SEN Teacher

About the school

Options Higford is a specialist school set within 28 acres of beautiful Shropshire countryside. The school provides high-quality, holistic education for up to 80 autistic pupils who may also have severe learning disabilities and associated communication, sensory, emotional regulation and behavioural needs.

Pupils are taught in small classes of approximately five, supported by high staffing levels. A personalised curriculum is delivered for every pupil, based on their individual needs, interests, stage of development and EHCP outcomes. Learning takes place both in the classroom and through practical experiences, enrichment activities and access to the wider community.

The school aims to help pupils make meaningful progress academically and socially, while developing their communication, emotional regulation, independence and skills for life. As part of Outcomes First Group, the school is committed to pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful outcomes for pupils.

The role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative SEN Teacher to join the team at Options Higford. You will take an individualised approach to teaching, ensuring that each pupil’s personalised curriculum is delivered in a way that maximises engagement, achievement and progress.

This is an opportunity for a teacher who enjoys working creatively and flexibly, focusing on the needs of each individual pupil. You will develop meaningful learning opportunities for students with a wide range of complex needs. The role involves delivering a range of subjects while supporting the school’s vision of building futures by empowering vulnerable young people to be happy, develop independence and make their way in the world.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high-quality, creative and personalised learning across a range of subjects.
• Ensure every pupil can access learning appropriate to their individual needs and stage of development.
• Use pupils’ interests, communication methods and sensory needs to develop engaging learning opportunities.
• Support pupils to make progress academically, socially and emotionally, including in communication, regulation and independence.
• Monitor and assess pupils’ progress and implement appropriate interventions where needed.
• Work closely with teaching assistants, senior leaders, therapists, families and other professionals.
• Support the development of whole-school curriculum mapping and schemes of learning.
• Ensure a differentiated curriculum is delivered effectively across all school pathways.
• Develop appropriate teaching approaches, classroom strategies, behaviour support and specialist resources.
• Maintain consistency in teaching, learning, assessment and feedback.
• Contribute to curriculum or subject areas according to experience and expertise.
• Keep up to date with developments in SEND practice and relevant curriculum areas.
• Share effective practice and deliver training to support colleagues’ professional development.
• Maintain consistently high expectations for pupils’ learning, wellbeing and behaviour.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture in which pupils feel safe, respected and heard.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
• Degree-level education or an equivalent professional qualification.
• Previous experience of working within an SEN or autism setting is desirable.
• Experience of EYFS, sensory learning, communication-focused teaching or supporting pupils with complex needs is beneficial.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupils’ welfare.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability to develop positive relationships with pupils who have complex needs.
• A calm, consistent and resilient approach.
• A full UK driving licence.

Benefits & package

• Salary up to £44,310.00 per annum (depending on experience).
• 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm.
• Permanent contract, term time only.
• Start date September 2026.
• Life assurance.
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.
• Mental health support and physical health checks.
• Flexible benefits platform including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, UK and international discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme and Electric Car Purchase Scheme.
• Critical illness cover.
• Family growth support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support.

How to apply

Candidates can apply via TheTeacherJob or request the school contact after signing in.