Job title

SEN Teacher

Location

Dorset

Start date

After Easter 2026

About the school

This is a specialist education setting for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It offers a highly personalised and therapeutic approach to learning for pupils with a range of additional needs, including complex needs, learning difficulties and behaviours that may challenge. Students are typically mixed gender, aged 7-19, and benefit from a structured, nurturing and well-supported environment designed to promote positive educational and personal outcomes.

Purpose of the role

To plan and deliver high-quality, engaging and differentiated teaching for pupils with autism and associated additional needs, enabling them to make progress academically, socially and emotionally within a specialist setting.

Key responsibilities

Plan and deliver creative, differentiated lessons to meet individual learning needs Support pupils with autism and complex needs to access learning in a calm, structured and consistent environment Adapt teaching strategies in line with pupil communication styles, sensory needs and EHCP outcomes Work closely with teaching assistants to ensure effective in-class support Liaise with therapists, care staff and school leaders to provide a joined-up approach for each learner Monitor, record and report on pupil progress Create a safe, inclusive and nurturing classroom environment Support positive behaviour approaches and de-escalation strategies where needed Contribute to reviews, assessments, reports and wider school life Promote independence, communication and personal development for all learners

Person specification

Essential

Qualified Teacher Status Experience teaching children or young people with SEND Strong understanding of autism-friendly teaching practice Experience differentiating lessons for a range of abilities and needs Confident classroom and behaviour management skills Ability to work collaboratively with support staff and multidisciplinary teams Strong communication, safeguarding and record-keeping skills

Desirable

Experience in a specialist autism setting Knowledge of EHCP-led planning and outcomes-based teaching Experience supporting pupils with communication differences, sensory needs or behaviours that challenge Team Teach or similar positive behaviour training Experience across primary, secondary or mixed-age specialist provision