At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and support diverse learners with profound needs in a creative, inclusive environment.
- Company: Join Five Acre Wood, an outstanding special school with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, SEN allowance, pension, and extensive professional development.
- Other info: Experience unique facilities and a supportive team dedicated to wellbeing and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your teaching career.
- Qualifications: Must have QTS and a passion for nurturing and empowering students.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Five Acre Wood is a vibrant, outward‑looking and expanding special school based across four sites in and around Maidstone. With over 800 pupils aged 4–19, we are one of the largest special schools in the country, supporting a diverse range of profound, severe and complex needs. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan and learn through one of our six approaches: Early Years, Practical, Sensory, Formal, Structured and Functional.
We are seeking enthusiastic, creative ECTs to join our friendly and dynamic community from September 2026. You will need to have QTS, high expectations and be eager to grow. We are proud to be an ‘Outstanding’ school and an IQM Flagship School, known for our warm culture, innovative practice and commitment to ‘Only the best will do’.
Our rich provision includes hydrotherapy, multi‑sensory spaces, soft play, therapy dogs, Forest School, outdoor learning areas, a life‑skills lodge, shop and our hospitality training café in partnership with Costa Coffee. Specialist therapy, NHS partners and a dedicated family liaison team work closely with our staff to support every child.
Our vision is to empower every individual in a safe, creative and inclusive community to thrive, achieve and prepare for life’s journey. We do this by delivering personalised learning, nurturing wellbeing, celebrating achievements, expanding life experiences and working in strong partnership with families and professionals. Our values—Belonging, Integrity and Innovation—shape how we work every day.
Through the Five Acre Wood Way, we commit to being 'Together Stronger,' putting 'Pupils First', and recognising that 'Every Moment Matters'. These principles guide our culture, decisions and the consistent, positive environment we create for pupils and staff.
You will benefit from a comprehensive induction, a buddy and mentor, a highly supportive leadership team and extensive professional development. Relationships, teamwork and wellbeing are at the heart of our culture.
In addition to salary, SEN allowance and pension, staff benefits include:
- Confidential counselling service and Employee Assistance Programme
- School Counsellor (for staff and pupils)
- Strong social, supportive staff community
We encourage you to explore our website to see our unique facilities—including a library housed in an aeroplane and a counselling space in a lifeboat—plus examples of our innovative approaches to learning across all sites.
Five Acre Wood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, online searches and additional employment references in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025). We look forward to hearing from you!
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