At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and support Year 3 Semi-Formal students with tailored lessons and engaging resources.
- Company: Acorn Park School, a nurturing environment for autistic children and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, mental health support, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in pupils' lives while developing your teaching expertise.
- Qualifications: Qualified teacher status with experience in SEN and a compassionate approach.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a forward-thinking school with excellent facilities.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 51000 Β£ per year.
Looking for an SEN Teacher to support our Year 3 Semi-Formal students in a maternity cover position. This is a chance to work in a nurturing, structured environment where you can inspire progress, growth, and independence in pupils with additional needs.
Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver engaging lessons and tailored learning resources aligned to Semi-Formal pathways
- Create structured, stimulating classrooms that promote independence and engagement
- Support pupil progress and wellbeing in line with their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
- Build positive relationships with pupils, parents, and colleagues
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality provision
- Develop and share expertise in teaching pupils with autism and complex needs
About You
- Qualified: UK QTS (or equivalent) with a relevant degree
- Experienced: Strong understanding of SEN, including ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
- Compassionate & Resilient: Able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have faced challenges
- Collaborative: Clear communicator who thrives in a team environment
- Creative & Flexible: Able to adapt lessons and approaches to meet individual needs
If youβre a passionate SEN teacher who wants to make a tangible difference, develop your expertise, and be part of a supportive, forward-thinking school community, we would love to hear from you.
About Acorn Park School
Acorn Park School is an independent specialist school in rural Norfolk supporting autistic children and young people aged 4β19. Set within a spacious private estate, the school provides a safe, nurturing environment where pupils are placed at the heart of everything we do. Through personalised formal and semi-formal curriculum pathways, supported by an integrated clinical team, we meet a wide range of individual needs. The school benefits from extensive facilities including a Forest School, animal care farm, and therapeutic outdoor spaces. Working in partnership with families, we empower pupils to grow in confidence, develop independence, and thrive as they prepare for their next steps in life.
About Outcomes First Group
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- Your Wellbeing Matters mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
- 4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, 100% pay (subject to successful probation). Not a contractual benefit.
Note: We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Role Details
- Position: SEN Teacher β Maternity Cover
- Location: Acorn Park School, Banham, Norwich, NR16 2HU
- Salary: Up to Β£42,500.00 per annum (not pro rata)
- Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
- Contract: Fixed Term ending April 2027
- Term Time Only
- Start: April 2026
- UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
As an SEN Teacher, you will play a vital role in shaping meaningful learning experiences for pupils with diverse needs. Working within Semi-Formal Curriculum Pathways, you will help pupils develop academically, socially, and emotionally while fostering communication, confidence, and a love of learning.
SEN Teacher - Maternity cover employer: FirstGroup plc
Contact Detail:
FirstGroup plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land SEN Teacher - Maternity cover
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN. They might know about openings before they even hit the job boards.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its approach to SEN. Show us how your teaching style aligns with their values and how you can contribute to their nurturing environment.
β¨Tip Number 3
Donβt just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new opportunities. We often post roles there first, so itβs a great way to get ahead of the competition.
β¨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your creativity during interviews. Bring examples of lesson plans or resources you've developed that cater to diverse learning needs. We love seeing innovative approaches!
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teacher - Maternity cover
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for teaching and supporting SEN pupils shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in the lives of students with additional needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your experience with autism and complex needs, and explain how your teaching style aligns with our nurturing environment at Acorn Park School.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and experiences without having to sift through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup plc
β¨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN), particularly autism and complex needs. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the classroom to support these students, as well as how you adapt lessons to meet individual needs.
β¨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, highlight your ability to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have faced challenges. Share examples of how you've supported students' wellbeing and progress in line with their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
β¨Collaborate Like a Pro
Emphasise your experience working within a multidisciplinary team. Be prepared to discuss how you communicate effectively with colleagues and parents to ensure high-quality provision for your students. Teamwork is key in this role!
β¨Get Creative!
Demonstrate your creativity and flexibility in lesson planning. Bring along examples of engaging resources or activities you've created that promote independence and engagement. Show them how you can make learning fun and tailored to each pupil's needs.