Complex Needs Teacher

Expanse Learning; Wigan; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave benefits

Mental health support

Private medical insurance

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Expanse Learning seeks a dedicated Complex Needs Teacher to deliver personalised education for post-16 students with complex needs at our Leigh or Orrell sites in Wigan. You will lead classroom teams, plan learning, and assess progress in a supportive, inclusive environment.

The role focuses on delivering differentiated sessions, aligning with EHCP outcomes, and integrating functional skills. A strong commitment to safeguarding and ongoing CPD is essential.

Qualifications

• Post-16 complex SEND experience.
• Knowledge of Ofsted Report Card.
• Ability to lead a classroom team.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Commitment to inclusive practice.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver personalised programmes of learning.
• Develop Schemes of Work, lesson plans and assessment strategies.
• Deliver engaging and differentiated sessions for a range of learning needs.
• Integrate Functional Skills within curriculum delivery.
• Support students to develop independence and life skills.
• Establish clear learning goals aligned to EHCP outcomes.
• Lead and direct classroom support staff.
• Create structured, nurturing, safe and purposeful learning environment.
• Promote student voice and confidence.
• Use Databridge MIS to record progress and outcomes.
• Maintain accurate student records.
• Contribute to Quality Improvement and Ofsted preparation.
• Safeguard and promote student welfare.
• Engage in CPD and professional development.

Skills

Compassionate teaching

Strong organisational skills

Classroom leadership

Education

PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification

Post-16 complex SEND experience

Tools

Databridge MIS

Job description

Are you a compassionate, dedicated teacher ready to shape the lives of students with complex needs? We are seeking an exceptional complex needs teacher to join our dedicated college in Leigh or Orrell, Wigan, where every day offers a chance to make a real difference. This is a rewarding opportunity to work within a highly motivated and supportive team, delivering meaningful learning experiences for students with complex needs., We are committed to achieving equal opportunities in the way we deliver services to the community and in our employment arrangements. We expect all employees to understand and promote this policy in their work., The Complex Needs Teacher will play a central role in delivering personalised education programmes to post-16 students with complex needs.

Teaching & Learning

• Plan and deliver personalised programmes of learning
• Develop Schemes of Work, lesson plans and assessment strategies
• Deliver engaging and differentiated sessions that meet a wide range of learning needs
• Integrate Functional Skills within curriculum delivery
• Support students to develop independence and life skills
• Establish clear learning goals aligned to EHCP outcomes
• Use adaptive teaching approaches suitable for SEND students

Progress & Achievement

• Monitor student progress using appropriate assessment tools
• Support achievement of RARPA targets and/or academic qualifications
• Maintain ambitious expectations for attendance, engagement and achievement
• Contribute to Annual Reviews and progress reporting
• Ensure learning leads to meaningful next step or destination

Classroom Leadership

• Lead and direct classroom support staff
• Create structured, nurturing, safe and purposeful learning environment
• Use positive behaviour approaches to support engagement
• Implement targeted interventions where required
• Promote student voice and confidence

Quality & Compliance

• Use Databridge Management Information System to record student progress and outcome data
• Maintain accurate student records
• Adhere to internal and external quality assurance standards
• Contribute to Quality Improvement process
• Support preparation for and participate within Ofsted inspection

Safeguarding & Inclusion

• Safeguard and promote student welfare
• Work within KCSIE and SEND Code of Practice
• Promote equality, dignity and inclusion
• Work collaboratively with families and professionals

Wider Contribution

• Participate in college development activities
• Support cross-site collaboration
• Engage in CPD
• Contribute to a positive staff culture

PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification

• Post-16 complex SEND experience
• Knowledge of Ofsted Report Card
• Ability to lead a classroom team
• Strong organisational skills
• Commitment to inclusive practice

Established in 2010, Expanse Learning is a specialist education provider supporting young people with additional needs to achieve meaningful and fulfilling futures. At our colleges, we provide personalised pathways for students aged 16 to 24 with a range of SEND and/or SEMH needs. Our approach blends education, independence, and employability into programmes that build confidence, resilience and real-world readiness. Working at Expanse means being part of something genuinely impactful. Staff here don't just teach, they unlock futures. We are seeking a committed and skilled complex needs teacher who shares our belief that every student deserves opportunity, dignity and high expectations.

At Expanse Learning, we recognise that great teaching happens when staff feel valued, supported and inspired. We are proud to offer a working environment that prioritises both professional growth and personal wellbeing.

A values-driven culture where individuality is respected and contribution is recognised. A genuinely collaborative working environment across sites where innovation is encouraged. Opportunities to shape provision and influence how we support young people. Cross-organisational networking and shared practice opportunities. Dedicated staff voice and engagement groups helping shape the future of the organisation.

Professional Development

• Regular CPD tailored to your development needs
• Access to funded training and educational sponsorship (subject to application)
• Clear opportunities for progression across departments and sites
• Support to develop specialist complex SEND practice
• Opportunities to contribute to wider curriculum and organisational development

Financial

• Competitive salary with pay progression linked to performance
• Access to salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Enhanced sick pay linked to length of service

Wellbeing

• 47 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Christmas and New Year shutdown period
• Access to Mental Health First Aiders 24/7 confidential
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to private medical insurance
• Personal resilience and wellbeing support programme
• Organisation-wide wellbeing initiatives and campaign including annual health and wellbeing day.

Working Environment

• Modern, well-equipped facilities
• Free on-site parking
• Positive and supportive staff culture.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS

If you require any aids or adaptations to either our workplace or policies and practices that may assist or enable you to successfully carry out this role, please inform us. This job description is subject to annual review in accordance with the changing nature of students and institutional need.

Safer Recruitment

Expanse Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. All roles are subject to pre-employment checks:

• Verification of the applicant's identity (where that has not previously been verified).
• The receipt of two references (one of which must be from the applicant's most recent employer) which Expanse considers as satisfactory.
• Where the position amounts to "regulated activity" the receipt of an enhanced disclosure from the DBS which Expanse considers to be satisfactory.
• Where the position amounts to "regulated activity" confirmation that the applicant is not named on the Children's Barred List/Vulnerable Adult Barred List.
• Verification of the applicant's medical fitness for the role.
• Verification of the applicant's right to work in the UK.
• Prohibition from teaching checks.
• Section 128 provisions check (prohibited from managing, if applicable).
• Any further checks which are necessary as a result of the applicant having lived or worked outside of the UK; and