SEN Teacher

SEN Teacher

Sherburn in Elmet Full-Time 33600 - 50400 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: As an SEN Teacher, you'll creatively teach and support pupils with diverse needs.
  • Company: Join Options Autism, a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a 4-Day Working Week trial, life assurance, and extensive wellbeing support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a certified 'Great Place to Work'.
  • Qualifications: You need QTS and be suitable for ECT/NQT.
  • Other info: This role is permanent, term-time only, starting January 2026.

The predicted salary is between 33600 - 50400 £ per year.

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week! Position:

SEN Teacher Location: Strawberry Lane School, Durham, DH6 5BE Salary:

Up to £42,500 per annum

(

dependant on experience

, not pro rata) Hours:

37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only Start:

May 2026 This position is not open to Early Career Teachers (ECTs). UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a

4-Day Working Week

(4DWW)

trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join

#teamOFG! About the Role Are you a passionate and creative teacher looking to make a real difference in the lives of young people? At our New Options Autism Schools located in Durham, you will have the opportunity to shape the educational experience from day one. You will join a supportive, collaborative team, delivering meaningful learning experiences that inspire, engage, and challenge pupils to achieve their potential. As an SEN Teacher, you will take a creative and tailored approach to teaching, delivering the school curriculum in a way that maximises pupils’ achievement, development, and wellbeing. You will teach a range of subjects as needed, support pupils with complex ASC, and foster an inclusive, nurturing classroom environment. This role also involves collaborating with colleagues, contributing to school initiatives, and participating in planning, assessment, and professional development to ensure all pupils receive a high-quality education. General Responsibilities Safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils. Work in line with professional practice, statutory requirements, and school policies. Support the day-to-day administration and organisation of the school. Take responsibility for specific areas of work and contribute to school improvement processes. Undertake additional responsibilities as reasonably determined by the Headteacher. Qualifications Experience working with complex ASC Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Educated to degree level Passionate about supporting pupils with Autism and complex needs About Us Strawberry Lane School is a brand-new specialist school in Bowburn, Durham, supporting 60 pupils aged 11–19 with autism, communication needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, pupils receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. The school celebrates each learner’s strengths while providing structure, guidance, and encouragement. Strawberry Lane empowers every young person to thrive and reach their full potential. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running. Why Join Us? We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase contributions “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:

Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits Hundreds of UK and international discounts Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales . #1

SEN Teacher employer: Outcomes First Group

At Options Autism, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the education sector, particularly for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Our innovative work culture prioritises employee wellbeing, offering a unique 4-Day Working Week trial that allows you to enjoy a better work-life balance while still receiving full pay. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive environment, joining our new school in County Durham means you'll be part of a team dedicated to creating meaningful outcomes for young people.
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Contact Detail:

Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land SEN Teacher

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with Autism and other complex needs. Understanding the unique challenges they face will help you demonstrate your commitment and ability to make a real impact during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network with current or former staff at Options Autism schools. They can provide valuable insights into the school culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your teaching philosophy.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss innovative teaching strategies that cater to diverse learning needs. Highlighting your creativity in lesson planning will show that you are well-suited for the role and can contribute positively to the school's curriculum.

Tip Number 4

Research the latest developments in SEN education and be ready to share your thoughts on them. This will demonstrate your passion for continuous professional development and your commitment to improving the lives of your students.

We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teacher

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Special Educational Needs (SEN) expertise
Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Creative teaching methods
Behaviour management strategies
Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) development
Strong communication skills
Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
Adaptability to diverse learning needs
Safeguarding and child protection knowledge
Assessment and evaluation techniques
Patience and empathy
Classroom management skills
Commitment to continuous professional development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience and qualifications relevant to the SEN Teacher role. Emphasise any specific training or experience you have with autism and other special educational needs.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for teaching and your commitment to improving the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Mention why you are excited about the opportunity at Options Autism and how you can contribute to their mission.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your QTS status and any additional qualifications or certifications that are relevant to the role. If you are an ECT or NQT, mention this and any specific training you have undertaken in special education.

Showcase Your Teaching Philosophy: In your application, briefly outline your teaching philosophy and approach to working with pupils with diverse needs. This will help demonstrate your understanding of the role and your ability to create an inclusive learning environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group

Show Your Passion for SEN Education

Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for working with pupils with special educational needs. Share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students' lives in the past, and demonstrate your commitment to their growth and development.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Prepare by thinking of scenarios you might face as an SEN Teacher and how you would approach them, focusing on creativity and adaptability.

Familiarise Yourself with the School's Values

Research Options Autism and understand their mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your teaching philosophy aligns with their approach to education and support for neurodivergent young people.

Highlight Your Collaborative Skills

Collaboration is key in SEN education. Be prepared to talk about your experience working with other teachers, parents, and specialists to create a supportive learning environment. Share examples of successful teamwork and communication strategies you've used.

SEN Teacher
Outcomes First Group
Location: Sherburn in Elmet

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