At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging lessons for students aged 7-19 with diverse needs.
- Company: Pink Tile Education is an inspiring independent special school in East Grinstead.
- Benefits: Enjoy a unique teaching environment, outdoor learning, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in a nurturing setting that values creativity and collaboration.
- Qualifications: QTS required; experience with SEND/SEMH is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Full-time role, term time only, with a supportive team and strong resources.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: East Grinstead
Salary: Pay to scale (MPS/UPS) – Temp to Perm
Contract: Full-time, Term Time Only
Working Hours: 08:45 – 16:00 (Mon, Tue, Thu), 16:30 (Wed), 15:30 (Fri)
Start Date: September
Driving Licence: Essential due to rural location
About The School
An inspiring independent special school in East Grinstead is seeking a compassionate and experienced Class Teacher to join their team from September. The school supports pupils aged 7–19 with a range of needs, including social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges, autism, and social communication difficulties. All students have an EHCP and benefit from small class sizes and a therapeutic, nurturing environment.
School Ethos & Approach
The school promotes the values of compassion, kindness, mutual respect, integrity, responsibility, resilience, creativity, and innovation. Pupils are empowered to participate in school life through tutor time, PSHE, and the School Council.
Curriculum And Learning
- Strong focus on literacy and numeracy
- A broad and enriching curriculum including Horticulture, Forest School, Horse Riding, Science, PE, Art, Drama, Food Tech, and more
- Emphasis on outdoor learning and practical experiences
- A supportive team of experienced TAs, mentors, and pastoral staff through the Wellbeing Hub
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons for a small class of pupils aged 7–19
- Create a safe, nurturing learning environment that supports emotional regulation and personal growth
- Develop and implement individualised education plans in line with EHCPs
- Work closely with support staff and the wider multidisciplinary team to provide consistent, trauma-informed teaching
- Use a restorative and relational approach to manage challenging behaviour
- Maintain strong, communicative relationships with parents, carers, and external professionals
About You
- QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) – primary, secondary, or special school experience welcomed
- Passionate about working with children and young people with SEND and SEMH
- Resilient, nurturing, and able to build trust with learners who have experienced past trauma
- A collaborative team player who embraces creativity and innovation in the classroom
- Experience working in specialist settings or with EHCPs is beneficial but not essential
Why Join This School?
- Unique and rewarding teaching environment
- Collaborative and welcoming staff team
- Well-resourced classrooms with strong support staff
- Outdoor learning, therapeutic practices, and alternative curriculum pathways
- Opportunities for CPD and long-term career growth
Please Note: To be considered for this role, you must be eligible to work in the UK and willing to undergo enhanced DBS and reference checks as part of our safeguarding commitment. Pink Tile Education and our partner schools are committed to promoting the welfare of children and ensuring the best staff fit for every classroom.
SEND Class Teacher employer: Pink Tile Education
Contact Detail:
Pink Tile Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Class Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEND and SEMH. Understanding their challenges and how to support them will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former teachers in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can be a great advantage during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to creating a nurturing learning environment. Think about specific strategies you've used in the past that align with the school's ethos of compassion and resilience.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by highlighting any experience working with multidisciplinary teams. This is crucial in a SEND setting, and demonstrating your ability to work well with others can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Class Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience working with SEND and SEMH students. Include specific examples of how you've created nurturing environments and implemented individualised education plans.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for teaching children with special needs. Mention your understanding of the school's ethos and how your values align with theirs, particularly around compassion and resilience.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your QTS status and any additional qualifications or training related to SEND education. If you have experience in specialist settings or with EHCPs, make sure to highlight this as it’s beneficial for the role.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about how you would respond to questions regarding your approach to managing challenging behaviour and fostering emotional growth in students. Be ready to provide examples from your past experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pink Tile Education
✨Show Your Passion for SEND
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with children who have special educational needs and social, emotional, and mental health challenges. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Demonstrate Your Teaching Strategies
Be prepared to discuss specific teaching strategies you would use to create engaging and differentiated lessons. Highlight your experience with individualised education plans (IEPs) and how you adapt your teaching to meet the diverse needs of your students.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Talk about your ability to work collaboratively with support staff, parents, and external professionals. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a multidisciplinary team to support students' learning and wellbeing.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Expect questions about managing challenging behaviour. Discuss your restorative and relational approach, and share examples of how you've effectively handled difficult situations in the classroom while maintaining a nurturing environment.