At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Class Teacher, supporting autistic children in a nurturing environment.
- Company: The Hawthorns School is a new, purpose-built school dedicated to holistic education for autistic pupils.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, a supportive team, and a fun work atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a compassionate and dynamic team.
- Qualifications: No special school experience needed; just bring your energy and passion for teaching!
- Other info: Flexible start dates available; come visit us to see if we're the right fit!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Ref No. ECC2210-208S Position Type: Teacher Pay Range: Main Scale
Position Start Date: 01/09/2026 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 20/03/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: 17th April 2026
Due to the retirement of a long-standing teacher and the need to cover a maternity leave, we have the following positions available from September 2026:
- Permanent class teacher
- Fixed term maternity leave cover
We are looking for an ambitious teacher who is passionate about utilising researched methods to improve educational opportunities and support children to develop a positive self image.
We are a two-form entry primary school with a strong community and PTA, a dedicated team, and an inclusive ethos.
We have an enhanced provision for Speech and Language which is part of the Local SEND Offer. We work alongside on-site Speech Therapists and offer annual CPD in this area. We work closely with a behaviour consultant (Change Behaviour) to offer staff ongoing coaching and training in our consistent behaviour management procedure and purposeful communication strategy.
During your PPA, your children will have a forest school session with our dedicated Forest School Lead and then be supported by an HLTA for the other part.
We have a full time Pastoral Support Lead and Learning Mentor that can support children and staff with meeting the needs of the children in their class.
We have extensive outdoor grounds including a field, gym equipment for children, a MUGA, sensory Garden and a private woodland. We are working towards our Opal Play accreditation.
Reading is a priority for our school and we work closely with the local DFE English hub, which offers a high level of CPD opportunities across the year.
We also have a school dog, which enjoys lots attention from children and staff alike.
Are you:
- An outstanding practitioner or ECT
- Driven towards raising standards, securing high quality outcomes and accelerated progress
- Experienced in securing basic skills to ensure our children are excellent readers, writers and mathematicians
- Able to demonstrate a deep understanding of the National Curriculum and statutory requirements, including a secure subject knowledge
- A creative teacher, dedicate to providing exciting, practical learning opportunities for children to aid memory, understanding, skills and knowledge
- Someone who has high expectations of all children to be successful, and motivates children to achieve and supports them to be accomplished
- Committed to the inclusive learning of all young people with a trauma perceptive approach to supporting pupils
- A team player, who can contribute to the ethos of the school and work as part of a staff team
- Dedicated to lifelong learning and professional development of yourself and others
What we can offer you:
- A friendly and supportive team that works together for the children
- Strong and dedicated team of support staff
- Regular access to a trauma informed behaviour consultant (Change Behaviour)
- Regular professional development, opportunities to attend courses and develop alongside the senior team
- Opportunities to specialise and develop skills
- Specialist Speech & Language Training
- PPA with your partner teacher in a dedicated space, covered by an experienced forest lead and HLTA
- Wellbeing package for all staff, offering access to a range of therapies and benefits
- A wellbeing week per every full term, where meetings are collapsed
- Free tea and coffee and a welcoming staffroom
- Access to a car park with EV charging points on-site charged at cost
- Innovative and hard-working senior leadership team focussed on delivering a strongpersonal developmentofferfor children, alongside the core educational offer
If this sounds like a good fit for you then we would welcome your application and love for you to join our team.
Informal visits to the school are welcomed and encouraged, these can be arranged by contacting the school office on 01245 354517.
Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Applicants will be subject to a DBS check and satisfactory references; we comply fully with safer recruitment practices.
Online applications only. We will not consider CVs. Applications should be completed in full. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Closing date: Friday 20th March 2026
Shortlisting: Ongoing (We reserve the right to interview applicants early or close the advert early).
Interview dates: Week commencing 13th April 2026 (currently scheduled for Friday 17th April).
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
The Office Team
Trinity Road, Chelmsford
Essex, CM2 6HS
Telephone: 01245 354517
Email: recruitment@trinityroad.essex.sch.uk
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Class Teacher employer: Shorefields
Contact Detail:
Shorefields Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Class Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ethos and values of The Hawthorns School. Understanding their mission to provide a holistic education for autistic children will help you align your responses during the interview, showcasing your commitment to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience or interest in working with autistic young people. Even if you don't have direct experience, sharing personal stories or insights can demonstrate your passion and understanding of the challenges these pupils face.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you embody the qualities they are looking for, such as being thoughtful, compassionate, and a team player. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that illustrate these traits.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for professional development and a willingness to learn. The Hawthorns School values adaptability and a 'can do' attitude, so be ready to express your eagerness to grow within their supportive environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Class Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the specific requirements and responsibilities of a Class Teacher at The Hawthorns School. Highlight your relevant experience or interest in working with autistic children.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the ethos of The Hawthorns School. Emphasise any previous teaching roles, relevant training, or personal experiences that demonstrate your ability to support pupils with autism.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your understanding of the needs of autistic children. Use specific examples to illustrate how you embody the qualities they are looking for, such as compassion, teamwork, and adaptability.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a teaching role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for teaching, especially in a special education setting. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to supporting autistic children and fostering their development.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since the role requires being part of a tight-knit team, be prepared to discuss your experiences working collaboratively with others. Provide examples of how you've contributed to a team environment and supported colleagues in achieving common goals.
✨Demonstrate Understanding of Autism
Familiarise yourself with autism and its impact on learning and communication. Be ready to discuss strategies you might use to engage and support pupils with autism, showing that you are thoughtful and reflective about their needs.
✨Emphasise Adaptability and Initiative
The school values a 'can do' attitude, so share examples of how you've adapted to challenges in the past. Highlight situations where you've taken the initiative to improve a process or support a student, showcasing your resilience and creativity.