SLD Class Teacher

Heron Academy – Class Teacher (SEN/ASD Specialist). Salary: Inner London Teachers’ Pay Scale + SEN Allowance. Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent. Start Date: As soon as possible. Location: South London.

Are you an exceptional, committed and reflective classroom practitioner passionate about improving outcomes for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and complex needs? Heron Academy, part of a vibrant and inclusive educational community, is looking for a Class Teacher to join our experienced and supportive team. We specialise in providing high-quality education for young people with SEN in a secondary/post-16 setting, and we are proud of our diverse, dynamic and caring school environment.

Responsibilities

• Delivering creative, well-planned lessons tailored to the needs of students with ASD and complex learning needs.
• Creating a calm, safe, and engaging classroom environment where all students are supported to thrive.
• Leading a team of teaching assistants and working closely with the multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic support for every learner.
• Building strong relationships with families to foster communication and consistency between home and school.
• Writing high-quality annual reviews and reports for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Leading on curriculum planning and continuous development within your subject specialism (where applicable).

Applicants / Qualifications

• A qualified teacher (QTS) with experience of working in SEN settings, particularly with learners with ASD.
• A professional committed to positive behaviour support, inclusive education, and equity in learning.
• Ability to effectively manage and motivate classroom teams.
• A reflective practitioner who embraces collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• A great communicator with strong planning, organisational and written skills.

Why Heron Academy?

• A welcoming and values-driven SEN school with a clear focus on student well-being and progress.
• A highly skilled senior leadership team and a strong commitment to professional development.
• Opportunities to shape practice and policy, particularly in your area of expertise.
• A rich, creative curriculum designed to support learning, independence and life skills.

Equal Opportunities

London South East Academies Trust is fully committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer, and creating a diverse and inclusive workspace, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion/belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status and/or marital/partnership status.

As a Disability Confident – Committed employer, we will offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meet the minimum job role criteria. If you have accessibility needs and/or require any adjustments for the application and interview process, please let us know.

As the Trust supports a number of children and vulnerable adults, all staff are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Accordingly, all staff will be subject to an Enhanced DBS (formerly CRB) check, along with a Children’s Barred List check if in regulated activity. Any offers of appointment may be withdrawn if these checks prove unsatisfactory to the Trust.