At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead literacy and communication strategies for students with complex needs in a supportive environment.
- Company: Well-established non-maintained special school in Uxbridge with a Good Ofsted rating.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free on-site parking, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative teaching methods and student progress.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with learning difficulties and autism.
- Qualifications: QTS or QTLS required; experience with SLD, PMLD, or complex communication needs essential.
The predicted salary is between 51500 - 62944 £ per year.
Location: Uxbridge, UB8 (free on-site parking)
Hours: Full time, term time
Contract: Permanent
Start: September 2026 / ASAP
Salary: £44,183 – £70,261 depending on experience and qualifications
The package is made up of three elements:
- Main Pay Scale / Upper Pay Scale (Outer London) – £37,870 to £56,154
- SEN Allowance – £2,786 to £5,496
- TLR2 – £3,527 to £8,611
For an experienced subject leader with a strong background in complex needs, we would expect the total package to sit in the region of £55,000 to £68,000. Candidates at the top of the Upper Pay Scale can reach the full £70,261.
About the role
We are recruiting a Literacy Subject Lead for a well-established non-maintained special school in Uxbridge. The school supports around 98 day and residential students aged 7 to 19 with moderate to severe learning difficulties, autism and complex communication needs, and was rated Good by Ofsted.
Reporting to the Associate Principal, you will lead the whole-school literacy and communication strategy across all key stages. This is a genuine leadership post with a TLR2 attached, not an intervention role. You will work in close partnership with the in-house Speech and Language Therapy team to develop an approach that meets the needs of learners across the full ability range, from pre-verbal and symbol users through to those working towards accredited qualifications.
Your responsibilities will include setting the direction for literacy and communication across the school, monitoring standards and pupil progress, developing schemes of work and resources, leading staff training and CPD, and supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality literacy teaching in every classroom.
What we are looking for:
- QTS or QTLS is essential.
- Direct hands-on teaching experience with pupils with SLD, PMLD or complex communication needs.
- Training in communication approaches used in specialist settings, for example Makaton, Signalong, PECS, Colourful Semantics, Blank's Levels, Intensive Interaction or InPrint.
- Experience of behaviour support in a complex setting, with relevant training such as Team Teach, MAPA or PBS.
- Evidence of leadership, whether a subject lead, curriculum lead, phase lead or equivalent. Candidates ready to step up into their first substantive leadership post will be considered.
- A literacy or English specialism is highly desirable, whether through a degree, a specialist literacy qualification such as AMBDA or a Level 7 SpLD award, or NPQLL.
- An enhanced DBS is required.
The school has a strong Christian ethos and applicants of all faiths and none are welcome, but you should be comfortable working within it.
SEN Literacy Lead employer: Harris Lee
Harris Lee Recruitment offers a rewarding opportunity for SEN Support Specialists in Uxbridge, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with complex needs. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, providing ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your skills. Join us in a role that not only values your contributions but also prioritises your well-being and professional advancement in a nurturing environment.
