Willow Grove Primary School Willow Grove Ashton in Makerfield WN4 8XF Qualified teacher Pay Scale Full Time Temporary until April 2027 Required for April 2026. The Headteacher and Governors at Willow Grove Primary School are looking to recruit a highly motivated, energetic and passionate teacher to join our school for maternity cover. At Willow Grove, we pride ourselves on providing a nurturing environment where every child is supported to reach their full potential. Our specialist school caters to pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). This is a tremendous opportunity for either a specialist or mainstream teacher with a proven record in school for supporting children with behaviour that can be challenging. Willow Grove Primary School has adopted strong attachment and trauma-informed practices (ATP) as the basis for working with its pupils and we are looking to further develop our team with staff who have knowledge in this area. About the Role We are looking for a teacher who can: Plan, deliver and assess tailored lessons to meet the diverse needs of pupils with SEN. Create a trauma informed safe, stimulating and supportive learning environment. Work collaboratively with teaching assistants, therapists, parents/carers, and external agencies. Monitor pupil progress and adapt strategies as necessary. Personal Qualities The ideal candidate will have: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Experience working with children with SEN (school-based or other relevant settings). Strong behaviour management and differentiation skills. A patient, empathetic and resilient approach to teaching. Excellent communication and teamwork skills. Please note this is a temporary contract for maternity cover. The interview will consist of 20-minute Observation/Presentation/Interview. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. There is a group visit scheduled for 10th March 2026 please contact enquiries@admin.willowgrove.wigan.sch.uk to book your place on the visit. At Willow Grove Primary School, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and adhere to the schools child protection policies and procedures. All candidates must be legally entitled to work in the UK and comply with the Immigrations, Asylum and Nationality Act regulations. Applications from all sections of the community are welcome. This post involves working with children, young people or vulnerable adults and is therefore Exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email of the interview arrangements. Please ensure your correct email address is provided on your application. In line with recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance we will carry out an online search as part of our due diligence for all shortlisted candidates. Shortlisted candidates are also required to complete a self-declaration of any criminal records or information that would make you unsuitable to work with children. If you require any further information, please contact the school on Tel: 01942 727717 Interview date: 30/03/2026 This position is subject to Enhanced Disclosure Procedures plus child barred list check. The employer is committed to safeguarding. To view the details relating to this position and to access the application form, please click the links below: Calculate your take home pay. Use this service to estimate how much Income Tax and National Insurance you should pay for the current tax year. Employment could affect your benefits, find out more here. Turn2us Benefits Calculator.Supporting Documents
↗ Childcare Disqualification Requirements
↗ DBS Policy Statement Schools
↗ Guidance for Safer Work Practices
↗ Class Teacher - Job Description
↗ Class Teacher - Person Specification
Location
Willow Grove, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, WN4 8XF, United Kingdom
Job ID
2672
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All hiring decisions are made by hiring managers, not algorithms
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Using AI in Your Application
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How to use AI Effectively and Responsibly
Your application is your chance to show us:
Who you are
What you can bring
The values you hold
Why you want to make a difference
AI can help you organise your thoughts or improve clarity but it cannot express your unique voice, experiences, or motivations.
AI is most helpful when used to:
Help you structure the information you are providing to evidence the criteria
Give examples of how to use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Proof-read to highlight grammar or spelling errors
Provide inspiration if you're finding it difficult to find the right words to explain something
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Do’s and Don’ts for Using AI in the Recruitment Process
Do:
Use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement
Ask AI to help tidy up your writing or clarify structure
Use it to brainstorm examples, then rewrite them in your own voice
Reflect on AI suggestions and adapt them to match your experience
Use AI to help with research, but express your understanding yourself
Don’t:
Copy and paste AI-generated content directly into your application
Let AI exaggerate or invent experience you do not have
Rely on generic statements that don’t reflect the specific role requirements
Remove your individuality, we want to hear your voice
