SEN English Teacher

Reference
1099370

Branch
De Montfort University (Leicester)

Start date
18/08/2025

Duration
Other - See Job

Hours and days
Mon to Fri - full time hours

Dress code
Business Dress

Salary from
£31,000

Salary to
£37,500

Role

On behalf of our Leicester Client, we are seeking to recruit a SEN English Teacher on a permanent, full time basis working Monday to Friday. Our client is a new independent specialist school and part of the multi-award-winning. The client dedicated to supporting young people aged 11-18 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The client is a new independent specialist school and part of the multi-award-winning Academy group. They are dedicated to supporting young people aged 11-18 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

At the Academy, they are not just building a school; they are creating a transformative learning environment where every student can discover their true self and reach their full potential. Their mission is to nurture confidence, self-belief, and aspirations by providing a supportive, safe, and inclusive educational experience. As a new and growing school, this role offers a rare opportunity to contribute to shaping our ethos, curriculum, and culture while making a profound impact on the lives of students and their families. 

They are seeking an ambitious, passionate, and dedicated SEN Teacher to join their team and help establish the Academy as a centre of excellence for autism education. If you are ready to teach, lead, and inspire within an innovative and forward-thinking setting, this is your chance to make a lasting difference.

Role Overview

This role reports to the Headteacher, who will provide ongoing mentorship, professional guidance, and support to ensure you thrive in your role. You will benefit from regular check-ins, development opportunities, and a collaborative leadership approach that values your growth and contributions.

Our client is a small and nurturing school, with an initial cohort of just three students enrolling in September 2025 (correct at the time of advertisement, this may be subject to change) and a planned maximum capacity of 45 pupils. This ensures a low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for meaningful interactions, tailored support, and a healthier work-life balance. Their structured yet supportive environment enables teachers to focus on high-impact teaching while benefiting from a collaborative and well-resourced setting, who will provide ongoing mentorship, professional guidance, and support to ensure you thrive in your role.

You will benefit from regular check-ins, development opportunities, and a collaborative leadership approach that values your growth and contributions.

Expected start date: 18th August 2025

Expected interview date: TBC

Annual Salary: £31,000 - £37,500

This is a rare opportunity to be part of an innovative school at its inception, shape its culture, and build a career with significant growth potential. Apply now and help transform the lives of young people with autism while advancing your own professional journey in SEN education.

Please note that this role is not at the University.

For any informal enquiries, please email leanne.easom@dmu.ac.uk regarding this vacancy.

Application process: We follow a three-step application process to ensure we select the best candidates while upholding safer recruitment standards - please read this below. 

 

Duties and responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Small group teaching to a maximum of 10-12 learners (dependent on needs).
• Direct the work of additional support staff in the class to facilitate the high teacher to pupil ratio and meeting needs.
• Plan, deliver, and assess engaging and differentiated lessons in a range of subjects, including cross-curricular learning.
• Utilise specialist teaching approaches to support students working below the standard of national curriculum assessments.
• Adapt teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that lessons are accessible and engaging.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment that supports student wellbeing and personal development.
• Develop and implement Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) to ensure that each student receives personalised support tailored to their specific needs and abilities.
• Implement effective behaviour management strategies to support students with autism and other additional needs.

Student Progress and Assessment

• Monitor and assess student progress, providing constructive feedback to support their academic and personal growth.
• Prepare students for a variety of pathways, including GCSEs, Functional Skills, and alternative SEND qualifications.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress and contribute to Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) reviews.

Curriculum Development

• Contribute to the development of a creative and personalised curriculum that meets the needs of students with autism.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop and refine teaching materials and resources.
• Engage in extracurricular activities, such as creative arts, sports, mindfulness sessions, and life skills workshops, to support students' holistic development beyond the classroom.
• Assist in organising school trips and supervision duties.

Collaboration and Communication

• Report to and work closely with the Headteacher, ensuring alignment with the school’s vision and objectives.
• Work closely with support staff, therapists, and external professionals to ensure a holistic approach to education.
• Maintain open and effective communication with parents and carers, providing regular updates on student progress.

Professional Development

• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date with best practices in SEN teaching and autism education.
• Take an active role in whole-school initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
• As the school grows, leadership and career progression opportunities will become available for ambitious candidates.
• Be actively involved in team collaboration to ensure the highest quality of education for all students.

Safeguarding and School Ethos

• Uphold the school’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students.
• Liaise with the designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) regrading pupils with SEN and SEMH.
• Demonstrate and promote the school’s values, ensuring a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Follow all school policies and professional conduct standards.
• Contribute to staff meetings, training and professional development.

Other Responsibilities

• Be open to adapting responsibilities to the changing needs of pupils and therefore the school as it grows.

Skills and experience

We welcome applications from:

• Experienced SEN specialists (strong knowledge of autism education strategies).
• Passionate mainstream teachers who have had exposure to SEN and are eager to develop their expertise.
• Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs/ECTs) with a strong passion for SEN and the potential to grow within the school.
• The ideal candidate will be passionate about inclusive education and committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs. You will play a crucial role in fostering both academic and personal development, ensuring that every student receives the tailored support they need to thrive.

Qualifications:

• Recognised teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS)

Experience & Skills (Desirable for SEN Specialists):

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in an SEN setting, preferably with students with autism. However, we also welcome applications from passionate and dedicated Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs/ECTs) who demonstrate strong potential and a willingness to learn and develop within an SEN environment.
• Expertise, or strongly willing to learn, in autism-specific strategies (e.g., sensory integration, visual timetables, structured teaching methods).
• Experience or strongly willing to learn, with EHCPs and liaising with external professionals (e.g., speech and language therapists, occupational therapists).
• A passion for innovation in SEN education and adaptability to shape best practices in a new school environment.

Location
Leicester

Benefits

Why Join our client?

They are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive work environment where the staff can thrive.

Benefits include:

• Professional Development: Access to training, CPD opportunities, and career progression within a growing school.
• Small group teaching: Make a meaningful interactions, tailored support with a higher staff to pupil ratio.
• Supportive Work Culture: A collaborative and inclusive team where staff wellbeing is prioritised.
• Work-Life Balance: A commitment to ensuring a positive work-life harmony with small teaching groups.
• Pension Scheme: Company NEST pension scheme.
• Celebratory Staff Events: Regular appreciation events and team-building activities.

Employee Referral Programme: We believe in growing our team with like-minded, passionate individuals. Staff members who successfully refer a new teacher to join the school will receive a referral bonus upon their successful appointment and completion of their probation period.

Safeguarding Commitment: All referred candidates must go through our full safer recruitment process, including enhanced DBS checks, reference verification, and probation review. A referral does not guarantee appointment—hiring decisions will be based on suitability for the role and our rigorous selection criteria.

Wellbeing & Mental Health Support: They are in the process of developing a staff wellness and benefits programme, with initial initiatives such as regular wellbeing check-ins, mindfulness sessions, and access to mental health resources. Over time, they plan to introduce additional benefits, based on staff feedback to ensure our support aligns with their needs. They believe in co-creating our benefits package through staff input, ensuring it aligns with their priorities.

Additional information

Application process: We follow a three-step application process to ensure we select the best candidates while upholding safer recruitment standards:

1. Initial Application (Pre-Screening Step): 

• Submit your CV via Unitemps (including full employment history) and a covering letter, explaining:
• Why you are interested in this role.
• How your experience and skills align with the position.

2. Formal Application Form & Shortlisting: If shortlisted, you will be invited to complete our clients full application form, which includes:

• Comprehensive employment history (with no gaps unexplained).
• References (at least two, including one from your most recent employer).
• Declaration of any safeguarding concerns, disciplinary actions, or criminal history.
• Suitability to work with children confirmation.
• Important: At least one reference will be requested before the interview stage as part of our commitment to safeguarding.

3. Interview & Pre-Employment Checks: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which will include:

• Competency-based questions related to working with SEN students.
• Safeguarding scenario-based questions to assess awareness and responses.
• Clarification of employment history or references (if needed).

If successful, a conditional offer will be made subject to the following checks:

• Enhanced DBS clearance
• Reference verification (including safeguarding checks)
• Right-to-work in the UK verification
• Prohibition from Teaching Check (where applicable)

 

Unitemps is acting as an Employment Business, supplying temporary workers, in relation to this vacancy.

Unitemps are based on the 1st floor of the DSU Campus Centre. Our friendly reception is open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm and the team are contactable on 01162078351 or Unitemps@dmu.ac.uk if you have any queries relating to Unitemps.

Unitemps DMU operates a monthly payroll - Please refer to the candidate information hub for DMU unitemps in relation to pay dates and further information - HERE

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