At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in a specialist autism provision, supporting learners and improving outcomes.
- Company: A well-established SEN school with a child-centred approach and strong therapeutic ethos.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive CPD opportunities, and a focus on staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to neuroaffirming practices and positive relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while advancing your leadership career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in specialist SEND environments required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
School Wider SLT - AUTISM SPECIALIST PROVISION Specialist SEN School | Permanent | Full Time | September 2026 Start
Salary: MPS/UPS + SEN Allowance + TLR (40k-60k)
Are you an experienced SEN Teacher ready to take the next step into leadership? Do you thrive in autism specialist environments where relationships, communication and emotional regulation are at the heart of successful learning? We are supporting a large specialist SEN school seeking an outstanding SEND practitioner to join their leadership team as a Wider Leader from September 2026.
This is a key leadership position within an established and expanding autism provision supporting learners aged 11-19 with a range of additional needs. The school is recognised for its child-centred approach, strong therapeutic ethos and commitment to delivering highly personalised learning pathways that enable pupils to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Key responsibilities:- Leading and managing a department within a specialist autism provision
- Maintaining a teaching commitment whilst modelling outstanding classroom practice
- Supporting, coaching and developing teachers and support staff
- Contributing to whole‑school improvement initiatives and strategic development
- Line‑managing and appraising members of staff
- Supporting pupil transitions, admissions and annual review processes
- Promoting consistent approaches to communication, regulation and learning across teams
- Working collaboratively with therapists, wellbeing professionals and senior leaders
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent teaching qualification
- Experience working within specialist SEND environments
- Strong knowledge of autism and neurodiversity
- A commitment to neuroaffirming and relationship‑based practice
- Experience supporting or leading colleagues to improve outcomes for learners
- Excellent communication, organisational and leadership skills
- The ability to maintain high expectations whilst building positive and supportive relationships
In return you will join a highly collaborative specialist setting with excellent staffing ratios, extensive CPD opportunities and a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing and professional development. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious SEN practitioner looking to progress into leadership or for an existing middle leader seeking a new challenge within a well‑established specialist school.
Wider Leader - Autism Specialist Provision in Sutton employer: Kpi Education
Join a leading specialist SEN school that prioritises a child-centred approach and fosters a strong therapeutic ethos, making it an exceptional employer for those passionate about supporting learners with autism. With a commitment to staff wellbeing, extensive professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture, this role as Wider Leader offers a meaningful pathway for career progression in a nurturing environment. Located in a vibrant community, the school provides a supportive atmosphere where educators can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wider Leader - Autism Specialist Provision in Sutton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with SEN or autism provisions. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a job fair or an informal coffee, share your experiences and successes in supporting learners with autism. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to reflect how your approach aligns with their commitment to child-centred learning and neuroaffirming practices. We want to see that you’re a perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Wider Leader - Autism Specialist Provision in Sutton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEN:When writing your application, let your passion for special educational needs shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting learners with autism and how you've made a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the key responsibilities of the Wider Leader role. We want to see how you fit into our child-centred approach!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This helps us understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in complex wording.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kpi Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autism and neurodiversity. Familiarise yourself with the latest practices in SEND education, especially those that align with the school's child-centred approach. This will show your passion and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or supported colleagues in previous roles. Think about specific instances where your coaching made a difference. This is your chance to demonstrate your leadership style and how it aligns with the school's ethos.
✨Emphasise Communication and Relationships
Since the role focuses heavily on relationships and communication, be ready to discuss how you've built positive relationships with students, staff, and parents. Share strategies you've used to promote emotional regulation and effective communication in the classroom.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to autism provision and their vision for the future. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours. It’s a two-way street!
