Specialist Post-16 SEND Teacher in Wigan

Post Title: Specialist Post-16 SEND Teacher

Recruiting Manager: Head of College

Location: Leigh Sports Stadium, Sale Way, Leigh, WN7 4JY

Salary: £30,000–£41,333 (Qualified Teacher Scale)

Work Pattern: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm (37.5 contracted hours)

Responsible to: Head of College

Closing Date: 05/01/2027

Commencement: To be agreed

If you are interested in applying for this job, please apply via our job portal and complete a full application form: https://www.expanselearning.co.uk/job-opportunities/

Job Overview

Are you a compassionate and dedicated teacher with a passion for helping young people with complex needs achieve their potential? We are seeking an inspiring SEND Teacher to join our supportive team at our post-16 college in Leigh, delivering personalised, meaningful learning for students with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), including associated physical, sensory, communication and complex health needs. You will help students develop communication, independence and everyday skills, with opportunities to bring expertise in English or maths to a curriculum that celebrates each learner’s progress and aspirations.

About Expanse Learning

Established in 2010, Expanse Learning is a specialist education provider supporting young people with additional needs to achieve meaningful and fulfilling futures. At Leigh College, we provide personalised post-16 pathways for learners aged 16–24 with complex SEND, including profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Our approach places communication, independence, wellbeing and preparation for adulthood at the heart of learning.

An exceptional opportunity

We seek an ambitious and skilled teacher for our Thrive and Belong pathways, supporting learners with our most complex PMLD needs. The successful candidate will create highly personalised, sensory-rich and adaptive learning that makes progress accessible, meaningful and life-enhancing. We value teachers who see possibilities rather than limitations and recognise the significance of each learner’s individual achievements.

Why choose Expanse?

We invest in our people because exceptional teaching takes time, expertise and collaboration. Our working arrangements provide over 16 hours each week for planning, preparation, assessment, collaboration and continuing professional development.

·A supportive, one-team culture commended by external stakeholders

·Wellbeing days and initiatives, seasonal events and occasional spontaneous early Friday finishes

·47 days’ annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, plus a Christmas and New Year shutdown period as applicable to the contract

·Pension and salary sacrifice arrangements; enhanced sick pay linked to service

·Private medical insurance, 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders

·Free on-site parking, specialist CPD and opportunities for funded professional development and progression

Recognising specialist expertise

Teaching within our most complex PMLD provision requires specialist pedagogical knowledge and adaptive teaching skills. An additional recruitment and retention allowance may be considered where the role requirements and candidate expertise justify it, subject to organisational approval and equitable pay arrangements. No allowance is guaranteed.

Role purpose

·Lead ambitious, safe and inclusive teaching for learners with PMLD and complex SEND.

·Translate EHCP outcomes, baseline assessment and preparation-for-adulthood priorities into personalised programmes.

·Use the Engagement Model and RARPA principles to assess meaningful progress and plan next steps.

·Lead classroom support staff and work with families, therapists and multidisciplinary partners.

Job Description Statement

This document outlines the principal duties and expectations at the date of issue. Responsibilities may evolve following appropriate consultation, reflecting learner needs and organisational development. It will be reviewed periodically.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Expanse Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. All appointments are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, which may include identity, references, employment history, right to work, qualification verification, enhanced DBS and relevant barred-list checks, prohibition from teaching and section 128 checks where applicable, overseas checks and online searches of shortlisted applicants in accordance with applicable guidance. Applicants must provide accurate information. It is a criminal offence for a barred person to seek regulated activity from which they are barred.

Equality Adjustments and Health and Safety

Expanse Learning is committed to equality of opportunity and inclusive recruitment. Selection is based on relevant qualifications, experience and role requirements. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for disabled applicants and employees. Staff must follow all applicable health and safety policies and procedures to protect themselves, learners and others.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching and learning

·Plan and deliver sensory-rich, accessible and adaptive learning, with clear individual intentions.

·Use total communication, AAC, objects of reference and intensive interaction where appropriate.

·Embed communication, choice-making, independence, personal development and preparation for adulthood.

·Develop schemes of work, session plans, resources and responsive assessment strategies.

Assessment, progress and achievement

·Establish accurate learner starting points and measurable, meaningful targets aligned to EHCP outcomes.

·Use the five Engagement Model areas to observe, record, evaluate and celebrate small steps of progress.

·Apply RARPA principles and contribute to reviews, annual reviews, progress reporting and transition planning.

·Use assessment evidence to adapt teaching and evaluate impact.

Classroom and specialist leadership

·Direct, coach and coordinate support staff, modelling consistent inclusive practice.

·Maintain a safe, nurturing, structured environment that promotes dignity and learner voice.

·Implement appropriate positive behaviour support, care plans, risk assessments and co-regulation approaches.

·Collaborate with speech and language, occupational and physiotherapy professionals and families.

Quality assurance and improvement

·Maintain accurate learner records and progress data in Databridge.

·Contribute to self-assessment, quality improvement, curriculum review and inspection preparation.

·Participate in learning walks, professional dialogue, cross-site collaboration and relevant CPD.

Safeguarding and inclusion

·Safeguard and promote the welfare of learners, including adults at risk.

·Follow organisational safeguarding procedures and applicable statutory guidance, including KCSIE where relevant.

·Understand communication-related safeguarding vulnerabilities and follow intimate care, medical, moving and handling and health-and-safety procedures.

Person Specification

How to Apply

To join Expanse Learning and help us transform futures, please apply online via Expanse Learning ‘Jobs’ section https://www.expanselearning.co.uk/job-opportunities/