At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a nurturing environment for children with autism, fostering growth and inclusion.
- Company: Chailey St Peter's Church of England Primary School, a vibrant and supportive community.
- Benefits: Full-time hours, supportive staff, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Other info: Visit The Nest before applying to see if it's the right fit for you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with special educational needs; SENCo qualification is a plus.
Hours of work: Full-time teachers’ hours. Working pattern: Full-time. Fixed term for: 12 months. Closing date: Friday 5 June 2026, 11:55am. Interview date: w/c Monday 8 June 2026.
Chailey St Peter's Church of England Primary School is a happy school with friendly children and staff. We have a warm vibrant atmosphere, where learning and caring for each other are priorities.
We are seeking an exceptional Facility Lead Teacher for our newly opened autism facility, The Nest, at Chailey St Peter’s CE Primary School. This is a one-year maternity cover post starting on 1st September 2026. Opened at Easter 2026, The Nest is a calm, nurturing and homely environment for up to 12 pupils with ASD, where children are supported to grow, feel loved and truly belong, while also accessing learning in their mainstream classrooms through personalised timetables.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a highly committed and skilled team, driving inclusive, therapeutic practice within a provision rooted in a strong ethos of belonging. We are looking for a talented and compassionate teacher who is deeply committed to inclusion, dedicated to their own professional development, and who brings a kind, gentle and therapeutic approach. Applicants must have experience of working with children with special educational needs, either in a mainstream or specialist setting. The National SENCo Qualification is desirable; candidates should either hold this, be working towards it, be willing to undertake it, or have relevant experience as a SENCo.
All prospective applicants are required to visit The Nest prior to applying, to experience the provision firsthand and ensure they feel they are the right person for this very special role.
The successful candidate will:
- Have a strong knowledge of the curriculum and understand the role of assessment in securing progress.
- Be passionate about providing high-quality learning opportunities.
- Be an excellent practitioner with high expectations for all pupils.
- Show a firm commitment to inclusion and equal opportunities.
- Enjoy working as part of a collaborative team.
- Demonstrate excellent organisation and communication skills.
- Build positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, and parents.
- Support and contribute to the ethos of our school.
We offer:
- A happy, welcoming school with strong values and ethos.
- A supportive and experienced staff team.
- Enthusiastic children who are happy and responsive.
This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018. The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations. If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.
Facility Lead Teacher - Maternity Cover (Chailey St Peter's Church of England Primary School) employer: East Sussex County Council
Chailey St Peter's Church of England Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, teachers are supported in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs. Located in a vibrant community, this school prioritises the well-being of its staff and students, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding teaching experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Facility Lead Teacher - Maternity Cover (Chailey St Peter's Church of England Primary School)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before applying! Visit The Nest and chat with staff and students. This will not only help you understand the environment but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your experience aligns with their values. Be ready to share specific examples of your work with children with special educational needs and how you foster inclusion.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and serious about the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Facility Lead Teacher - Maternity Cover (Chailey St Peter's Church of England Primary School)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you dive into your application, take a moment to explore our school and The Nest. Understanding our ethos and environment will help you tailor your application to show how you fit in with our values.
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for teaching and inclusion shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported children with special educational needs in the past, as this will resonate with us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This makes it easier for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us promptly and allows you to access all the necessary information about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the curriculum and assessment methods relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge about autism and special educational needs, as this will show your commitment to providing high-quality learning opportunities.
✨Visit The Nest
Before the interview, take the time to visit The Nest. This will not only give you firsthand experience of the environment but also allow you to articulate how you can contribute to its nurturing atmosphere during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Inclusion
Be prepared to discuss your experiences working with children with special educational needs. Share specific examples that highlight your dedication to inclusion and how you've successfully supported diverse learners in the past.
✨Build Relationships
During the interview, emphasise your ability to build positive relationships with pupils, colleagues, and parents. Think of examples where you've fostered collaboration within a team or created a supportive environment for students.
