Hiring: Occupational Therapist (One Year Maternity Leave Cover)

27th September 2023Website Admin

Required for: January 2024
Hours and Pay: Band 6 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm – paid school holidays
Condition of employment: 1 year contract (with opportunity for permanent role after 1 year))

‘Joining Gesher was like joining a family. I really value how everyone works together holistically, and as a multidisciplinary team, to ensure that the children achieve their full potential. Working as an OT at Gesher, as an onsite therapist in their environment, enables us to support children to work towards functional and practical goals. From day one, I have felt like an integral part of the team, helping me to develop my professional and clinical skills.’ – Occupational Therapist at Gesher. 

‘Therapists, teachers and teaching assistants work together seamlessly as one team. They truly understand how to meet pupils’ complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). While staff are nurturing, they also have high expectations of all pupils. As a result, pupils work hard and learn well.’ – OFSTED September 2022.

Gesher School is an OFSTED Outstanding all-through primary and secondary school providing a specialist, meaningful and functional learning environment for young people with mild to moderate special educational needs. This includes Autism, ADHD and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and mild to moderate learning needs.

We can offer you: 

●  Paid half-day Friday closure in the winter months

●  Paid school holidays, plus paid extra Jewish holidays throughout the year

●  Ring-fenced half day PPA (admin) from home

●  Regular well-being events

● Bi-monthly CPD

We are looking for a confident, enthusiastic and highly motivated Band 6 Occupational Therapist to join our Therapy team at Gesher school. This post would suit a passionate, dynamic and adaptable individual who ideally has experience of working in a school or paediatric setting.

At Gesher school, Occupational Therapy is integrated throughout the school week for all students, following a trans-disciplinary and holistic therapeutic approach. You will work in close partnership with our Speech and Language Therapists, dramatherapist and Art Therapist, along with Teaching and Support staff and families/carers to help our children reach their full potential and support them in accessing all areas of the curriculum. The Therapy team at Gesher work onsite, on a full-time basis, and utilises the three tiered approach: Universal, Targeted and Specialist. This position offers fantastic opportunities to develop your skills as a practitioner within an innovative, supportive and collaborative team environment.

This position offers fantastic opportunities to develop your skills as a practitioner within an innovative, supportive and collaborative team environment.

The successful therapist will:

●  Plan, deliver and evaluate 1:1, paired and group evidence-based therapy programmes to support development of fine and gross motor skills, self-care skills and support sensory processing needs in order to enable children’s learning and meaningful engagement in school-based tasks.

●  Complete comprehensive assessments when required to determine students’ individual Occupational Therapy needs.

●  Deliver Occupational Therapy recommendations on students Educational Healthcare Plans (EHCP) and contribute to the annual review/ EHCP process.

●  Develop effective working relationships with school staff and liaise regularly regarding implementation of programmes, provide in class support, advice and strategies; alongside delivering parent workshops to support the ongoing development of Occupational Therapy skills.

● Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team under the supervision of a senior Occupational Therapist.

You will join a supportive staff team where teamwork, flexibility and a positive personality are essential attributes.

To be successful you must have the following:

●  Degree in Occupational Therapy.

●  Registered member of HCPC (Health Care Professions Council) or registration in process.

●  Experience working as a paediatric therapist, and/or experience working in a school setting

●  An understanding of Occupational Therapy process/interventions in a school setting.

●  Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills.

●  A willingness to become involved in all aspects of school life and culture, e.g.

break and lunch times, clubs, school festivals and events, parents’ evenings etc.

●  The ability to work well as part of a collaborative team

●  A right to work in the UK

See us in action here:

https: //vimeo.com/407682934/a9a6af1bc8

For more information relating to the above role, or to apply, please contact Victoria Rutter, Head of Therapies 0207 884 5102 or email [email protected]

Hiring: Educational Psychologist Consultant

15th September 2023Website Admin

Required for: As soon as possible

Hours and Pay:  Pay dependent on experience. 2 days per half term

Condition of employment: Permanent/Contacted/Freelance

‘Therapists, teachers and teaching assistants work together seamlessly as one team. They truly understand how to meet pupils’ complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). While staff are nurturing, they also have high expectations of all pupils. As a result, pupils work hard and learn well’. – OFSTED September 2022.

Gesher School is a unique all-through school providing a specialist, meaningful and functional learning environment for young people with mild to moderate special educational needs. This includes ASC, ADHD, Down’s Syndrome and MLD.

We are seeking to appoint an experienced, enthusiastic and innovative Educational Psychologist to join our team.

The successful Educational psychologist will:

  • Assess children’s learning and emotional needs
  • Design, develop and support therapeutic and behaviour management programmes
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to advise on the best approaches and provisions to support learning and development
  • Support parents, teachers and others involved with the education of children and young people
  • Write reports making recommendations on action to be taken
  • Attend regular meetings involving our multidisciplinary team on how best to meet the social, emotional, behavioural and learning needs of the children and young people in your care
  • Develop and apply effective interventions to promote psychological well being, social, emotional and behavioural development, and to raise educational standards.
  • Make recommendations on students Educational Healthcare Plans (EHCP) and contribute to the annual review/ EHCP process
  • Work with children and young people who are experiencing problems that hinder their successful learning, participation and opportunity to flourish at school and other extracurricular activities.
  • Promote and support children/young people’s emotional well-being and mental health and work alongside other key professionals to reach a shared understanding of the children/young person’s needs, and what support and interventions can enable their progress, which includes observations, interviews and assessments of the child.
  • Provide and support in-service training for teachers and other professionals.

The Successful candidates will have:

  • Honours degree in psychology or equivalent, recognised by the British Psychological Society as conferring eligibility for Graduate Basis for Chartered Status, a professional postgraduate qualification in Educational Psychology (MSc or Doctorate)
  • Registered member of HCPC (Health Care Professions Council) or registration in process.
  • Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills.
  • The ability to work well as part of a collaborative team
  • A right to work in the UK
  • A passionate commitment to ensuring all children are given the opportunities to shine and achieve educationally;
  • They are able to work collaboratively in the best interests of the child/young person with other professionals;
  • They understand and can articulate what constitutes high quality inclusive education provision; They are open-minded and have a sensitive approach when dealing with children and young people
  • Experience and expertise in autism and supporting staff in managing challenging behaviour is also essential.

See us in action here:

https://vimeo.com/407682934/a9a6af1bc8

You will join a supportive staff team where teamwork, flexibility and a positive personality are essential attributes.

For more information relating to the above role, or to apply, please contact Victoria Rutter, Head of Therapies 0207 884 5102 or email [email protected]

Hiring: Specialist Speech & Language Therapist

20th July 2023Website Admin

Required for: September 2023

Hours and Pay: Pay depending on experience Mon – Fri. 8am – 5pm,  paid school holidays.

Condition of employment: Initially one year contract with the opportunity for a permanent contract.

‘Working as a Speech and Language Therapist in Gesher doesn’t feel like work. The children and staff are incredible and I have not gone one day without smiling or laughing. The opportunities for clinical and personal development are excellent and I feel lucky to have been able to attend so much external and internal training. I have never felt such job satisfaction’. Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Gesher School.

‘Therapists, teachers and teaching assistants work together seamlessly as one team.They truly understand how to meet pupils’ complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). While staff are nurturing, they also have high expectations of all pupils. As a result, pupils work hard and learn well.’ – OFSTED September 2022.

Gesher School is an Ofsted Outstanding all-through primary and secondary school providing a specialist, meaningful and functional learning environment for young people with mild to moderate special educational needs. This includes Autism, ADHD and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and mild to moderate learning needs,

We can offer you:

  • Paid half day Friday closure in the winter months
  • Paid school holidays, plus paid extra Jewish holidays throughout the year
  • Ring fenced half day PPA (admin) from home
  • Regular well-being events
  • Bi monthly CPD

We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and passionate Speech and Language Therapist to join our Therapy team at Gesher School.

At Gesher school, Speech and Language Therapy is integrated throughout the school week for all students, following a trans-disciplinary and holistic therapeutic approach. You will work in close partnership with our Occupational Therapists, dramatherapist and Art Therapist, along with Teaching and Support staff and families/carers to help our children reach their full potential and support them in accessing all areas of the curriculum. The Therapy team at Gesher work onsite, on a full-time basis, and utilises the three tiered approach: Universal, Targeted and Specialist.  This position offers fantastic opportunities to develop your skills as a practitioner within an innovative, supportive and collaborative team environment.

The successful Therapist will:

  • Plan, deliver and evaluate creative, evidence-based therapy programmes to support the development of language and social communication.
  • Administer comprehensive assessments, when required, to determine students’ individual speech and language therapy needs.
  • Deliver speech and language therapy recommendations as per students’ Educational Healthcare Plans (EHCP) and contribute to the Annual Review process.
  • Develop effective working relationships with school staff and liaise regularly; providing in- class support and contributing to Pupil Learning Plans (PLPs) and Support Plans for each student.
  • Develop supportive working relationships with parents and carers and liaise regularly, providing tailored support and advice.
  • Deliver staff training and parent workshops.
  • Be able to work independently, and as part of a team
  • You will join a supportive staff team where teamwork, flexibility and a positive personality are essential attributes.

To be successful you must have the following:

  • Degree in Speech and Language Therapy.
  • Registered member of HCPC (Health Care Professions Council) or registration in process.
  • Experience working as a paediatric Therapist, and/or experience working in a school setting (desirable but not essential).
  • An understanding of speech and language therapy processes/interventions in a school setting (desirable but not essential).
  • Experience in AAC use (desirable but not essential)
  • Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills.
  • A willingness to become involved in all aspects of school life and culture, e.g. break and lunch times, clubs, school festivals and events, parents’ evenings etc.
  • The ability to work well as part of a collaborative team
  • A right to work in the UK

See us in action here:

https://vimeo.com/407682934/a9a6af1bc8

For more information relating to the above role, or to apply, please contact Victoria Rutter, Head of Therapies 0207 884 5102 or email [email protected]

e-Safety Project

10th July 2023Website Admin

As part of Gevurah’s e-Safety project, they created an interactive course to teach fellow students and staff how to be safe online. You can complete their course below!


E-safety by Gevurah Class

Learning to ride a bike tips & tricks

30th June 2023Website Admin

Learning to ride a bike tips & tricks

Balancing:

  • Supporting balance is important to teach as a separate skill from learning to pedal. 
  • Encourage children to scoot along using their feet to push against the ground. This way you are breaking the task of balancing down.
  • Use a scooter- this allows the child to isolate the skill of balancing two feet on the scooter deck (when gliding).
  • Children need to be going fast enough on the bike/scooter, so you can incorporate a game to encourage a “gliding” movement

Eg. The floor is lava game, use chalk to draw lines on the ground and instruct your child to not touch the lines (picking up their feet over the chalk lines), Follow the leader or simple obstacle courses on bikes, trikes or scooters.

  • Have your child practice safely putting their feet on the ground to avoid falling. Our goal is to develop a “self-protection” reflex, where children will recognise their change in equilibrium and catch themselves when they experience a disruption in balance. 

 

Walking with the bike:

  • Support walking along in a straight line whilst holding onto the handle- bars, with the bike on their right-hand side. When they can do this, teach them to use both brakes to stop the bike suddenly on command.
  • Whilst still walking beside the bike and not yet riding on it, teach your child how to turn corners (using plenty of space). This will help them begin to learn how to handle and steer the bike, and how the weight of the bike is distributed and managed.

 

Pedalling:

  • Teach your child to kick the pedals into position ready for push off, with their preferred foot just forward of the highest position to get good leverage.
  • It may also help to get the child to lay on the floor on their back and practise the pedalling action with their feet in the air so they understand the action required. 

 

Riding:

  • Whilst scooting along and building balance skills, repeat the same stages of learning as before when learning to walk beside the bike – first learn to go in straight lines and to use the brakes well, and then to turn corners.
  • Hold the back of the seat to give some help with balance at first as the child gets used to pedalling whilst balancing. If you can use two adults, one each side if the child really struggles with balance.
  • You will gradually feel your child managing to balance without your help.
  • As they pedal and gradually release your grip to allow them to feel their body adjusting to the fading support.

 

Surfaces to practise on:

  • For some children, practising on a smooth, flat surface (such as the concrete) is preferred because it makes pedalling a bit easier (requiring less strength or force). 
  • For others, pedalling on a flat grassy surface, although it may require more strength to pedal, it can provide them with more proprioceptive feedback (resistance that is recognised by joints and muscles) so their body can better understand the motion.

 

Hiring: Kitchen Assistant

27th June 2023Website Admin

Working Hours: 10am-3pm

Contract: 22.5 hours per week; Term Time only 

Salary: £12,825pa (actual)

As a Kitchen Assistant, the postholder will be:  

  • Kitchen assistant to chef, undertaking cooking tasks and kitchen sanitation duties.
  • Provide a quality service to young people and staff within the operational guidelines.
  • Ensure a high standard of kitchen hygiene is maintained whilst supporting the chef.

  The postholder’s Commitment to Diversity will be:

  • A member of the Catering Team, to take individual and collective professional responsibility for championing the school’s diversity agenda and proactively implementing initiatives which secure equality of access and outcomes.
  • Additionally, to commit to continually developing personal understanding of diversity.

 Catering duties 

  • Assist with food preparations including preparing vegetables, salads and fruit.
  • Assist with serving lunch to pupils and staff. 
  • Accept kitchen deliveries.
  • Ensure stock checks and storing/rotating are actioned as required and requested by the Chef.
  • Ensure refrigerators and freezers are kept organised and clean.
  • Promoting the catering service within the school and participating in special events. 
  • Support and carry out requests and direction by the Chef.
  • Communication with the school’s Chef, administration staff, School Business Manager and Co-Head Teachers

Sanitation duties

  • Maintain statutory requirements regarding food hygiene and health & safety are implemented. 
  • Ensure kitchen surfaces, sinks, and floor are cleaned and disinfected daily.
  • Responsible for loading and managing the dishwasher and for pot washing duties using the hand sink daily. 
  • Carry out end of day closing checks. 
  • Monthly deep clean of kitchen equipment.
  • Ensure kitchen equipment and kitchen areas are cleaned according to cleaning schedules, whilst ensuring compliance at all times of Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, COSHH and HACCP requirements and legislation.

Data Protection 

  • Being aware of the school’s responsibilities under the Data Protection Act 1984 for the security, accuracy and relevance of personal data held on such systems and ensuring that all administrative and financial processes comply with this. 
  • Support the Chef in maintaining client records and archive systems, in accordance with the school’s procedure, policy and statutory requirements. 

  Confidentiality  

  • Being expected to treat all information acquired through your employment, both formally and informally, in strict confidence. There are strict rules and protocols defining employees’ access to and use of the school’s databases. 
  • Any breach of these rules and protocols will be regarded as subject to disciplinary investigation. There are also internal procedures in place for employees to raise matters of concern regarding such issues as bad practice or mismanagement. 

The postholder will work as an effective and collaborative member of the Catering Team as they will:

  • Participate in training to be able to demonstrate competence. 
  • Participate in first aid training as required. 
  • Champion the professional integrity of the school. 
  • Support the chef with customer focus, best value and electronic management of processes. 
  • Actively sharing feedback on school policies and interventions. 

Person Specification

  • Knowledge of basic food preparation including methods, portions, stock rotation and ordering. 
  • Ability to read and implement instructions, such as Health and Safety and Food Hygiene regulations. With the ability to use and clean machinery and light equipment. 
  • Demonstrate a willingness and enthusiasm for training and progression. 
  • Able to work on own and within a team, and the ability to communicate with all kitchen staff, school staff and pupils. 
  • Able to train staff in basic kitchen and catering skills. 
  • Display a commitment to the equalities policies of the school. 
  • Display and maintain a high standard of personal hygiene. 
  • Willingness to undertake Basic Food Hygiene and Basic Health and Safety certificates within one year of appointment. 
  • Work effectively in a busy and hectic environment. 

To apply, please complete an application form that can be found here. 

Please, complete and return your application by 7th July 2023 to [email protected]. CVs will not be accepted. 

Interviews will be organised on a rolling basis. This ad may be withdrawn as a suitable candidate is identified. 

Diversity is a core value of Gesher School.  We believe the power of diversity enriches all of us by exposing us to a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions. As such, we actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply for roles at our school. 

Gesher School is committed to safeguarding young people and staff. Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Hiring: Chef Manager

27th June 2023Website Admin

Required for: September 2023 with some transition days this side of the school year
Hours and Pay: Term Time Only, Monday-Friday, 8am-3.00pm, competitive salary

Do you want to work in a school with like-minded, fun and creative individuals? Do you want to wake up excited to go to work every day?

Gesher School is a unique all-through school providing a specialist, meaningful and functional learning environment for young people with mild to moderate special educational needs. This includes ASC, ADHD, Down Syndrome and MLD.

We are looking for a confident, enthusiastic and highly motivated Chef Manager to join our team at Gesher. This position offers fantastic opportunities to develop your skills as a practitioner within an innovative, supportive and collaborative team environment.

We can offer you:

  • Paid half day Friday closure in the winter months
  • Monthly well-being events and inset days
  • Regular social opportunities
  • A Competitive salary

The role features relevant training, support and supervision, paid school holidays, and enhanced CPD opportunities. You will be a fully integrated and integral member of the whole school team. See us in action here: https://vimeo.com/407682934/a9a6af1bc8 And http://gesherschool.com.

The successful candidate must:

Design and cook a range of well balanced, seasonal healthy Kosher meals
Work effectively in a busy, hectic but rewarding environment.

Previously managed or assisted in running own catering unit.

Keep a Kosher kitchen, following and adhering to the school’s Kashrut policy

Able to communicate with all kitchen, school staff and pupils.

Able to train, lead and motivate staff in basic kitchen and catering skills.

Cater for small school events, including cultural days, school celebrations and Well-Being events.

Be open to hosting Secondary students for work experience in the kitchen alongside supporting the healthy eating aspect of the Life Skills Program.

To apply, please complete an application form that can be found here:

Please, complete and return your application by 7th July 2023 to [email protected]. CVs will not be accepted.

Interviews will be organised on a rolling basis. This ad may be withdrawn as a suitable candidate is identified.

Diversity is a core value of Gesher School. We believe the power of diversity enriches all of us by exposing us to a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design and deliver solutions. As such, we actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply for roles at our school.

Gesher School is committed to safeguarding young people and staff. Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

MACCABI GB COMMUNITY FUN RUN

28th April 2023Website Admin

Ready, set, go! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ The registrations for the Maccabi Fun Run are now open! Join us for a day filled with fun and fitness. You can sign up for a 10k, 5k run, 5k walk, or 1k run. It’s the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and enjoy a great day out. Don’t miss out on this incredible event. Register now and let’s get moving!

https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/MaccabiGBCommunityFunRun2023?utm_source=Maccabi+GB&utm_campaign=c1bfad1342-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_03_25_09_50_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_767b0837dd-c1bfad1342-356158736

Volunteering Opportunity: Minibus Driver

17th March 2023Website Admin

We looking for dedicated and experienced minibus drivers to transport our students to weekly swim sessions and ad-hoc outings. As a driver, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, while also providing a friendly and comfortable transportation experience.

By volunteering, you will be providing our students with a unique opportunity to attend invaluable swimming sessions that will contribute significantly to their development. Our curriculum includes a variety of trips throughout the year, and we rely on volunteers to help us transport students to venues that are not easily accessible by public transport.

Driving our minibus will be a rewarding experience that enables you to make a meaningful impact on our students’ education and personal growth.

What are we looking for?

  • You will need to have the D1 entitlement on your driving licence and be over the age of 21.
  • Previous experience driving a minibus is advantageous.
  • A desire to work with neurodivergent young people

What training will I get?

You will receive a full induction on the vehicle you will be driving.

The school team will provide you with an understanding of the strengths and needs of our students.

What should I do if I’m interested? 

If you are interested in volunteering for this role or would like some more information, please email [email protected]

The art of resilience

17th March 2023Website Admin

Resilience

/rɪˈzɪlɪəns/

noun

1. the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
the remarkable resilience of so many institutions

2. the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity.
nylon is excellent in wearability and resilience

Resilience is a process of moving through difficult or traumatic experiences and adapting and growing. Resilience can be cultivated in individuals and strengthened. For some people it can be challenging to identify positive aspects of themselves, and as such, the metaphor of resilience in nature could be a useful emotional bridge helping ourselves realise the ways in which we are already resilient. 

The Art Process: Absorbing Strength & Finding Meaning

Look at some of these images below for a minute or two and ask yourself: 

  • What do these images have in common?
  • Do they remind you of anything?
  • Have you ever seen nature like this yourself?
  • Is there one image that you find yourself particularly drawn to and why?
  • How did these (flowers, trees, rocks) have to adapt in order to survive?

After thinking about these questions, you may want to think about the ways in which you are resilient yourself. 

I invite you to draw or come up with an image from nature that represents your personal resilience, which is a symbolic self-portrait, using nature for inspiration. 

Using nature as a metaphor may help to create deep personal meaning, to feel acknowledged for our struggles as well as our inner strength.

Reference: