For every journey, let’s take first steps together.
At First Steps Together, we believe every child and young person deserves to feel safe, understood, included and able to succeed.
We are a growing group of specialist independent schools providing nurturing, inclusive and aspirational education for children and young people with SEND and complex needs.
We are looking for an experienced and committed Sensory Teacher to join our team at Kershaw Wood Manchester, supporting pupils across Key Stages 1 and 2.
This is an opportunity for a teacher with knowledge and practical experience of sensory-led learning to create meaningful, highly personalised learning experiences for pupils whose needs mean that a traditional curriculum approach may not always be the right starting point.
You’ll use a Sensory Curriculum to develop pupils’ engagement, communication, cognition, regulation, physical development and independence, helping each child make meaningful progress from their individual starting point. JDPS SEND Sensory Teacher
What you’ll be doing
You’ll take responsibility for planning, delivering and developing a purposeful and personalised Sensory Curriculum, closely aligned with pupils’ individual needs, developmental priorities and EHCP outcomes.
You’ll design sensory learning experiences that encourage pupils to explore, engage, communicate and respond, adapting the environment, resources, communication approaches and pace of learning around each individual pupil. JDPS SEND Sensory Teacher
Your classroom practice will use structured routines, repetition, anticipation, sensory cues and responsive interaction, ensuring sensory experiences have clear learning intentions and build progressively over time. JDPS SEND Sensory Teacher
You’ll carefully observe and assess pupils from their individual starting points, recognising progress in areas such as engagement, communication, regulation, cognition and independence. You’ll use this understanding to develop personalised learning targets, identify next steps and contribute to EHCP processes and Annual Reviews. JDPS SEND Sensory Teacher
Communication will be embedded throughout the Sensory Curriculum, including visual communication and AAC where appropriate. You’ll also work with pupils’ individual sensory profiles and regulation needs, using proactive regulation, co-regulation and positive behaviour support to help pupils feel safe and ready to learn. JDPS SEND Sensory Teacher
You’ll lead and deploy Teaching Assistants effectively, modelling strong sensory teaching practice and ensuring approaches are used consistently. You’ll also work closely with families and specialist professionals, including Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy, to embed agreed strategies into everyday learning. JDPS SEND Sensory Teacher
Bring your difference
We’re looking for someone who understands that sensory learning is purposeful learning.
You’ll hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification and have experience teaching pupils with SEND and complex or profound learning needs.
Importantly, you’ll bring knowledge and practical experience of delivering a Sensory Curriculum, alongside a strong understanding of personalised teaching, curriculum adaptation and sensory-informed practice. JDPS SEND Sensory Teacher
You’ll understand how pupils’ sensory, communication and regulation needs influence their engagement with learning and be confident creating a calm, structured and sensory-aware classroom where pupils can participate and progress.
You’ll be creative, curious and responsive, able to recognise subtle changes in engagement and use what you observe to adapt learning experiences and identify meaningful next steps.
Sensory Classroom training or equivalent specialist sensory curriculum training is required, although we will consider someone willing to undertake the relevant training. Experience of AAC, PMLD, ASD, sensory processing, Occupational Therapy or Speech and Language Therapy approaches would also be valuable. JDPS SEND Sensory Teacher
Most importantly, you’ll be nurturing, patient, resilient and reflective, with a genuine commitment to understanding how each individual pupil experiences, communicates with and learns about the world around them.
Why First Steps Together?
At Kershaw Wood Manchester, you’ll have the opportunity to play an important role in developing high-quality sensory curriculum practice for pupils with complex SEND.
You’ll join a supportive and collaborative specialist school team, with access to ongoing professional development and specialist training, as well as opportunities to progress as First Steps Together continues to grow. JDPS SEND Sensory Teacher
Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference creating sensory learning experiences that help pupils engage, communicate, regulate, develop their independence and make progress that matters to them.
If you’re an experienced teacher who is passionate about sensory learning and supporting pupils with complex SEND, we’d love to hear from you.
Bring your difference. Take your next step with First Steps Together.
Safeguarding
First Steps Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointment to this role will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment and pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS, satisfactory references, online checks and overseas police checks where required.
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