About Us

Hours: Full-time, term time only (39 weeks)

Contract: Fixed-term (12 months maternity cover)

Start date: 9th November 2026

Oak Lodge School is a secondary school for students with hearing, speech and language and communication needs with a residential provision. We would like to welcome you to become part of our vibrant and innovative learning community, to have the opportunity to work in our happy and harmonious school which promotes the highest standards and is at the forefront of special Deaf education.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Class Teacher for a 12-month maternity cover position.

Essential requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Experience teaching in a special school
• BSL Level 2
• Experience working with deaf and/or language impaired children and young people
• Ability to design and deliver a topic-based, primary-style curriculum for language-based subjects
• Understanding of the needs of D/deaf pupils and those with speech, language and communication needs
• Experience working with pupils with additional needs including autism
• Strong behaviour management skills
• Grade A-C or Level 2 qualifications in English and Mathematics

What we offer:

• Supportive and friendly team environment
• Well-equipped classrooms and resources
• Free parking on site
• Communication Support Worker (CSW) support provided initially
• Ongoing professional development opportunities, including BSL training
• Small school community (91 pupils) where you can get to know students and staff
• Opportunity to work with specialist therapists including Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of young people with complex communication needs

Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning, preparing and delivering engaging programmes of study for pupils with D/deaf and speech, language and communication needs
• Designing a topic-based, primary-style curriculum for language-based subjects
• Using BSL Level 2 effectively to support pupils' communication and learning, with CSW support initially
• Differentiating the curriculum to meet individual needs and setting aspirational targets
• Working collaboratively with Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and other specialists
• Assessing, monitoring and reporting on pupil progress, including contributing to EHCPs
• Acting as Form Tutor, promoting the wellbeing and progress of your tutor group
• Managing Teaching Assistants and support staff to maximise pupil outcomes
• Creating a purposeful, inclusive learning environment where pupils feel safe and confident
• Maintaining high standards of behaviour and acting as a positive role model
• Communicating effectively with parents, carers and external professionals
• Contributing to extra-curricular activities and the wider life of the school

An Application Form, Job Description and Person Specification can be downloaded below or the school website: www.oaklodge.wandsworth.sch.uk

Completed applications should be e-mailed to recruitment@oaklodge.wandsworth.sch.uk

Closing date for applications: 16th October 2026 – we reserve the right to close the applications earlier if we receive a desired candidate.

Interviews: Week commencing 19th October 2026

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check.

CVs ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

Oak Lodge School
101 Nightingale Lane
London SW12 8NA
Tel: 020 8673 3453

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils