At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a department in a specialist autism provision and support staff development.
- Company: Respected specialist SEN school with a child-centred approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive CPD opportunities, and commitment to staff wellbeing.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to personalised learning and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of learners while advancing your leadership career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in specialist SEND environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ 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? Would you like to join a highly respected specialist school where you can influence practice beyond your own classroom and help shape the development of both learners and staff?
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.
The successful candidate will combine excellent classroom practice with strong leadership skills, supporting colleagues to deliver consistently high-quality teaching and learning across a designated department.
Key responsibilities include:
- 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
The ideal candidate will have:
- 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.
For further information and a confidential discussion, please apply today.
Wider Leader - Autism Specialist Provision employer: Kpi Education
Join a highly respected specialist SEN school that prioritises a child-centred approach and strong therapeutic ethos, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about autism education. With a commitment to staff wellbeing, extensive CPD opportunities, and a collaborative work culture, you will have the chance to influence practice and support both learners and colleagues in a meaningful way. This role offers a unique opportunity to grow as a leader while working in an environment dedicated to personalised learning pathways for students aged 11-19.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wider Leader - Autism Specialist Provision
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in SEN. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Since this role is all about relationships and communication, think of examples from your experience that showcase your skills in these areas. We want to see how you can contribute to their child-centred approach!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Even if you’re not in a formal leadership role yet, highlight instances where you've supported or coached colleagues. This will demonstrate your readiness for the Wider Leader position and your commitment to improving outcomes for learners.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Wider Leader - Autism Specialist Provision
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 can contribute to our child-centred approach!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so make sure your key points stand out.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about our school and values.
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. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the school's child-centred approach and therapeutic ethos. This will show that you’re not just a good fit for the role, but that you genuinely understand the environment you'll be working in.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led or supported colleagues in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you’ve improved teaching practices or outcomes for learners. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to influence and inspire others within a specialist setting.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you would promote consistent approaches to communication and emotional regulation across teams. This will highlight your understanding of the importance of relationships in learning.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the school’s vision for the autism provision or how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.
