Anyone work in SEBD?

[Asleeponasunbeam]

I'm thinking of applying for a post. I've taught in Special Schools, but ASC and complex needs rather than specifically SEBD. Also have recent/ current mainstream experience of 1:1 and small group teaching.

Have I got any chance, do you think, or will they be inundated with applicants who have already worked in an SEBD serting?

I have. I loved it and would go back in a heartbeat. Exciting, challenging, fun, rewarding, freedom to roll with the kids needs. I made amazing friends as there was real 'trench' mentality and I loved the kids. All EBD schools have children with ASC amongst a huge range of other needs so your experience will be directly relevant.

It could be dreadful in the wrong school though. You need to do your research about how supportive the atmosphere is.

I am currently in ASC/complex and challenging which I enjoy too, but I miss EBD.

Thanks, glad to know you think my experience would be relevant.

Not much time to research as closing date is this week. I'm hoping for a visit but would need to get a real feel for the place IF I got an interview.

Do you mind if I PM you if I take things/ get any further? Thanks.

Yes that would be fine. Hope you like the place

I've arranged a visit before I apply. Anything specifically you'd suggest to look out for, or more the general vibe? Thanks.

I would definitely ask how often staff debrief as a group and what specific structures are in place to support staff emotionally.

Ask the Head what he would say or do if a teacher told him they'd had a really bad day and the kids had been terrible- gauge his/her reaction to the question.

Ask what the process of debrief is after a major behavioural incident especially if it has involved restrictive physical intervention.

I would try to pick up from the answers to these type of questions how much of a 'we're in it together' mentality there is. If the Head says 'well, if it's been that bad we go to the pub at 3.30' take the job!!!

Thanks. I think they use Team Teach, which I love but have only experienced used well in one school - with lots of attention paid to the 98% of behaviour that doesn't require physical intervention, and good debriefing for staff and students.

Lack of time or inadequate staffing isn't a good enough excuse, is it?

Me!

I agree with Charles that your previous experience will be really relevant. We have students with a whole range of issues/underlying disorders, etc. Check out routines, teaching methods, how many adults per group, etc.

Check out how they speak to the students, encourage them, manage low-level and higher level behaviours. We use TeamTeach, but it's 98% de-escalation and as little holding as possible. We reward and encourage rather than punish.

And I agree about debriefs - we have a meeting every morning and afternoon and as much informal chatting with whoever is relevant as necessary.

What do you mean about lack of time/inadequate staffing?
Is it Primary or Secondary?

Feel free to PM me if you like

Sorry to be confusing - previously, I've been given excuses of lack of time/ not enough staff as reasons for not ever debriefing!

I've worked in some rubbish places, as well as some great ones!

Thanks for the input. I'm doing my application form now...

Me too! I teach English in an EBD (we've been told the "correct" term is SEMH/social, emotional and mental health) secondary school for boys.

I love it. The great days are amazing and the shit days are truly awful. Staff support/unity is crucial. You have to be able to rely on the adults around you when shit goes down. We debrief every day. Usually for at least half an hour (good and bad!).

Ask if any therapy is offered. Ask if the TAs are from an agency or permanent.

It's a PRU, or was anyway. I went today and loved it. Bit run down and poorly resourced. Application finished and sent.

When I was in special schools, we used to not expect candidates to teach at interview - too disruptive for pupils and staff. How likely do you think a teaching task will be?

That's assuming I get an interview...

I didn't teach at my interview. I had an extended written task and an interview.

PRUs are quite different to SEBD schools, much more transient.

It's a bit of an odd set up maybe - it is a PRU but also the only primary SEBD provision in the area. So the primary 'class' is a bit more permanent, though yes, transient. I like that I think.

Eeek, what sort of written task? My current school love giving out stuff like that - last lot of interviewees were really put through the mill!

blueemerald, we have the same term, but Primary - no mention of behaviour which is what we do!

Asleep, is there only one primary class (like 6 or 8 children)?!

Yes, only one primary class. I'd better practise using the SEMH term then (if I get an interview!).

I was asked what kind of SEBD school I would run if I was the head teacher. They wanted to check my ethos and philosophy fitted in with the school's (it's on the more emotional/hippy/therapeutic end of the SEBD scale).

Thanks, Blueemerald. Hope to hear today if I've got an interview.

Good luck!

Can't cope with the waiting...!

Interview next week!

Great news - Good Luck!

Have you arranged a visit?

Hi.

I work in a school we refer to as BESD (behavioural,emotional and social difficulties).

Well done on getting your interview! Certainly in my school, experience is important, but not as important as your general attitude.

Teachers have been asked to tech a class, but learners are usually chosen for that class based on being part of the school council, or those that are easy to engage and keep on task. The process isn't there to catch you out...they want to see how you are with the learners, and take their account into consideration.

Maybe worth having a little lesson up your sleeve using various methods to engage all types of learners...even if it's just teaching them a card trick, or how to make crispy cakes!! I would have thought you would be given plenty of warning though if they do want you to teach.

As many other posters here, support of colleagues is massive. Go on the general banter/vibe and gut feeling. We meet twice a day too....beginning and end of day. It seems to be good practice to do that.

Good luck!

Thanks for all your thoughts. There's no teaching, but some time spent in class - so I guess that's to see how I interact with students and staff. There's also a presentation which they'll let me know about over the weekend.

I'm very excited. And nervous, of course.

I went to visit earlier this week before I applied.

Interview today. Have been unable to post on Mumsnet due to site glitches! Probably a good thing as it's kept my mind focused, but I needed moral support!