At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver engaging PE and Forest School sessions to secondary students with Autism.
- Company: A fantastic specialist SEND secondary school in a beautiful setting.
- Benefits: Term time only, supportive team, ongoing training, and potential for permanent roles.
- Other info: Enjoy a calm, creative atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on autistic young people's lives in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: QTS or relevant teaching experience, with a passion for outdoor learning.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
PE / Forest School Teacher – SEND Secondary School (Burgess Hill Area)
Salary: Up to M5 (negotiable for the right candidate)
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: 1 Year Maternity Cover
Location: Just outside of Burgess Hill
We are working with a truly fantastic specialist SEND secondary school just outside of Burgess Hill, supporting young people with Autism and additional needs. Set within beautiful grounds with extensive outdoor space, this school offers a calm, nurturing and inspiring environment where both pupils and staff are encouraged to thrive.
The school are seeking a passionate and engaging PE / Forest School Teacher to join them for a 1-year maternity cover from September. Alongside delivering PE and outdoor learning sessions, the successful candidate will also take on responsibilities as a tutor for a Year 7 or Year 8 class, supporting students pastorally and academically throughout the school day.
This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic about outdoor education, relationship-building and supporting autistic young people within a specialist environment. The school is known for its welcoming atmosphere, supportive leadership team and strong sense of community. There may also be opportunities for alternative or permanent roles within the school following the maternity cover for the right person.
The Role- Delivering engaging PE and Forest School sessions to secondary-aged pupils with Autism
- Acting as a tutor for a Year 7 or Year 8 class
- Supporting students’ emotional wellbeing, engagement and social development
- Creating structured, creative and accessible learning experiences
- Encouraging confidence, resilience and independence
- Working closely with Teaching Assistants, therapists and the wider school team
- Building positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues
- Holds QTS or has relevant teaching experience
- Has experience supporting children or young people with SEND, particularly Autism
- Is passionate about PE, outdoor learning and relationship-based practice
- Has a calm, patient and proactive approach
- Can adapt lessons to meet individual learning and communication needs
- Enjoys working as part of a close-knit and supportive team
- Brings energy, creativity and positivity into the classroom
- A beautiful setting with extensive outdoor learning space
- A highly supportive and welcoming team
- Opportunities for ongoing professional development
- A rewarding and meaningful role supporting autistic young people
- Potential opportunities for longer-term or permanent positions following the maternity cover
- Term time only – great work-life balance
- School hours – no night shifts or long 12-hour days
- Opportunity to make a real impact every day
- Supportive team environment
- Ongoing training and development
Important Notice: To successfully apply for the above position, you should be eligible to work in the UK or hold a relevant work visa. Provide details for us to complete reference checks before employment. Provide an Enhanced DBS on the update service or be willing to obtain one (which Pink Tile can assist with).
Maternity Cover PE/ Forest SEND Teacher employer: Pink Tile Education Ltd
Join a truly fantastic specialist SEND secondary school just outside of Burgess Hill, where you will be part of a nurturing and inspiring environment dedicated to supporting young people with Autism. With a strong sense of community, a highly supportive team, and opportunities for ongoing professional development, this role offers a rewarding chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students while enjoying a great work-life balance with term-time hours. The beautiful outdoor setting enhances the learning experience, making it an ideal place for passionate educators who thrive in collaborative and engaging atmospheres.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Maternity Cover PE/ Forest SEND Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know of opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its ethos. Understand their approach to outdoor learning and how they support autistic students. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested in their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for PE and Forest School during your interview. Bring examples of how you've engaged students in outdoor learning or adapted lessons for SEND. This will demonstrate your creativity and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate educators like you who want to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Maternity Cover PE/ Forest SEND Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for PE and outdoor learning shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about supporting autistic young people and creating engaging learning experiences.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience with SEND, particularly Autism. We’re looking for candidates who can adapt lessons and build positive relationships, so showcase those skills!
Craft a Personal Statement:In your personal statement, share your teaching philosophy and how you approach relationship-building in the classroom. We love seeing creativity and positivity, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your application and get you on board for this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pink Tile Education Ltd
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, especially Autism. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support students with these needs, as this will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Show Off Your Outdoor Skills
Since this position involves delivering PE and Forest School sessions, think about how you can highlight your experience in outdoor education. Prepare examples of engaging activities you've led and how they benefited students' emotional and social development.
✨Build Relationships
The school values relationship-building, so be prepared to talk about how you foster positive connections with students, parents, and colleagues. Share anecdotes that demonstrate your calm and patient approach, especially in challenging situations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school's culture, support systems, and professional development opportunities. This shows your genuine interest in becoming part of their community and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
