Mainstream secondary to SEND?

[PumpkinPie2016]

Morning all

I currently teach Science in a mainstream secondary school and I am also assistant head of faculty. I'll be covering the HoF role from Jan as the postholder is going on mat leave.

I really like my current school and my leadership role so I am by no means desperate to move. However, I am thinking I'd like a HoD role at some point. I always thought I would go mainstream but the last couple of years have got me thinking about moving into SEND provision.

I have done a lot of work in my current school adapting our curriculum to meet the needs of pupils with SEND, sharing strategies with my team and adapting assessments at KS3 so that they are fit for purpose. I am hopefully going to be involved in delivering a whole school CPD in this area later in the year.

I teach a SEND group plus lower attaining groups and thoroughly enjoy both. I also have some higher functioning SEND pupils.

With all of the above in mind, I am seriously considering keeping my eyes open for roles in special schools. Perhaps a HoD role.

Has anyone moved mainstream to SEND provision? What experience did you have and do you enjoy it?

All thoughts welcome - I won't be offended if I am told I am deluded haha

I’ve moved from mainstream to sen. We only have lead teachers for maths and English. Science is very much marginalised and the sen in specialist provision is lower than I’d ever experienced in mainstream. I have had gcse grade 7+ students but they have been rare. I love my job both for the teaching and for the lack of greasy pole climbing I’ve experienced in our setting, it’s a much more team approach than any department politics I’ve worked eith in mainstream.

I moved from mainstream to SEN (both primary). It was an "easy" move in that I just applied for and got the job. I had mandatory training to complete in my first couple of years which added to workload but that's done now and it was interesting.

It can be a nice move, although the level of need will be much greater than you’ll have experienced in secondary. Most SEN schools have a more primary feel, although there are exceptions. It would be hard to move straight to anything like an HOD role without the experience of special schools first.

Have you considered teaching abroad? Always lots of demand for secondary teachers with relevant inclusion experience in my region as local legislation means schools must employ teachers, not LSAs.

Thank you for all of your thoughts so far - certainly given me lots to think about!

I think I need to decide whether to continue in mainstream as a HoD but ensure I can teach SEN groups which I love. Or, if I want to move into SEN, perhaps consider a teaching role without responsibility first.

Can't go abroad unfortunately as it would be too disruptive for DH and DS.

I agree that you would need to get some special school experience first before applying for a promoted post, it really is a different world.

However, there are good careers to be had in Special(ist) and you do not have to sacrifice ambition permanently if you make the move.