SEN Cover Teacher in Failsworth

The Trustees are looking to recruit to the post of Cover Teacher SEN at Samuel Laycock School, Ashton Under Lyne. Pay is dependent on qualification and experience, with an SEN Allowance. Commencing as soon as possible.

At Samuel Laycock School, we strive to create the best learning opportunities for every pupil. We provide a specialist, high-quality, relevant and balanced education for pupils aged 11-16 who have moderate learning difficulties, autistic spectrum condition, and severe learning difficulties. We tailor learning experiences for individual pupils’ social and emotional development and communication needs. All children and young people at Samuel Laycock School have an Education Health and Care Plan.

In our most recent staff survey, colleagues rated their wellbeing at an impressive 7.09, reflecting our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive and positive workplace. Samuel Laycock is part of the New Bridge Multi Academy Trust (MAT), which caters for young people aged 4 to 19 with an EHCP in the local authorities of Oldham, Tameside, and Rochdale. The school was graded as 'Outstanding' in most areas during an Ofsted inspection in October 2024.

The Trustees and Governors are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated practitioner to join our dynamic, growing, and committed staff team in the following area: Cover Teacher. This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified teacher who enjoys variety and is passionate about supporting pupils with a range of additional needs. The successful candidate will work across the whole school, providing high-quality teaching and learning during staff absence. Unlike a traditional Cover Supervisor role, this position carries the full professional responsibilities of a teaching role, including planning, assessment, monitoring pupil progress, and contributing to curriculum delivery.

The role will involve covering lessons across a range of pathways and age groups, including our Aspire Route, Sensory Route, Communication Route, and KS4 Pathway Options. We particularly welcome applications from teachers with experience in SEND, Primary, Early Years, Autism Specialist Provision, or Special School Settings.

As a Cover Teacher, you will:

• Deliver high-quality teaching across a range of classes, key stages, pathways, and curriculum areas.
• Plan, prepare, and assess learning in line with school expectations.
• Support the delivery of core subjects including English, Maths, Science, PSHE, Living Skills, and Careers, alongside other curriculum areas as required.
• Adapt learning to meet the individual needs of pupils with SEND, autism, and complex learning needs.
• Use assessment information and pupil progress data to monitor achievement and inform future planning.
• Establish positive learning environments which promote engagement, achievement, and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with teaching, support, and pastoral staff to ensure continuity of learning and high standards across the school.
• Support learners working within specialist pathways where communication, sensory regulation, and personalised learning approaches are central to successful outcomes.

About Our Specialist Provision:

Our Aspire Route provides a structured and ambitious curriculum for pupils with additional needs who are developing greater independence and accessing a subject-based curriculum. Teaching promotes academic achievement alongside communication, social development, and preparation for adulthood. Learning is carefully adapted to meet individual needs while maintaining high expectations, enabling pupils to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to achieve their EHCP outcomes and prepare for their future.

Our Sensory Route provides a highly structured and consistent approach for pupils with a range of complex learning needs, including autism and Down's syndrome. Teaching incorporates a variety of evidence-informed approaches including multi-sensory learning, TEACCH, Attention Autism, and continuous provision opportunities to support engagement and independence.

Our Communication Route provides a consistent and supportive environment for pupils with autism and associated complex needs. Communication development, social interaction, emotional regulation, and sensory regulation are at the heart of the curriculum. Learning is delivered through a thematic approach which enables pupils to make meaningful links across subject areas and supports the achievement of EHCP outcomes.

At Key Stage 4, pupils on all routes through school follow personalised pathways that offer a range of accredited qualifications and vocational opportunities, supporting successful transitions into further education, employment, and adult life. Cover Teachers may be required to work within these provisions and should be confident in adapting their teaching to meet a diverse range of needs.

The Successful Candidate Will Have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
• Excellent classroom practice with the commitment, creativity, and motivation to inspire pupils’ learning and development.
• Experience of planning, delivering, and assessing learning across a broad curriculum within a primary-style model.
• Experience and/or a strong interest in working with pupils with SEND, autism, and complex needs.
• High expectations of young people, with a commitment to raising standards of attainment and achievement.
• Experience of enhancing pupil progress and securing positive outcomes for all learners.
• Experience of current assessment practices and the effective use of pupil progress and attainment data.
• The ability to create imaginative, engaging, and highly differentiated learning opportunities that meet individual needs.
• Experience of developing alternative approaches to support pupil engagement and participation in learning.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to develop expertise in, SEND-friendly approaches such as TEACCH, Attention Autism, SCERTS, Colourful Semantics, Six Bricks, multi-sensory teaching strategies.
• Strong behaviour management skills and an understanding of proactive approaches to supporting emotional regulation.
• The emotional and physical resilience required to work with young people who present a wide range of complex learning, communication, and behavioural needs.
• The ability to build and maintain positive relationships with pupils, families, colleagues, and external professionals.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and innovation in teaching practice.
• A flexible, solution-focused approach and the willingness to work collaboratively across all areas of the New Bridge team.

Potential applicants are encouraged to visit Samuel Laycock School to see the school in action. An appointment can be arranged by contacting gmather@newbridgegroup.org. As a result of the specific requirements and nature of this post, the position is not suitable for candidates requiring support through a statutory Early Career Teacher (ECT) programme. This post will be subject to a number of pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. It will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Salary: Qualified Teachers’ Pay Scale + SEN Allowance

Hours of work: 1.0 FTE

Based: Samuel Laycock School, Broadoak Road, Ashton Under Lyne

Commencing: As soon as possible

Status: Permanent

Closing Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026 (9am)

Interviews: TBC

School Information: Donna West via gmather@newbridgegroup.org