Primary Class Teacher (SEND) in Forest Row

Class Teacher

40 hours per week, 40 weeks per year

Qualified Teacher salary range: £30,656 - £42,274 per annum

Closing date: Sunday 15th November 2026 - we may close the vacancy ahead of the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received to progress

We have an exciting opportunity for a Class Teacher to join the team at our new Ashdown Garden School, in Forest Row.

Located near the beautiful Ashdown Forest, Ashdown Garden School provides a specialist educational environment for children and young people with Autism, SEMH needs and associated barriers to learning. Through a curriculum grounded in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education, practical craft work, outdoor learning and therapeutic practice, we support pupils to develop confidence, independence and the skills needed for adulthood.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and creative teacher to provide high-quality education for children and young people with significant Special Educational Needs. Many of our pupils have Autism, high levels of anxiety and complex behavioural or mental health needs, requiring an individualised, therapeutic and relationship-led approach to learning.

As a Class Teacher, you will design and deliver engaging, person-centred programmes of study, drawing upon the Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) curriculum developed by Ruskin Mill Trust. Through practical craft work, outdoor learning and experiential education, you will support pupils to achieve meaningful outcomes, develop independence and prepare for lifelong learning and adulthood.

Working collaboratively with Teaching Assistants, therapists, families and colleagues, you will take responsibility for assessing, monitoring and reporting on pupil progress whilst ensuring that teaching and learning activities are tailored to individual needs, aspirations and Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes.

The key duties of this role will include:

• Designing and delivering creative, engaging and person-centred programmes of study for pupils with Special Educational Needs, Autism and complex behavioural or mental health difficulties.
• Delivering teaching and learning through the Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) curriculum, using practical craft, land-based and outdoor learning activities.
• Assessing, monitoring, recording and reporting on pupil progress, attainment and achievement.
• Developing and maintaining Individual Learning Plans and contributing to EHCP reviews and annual review processes.
• Leading, guiding, coaching and deploying Teaching Assistants to support positive learning outcomes.
• Working collaboratively with therapists, parents, carers and external professionals to support pupil development and achievement.
• Supporting pupils to develop independence, emotional resilience, social skills and preparation for adulthood.
• Promoting positive behaviour and supporting pupils through clear boundaries, therapeutic approaches and individual support strategies.
• Contributing to the wider life of the school, including assemblies, festivals, educational visits and community activities.

To undertake this position successfully, you will have:

• A recognised teaching qualification and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or PGCE.
• Experience of working with children with Special Educational Needs, Autism and complex behavioural or mental health difficulties.
• Experience of implementing the National Curriculum and other relevant learning programmes and strategies.
• Experience of applying teaching and learning strategies related to Special Educational Needs.
• A good understanding of child development and learning processes.
• An understanding of statutory frameworks relating to SEND teaching and learning.
• The ability to organise, lead and motivate a team of Teaching Assistants.
• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to use ICT effectively to support learning and pupil progress.
• Patience, empathy, resilience and a commitment to delivering high-quality education for children and young people with additional needs.
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a specialist SEND school or therapeutic educational environment.
• Specialist skills, experience or training within a curriculum area or learning specialism.
• Knowledge of Rudolf Steiner holistic education, including the educational insights of Rudolf Steiner, John Ruskin and William Morris, or a willingness to undertake relevant training.
• Experience of practical, experiential or outdoor learning approaches.

Working at Ruskin Mill Trust is incredibly rewarding; we offer competitive salaries and holiday allowances, an auto-enrolment pension scheme with a salary sacrifice option, a health cash plan and employee assistance programme via Medicash.

In addition, staff receive valuable training opportunities including an in-depth interactive induction to enable our new team members to experience our Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) curriculum and also opportunities for further training and academic research including our own MSc in Practical Skills Therapeutic Education.

Full details of our benefits can be viewed on www.rmt.org/careers

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Level Disclosure as well as a medical check, references, evidence of qualifications, plus verification of the right to work in the UK.

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