meaningfully, this is the right place for you.
If you would like an informal conversation about working here, or a tour of the school, please contact Linda Roe at l.roe@smithswood.fmat.co.uk.