SEN Class Teacher

SEN Teacher - Autism & Complex Learning Needs

Hackney, East London | Specialist SEN School | Full-Time | Long-Term £40,000- £60,000 per annum | Immediate Start

Are you an experienced SEN Teacher looking for a long-term opportunity within a well-established specialist school?

Do you enjoy teaching pupils with Autism and complex learning needs , where progress is highly individual and communication, independence and personal development are just as important as academic achievement?

Would you like to work within a supportive specialist environment where pupils follow personalised curriculum pathways based around their individual ability, needs and EHCP outcomes?

A highly regarded specialist SEN school based in Hackney is seeking an experienced Teacher to join its team on a full-time, long-term basis.

The school is an all-age specialist provision supporting children and young people aged 4-19 across Primary, Secondary and Post-16 with Autism, a wide range of learning difficulties and complex additional needs. Pupils have varied learning profiles, meaning teaching ranges from highly developmental and sensory-based learning through to more formal curriculum delivery for pupils able to access subject-specific and accredited learning.

Classes are supported by experienced Learning Support Assistants, allowing teachers to deliver highly personalised learning and build strong relationships with individual pupils. Communication and social interaction sit at the heart of the curriculum, alongside emotional regulation, independence, functional learning and preparation for adulthood.

This is an excellent opportunity for a teacher who enjoys working creatively and adapting their teaching significantly around the individual learner rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

Key Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for a specialist class of pupils with Autism, learning difficulties and complex additional needs .
• Plan and deliver highly differentiated lessons based around pupils' individual starting points, abilities and EHCP outcomes.
• Adapt teaching for pupils working across a wide range of developmental and academic levels.
• Deliver learning through formal, semi-formal and developmental approaches , depending on individual pupil needs.
• Support pupils with significant communication difficulties, including those who may have limited verbal communication.
• Use visual supports, structured communication approaches and alternative communication strategies where appropriate.
• Create calm, structured and predictable classroom environments that promote engagement and emotional regulation.
• Develop pupils' communication, social interaction and ability to make choices.
• Promote independence and functional skills throughout both lessons and the wider school day.
• Deliver practical, sensory and experiential learning for pupils who require a more developmental curriculum.
• Maintain high expectations while recognising that progress will look different for every pupil.
• Use assessment and observation to identify meaningful next steps and monitor individual progress.
• Work towards personalised EHCP targets and wider developmental outcomes .
• Contribute to Annual Reviews, pupil progress meetings and individual target setting.
• Lead and effectively deploy Learning Support Assistants within the classroom.
• Ensure support staff understand individual pupils' learning, communication and regulation strategies.
• Work collaboratively with therapists and other specialist professionals involved in pupils' support.
• Build positive relationships with parents and carers and maintain effective communication around progress and wellbeing.
• For older pupils, support the development of independent living, functional skills, community participation and preparation for adulthood .
• Maintain the highest standards of safeguarding, pupil welfare and professional practice.

We Are Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
• Experience teaching children or young people with SEND .
• Experience supporting Autism and complex learning needs would be particularly advantageous.
• Confidence teaching pupils who may be working significantly below age-related expectations.
• A strong understanding of adaptive teaching and highly differentiated curriculum planning .
• The ability to plan from individual pupil starting points rather than relying solely on age-related expectations.
• Experience supporting pupils with communication difficulties.
• A calm, patient and consistent approach to classroom management.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage pupils who communicate and learn in different ways.
• Confidence leading and directing classroom support staff.
• The ability to work effectively with therapists, families and other professionals.
• Strong assessment, organisation and record-keeping skills.
• A genuine commitment to developing pupils' communication, independence and preparation for adulthood .

Previous specialist SEN experience is highly desirable; however, applications would also be welcomed from strong mainstream teachers who have substantial SEND experience and are genuinely interested in moving into specialist education.

Why Consider This Role?

This is an opportunity to join a well-established and supportive specialist environment where teaching is genuinely tailored around the individual child.

Rather than every pupil being expected to access the same curriculum, teachers are able to work across different learning pathways and adapt provision around each learner's communication, cognitive, sensory and developmental profile.

For some pupils, success may involve developing communication, engagement and self-regulation; for others, learning may include more traditional academic subjects and qualifications. Across the school, the shared aim is to help pupils become as confident, independent and prepared for adult life as possible .

This would suit an experienced SEN Teacher looking for a stable long-term position where they can build meaningful relationships with pupils and have a genuine impact on their development.

Apply now or send your CV to Stephen at KPI Education to be considered.

INDTEA