2 x SEN Teachers (maternity cover) - Abbey Hill School (Horizons Specialist Academy Trust)

Stockton Academy Vacancies; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A special educational needs academy in Tees Valley is seeking a dedicated teacher to support students with severe learning difficulties. The ideal candidate will have a relevant teaching qualification and be committed to enhancing students' educational experiences. This role offers opportunities for continuous professional development and a supportive working environment. Applications are encouraged from educators ready to make a positive difference in the lives of young people.

Benefits

Continuous professional development

Positive working environment

Qualifications

• Appropriate teaching qualification (QTS or QTLS) is a must.
• Knowledge of the EYFS curriculum and phonics strategies.
• Understanding of severe learning difficulties.

Responsibilities

• Establishing relationships to promote effective curriculum delivery.
• Teaching students based on their educational needs.
• Creating a secure environment for educational well-being.

Job description

Overview

Abbey Hill Academy & Sixth Form is part of Horizons Specialist Academy Trust, which consists of 8 Academies. The academies serve a population of over 1000 students aged 5 to 18 with a broad range of learning difficulties. Abbey Hill Academy & Sixth Form provides for approximately 360 young people and specializes in meeting the needs of students aged 11 to 18 with a full range of learning difficulties as well as other physical and social needs.

We have two posts available to cover maternity leave, fixed term:

Post 1: The post is to teach students aged 11-16 with a broad range of special educational needs, predominantly those with severe learning difficulties and Down’s Syndrome. The post will deliver our semi-formal curriculum with students working at the equivalent level of the EYFS curriculum. This post ends December 2026.

Post 2: The post is to teach students aged 11-16 with a broad range of special educational needs, predominantly those with learning disabilities and autism. The post will deliver our informal curriculum model with a focus on supporting the students’ sensory and communication needs. The students are working at the equivalent level of the beginning of the EYFS curriculum. This post ends July 2026.

Location: Abbey Hill Academy, Ketton Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 8BU. We welcome visits to the school by arrangement.

What will I be doing?

• Establishing and maintaining good working relationships to promote the development and effective delivery of the school curriculum to maximise achievement.
• Teaching students according to their educational needs and acknowledging that every lesson counts.
• Creating a well-ordered and secure environment that supports the educational well-being of individual children within the group.
• Supporting students in a positive manner through an attachment-friendly ethos, following agreed strategies alongside school in‑house professionals and therapeutic colleagues.
• Ensuring careful and ongoing assessment of the students’ learning to inform planning and next steps.
• Ensuring tasks and activities are matched to the student’s ability, allowing progression at the right pace and level.
• Working with school leaders to complete and teach individual pupil plans for students with specific needs.
• Liaising effectively with parents and a wide range of professionals.
• Leading a class team of teaching assistants.
• Collaborating with key professionals to deliver a well-rounded curriculum that supports learning, self-regulation, social skills and mental health.

What do I need?

• Must have appropriate teaching qualification (QTS or QTLS).
• Knowledge of the EYFS curriculum, delivery of phonics and strategies associated with experiential learning.
• Some knowledge of severe learning difficulties.
• Be resilient, supportive and sensitive towards the needs of students with Special Educational Needs.
• Be an outstanding practitioner.
• Understanding of the curriculum for successful planning and delivery.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour effectively.
• A strong commitment to the welfare and safeguarding of students.

Why work for us?

• A few reasons we think it’s a great place to work:
• Abbey Hill Academy is where amazing children do amazing things!
• Opportunity to enrich the lives of young people and make a positive difference.
• Continuous professional development and clear career path.
• No two days are ever the same.
• Open and positive working environment.
• Be part of a fantastic team who work hard together and support each other and have achieved Gold status with Investors in People for people management.

Visits to the school are actively encouraged and highly recommended. To arrange this please contact [e-mail]. Application forms and further information are available on the Horizons Trust website: horizonstrust.org.uk/jobs. Completed applications should be returned by 12 noon on Friday, 3 October 2025 to [e-mail] or by post to HR Department, c/o Abbey Hill Academy, Ketton Road, Stockton on Tees TS19 8BU. If you have any questions about the vacancy, please email [e-mail] or call 01642 677113 and ask to speak to a member of the HR team.

Horizons Specialist Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As part of our recruitment process online searches will be conducted. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and appropriate references.