English SEN Teacher

Randstad Education; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Education in Cambridge and surrounding areas is seeking an enthusiastic English SEN Teacher to deliver engaging literacy and language programmes for learners with diverse needs. Flexible day-to-day cover or long-term roles available, with support to deliver a structured curriculum and EHCP-aligned outcomes.

You will teach high-quality English, adapt to ASC, SEMH, SLCN, and MLD/SLD, lead TAs, and contribute to inclusive education in specialist and mainstream settings.

Qualifications

• QTS or QTLS with English specialist background.
• Experience teaching English or supporting literacy for SEN.
• Ability to break down complex texts for varied levels.
• Calm, empathetic classroom management.
• Familiarity with PECS, Makaton and de-escalation training.
• Enhanced DBS check or willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver differentiated English and literacy lessons (Functional Skills, Entry Level, GCSE as appropriate).
• Teach pupils with ASC, SEMH, SLCN, or MLD/SLD.
• Adapt literature and writing tasks into multi-sensory, visual, or practical activities.
• Create a safe, structured environment supporting emotional regulation and literacy.
• Lead and deploy Teaching Assistants for targeted 1:1 and small-group literacy support.
• Utilise positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.

Skills

QTS or QTLS

English/Literacy background

Experience with SEN

Classroom management

Education

Degree in English/Literacy

Tools

PECS

Makaton

Team-Teach

MAPA

STEPs

Job description

English SEN Teacher - Cambridge & Surrounding Areas

Are you an enthusiastic and creative English specialist passionate about making literacy, language, and literature accessible to every learner? Whether you are seeking the total flexibility and work-life balance of day-to-day cover, or looking for the deep fulfilment of delivering a structured curriculum in a long-term position, we have immediate opportunities tailored to your goals.

We are currently partnering with a prominent network of specialist SEN schools, alternative provisions, and pupil referral units in Cambridge and across South Cambridgeshire. We are seeking dedicated Secondary English Teachers to deliver functional, engaging, and differentiated literacy and English programmes to young people with diverse learning needs.

Whether you are an experienced SEN English Teacher, a mainstream secondary English teacher looking to transition into special education, or an Early Career Teacher (ECT) with a passion for inclusive education, we can help you find your ideal classroom environment.

Choose Your Ideal Way of Working:

• Day-to-Day Cover: Take full control of your weekly schedule. Choose which days you teach, gain experience across various specialist provisions in Cambridge, and enjoy delivering engaging lessons.

• Long-Term Opportunities: For teachers looking to make a lasting impact, we offer placements spanning a term or a full academic year. In these roles, you will take ownership of the English curriculum, design creative learning pathways, track literacy progress against EHCP outcomes, and build strong relationships with pupils and support teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver engaging, highly differentiated English and literacy lessons (including Functional Skills, Entry Level Certificates, and GCSE options where appropriate).

• Teach pupils with a wide range of needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), or Moderate to Severe Learning Difficulties (MLD/SLD).

• Adapt literature and writing tasks into multi-sensory, highly visual, or practical activities to build confidence and pupil engagement.

• Create a safe and structured environment that supports emotional regulation and encourages expression through reading, writing, and speaking.

• Lead and deploy classroom Teaching Assistants effectively to deliver targeted 1:1 and small-group literacy support.

• Utilise positive behaviour management and de-escalation strategies to handle challenging situations with patience and composure.

What We Look For:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or QTLS with a specialist background or strong degree in English/Literacy.

• Proven experience teaching English or supporting literacy development for young people with special educational needs (in specialist or mainstream settings).

• Exceptional skill in breaking down complex texts and language concepts to meet varying developmental and reading ages.

• A calm, empathetic, and resilient approach paired with strong classroom management skills.

• Familiarity with alternative communication tools (e.g., PECS, Makaton) and de-escalation training (e.g., Team-Teach, MAPA, STEPs) is desirable.

• A valid Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or a willingness to obtain one).

Benefits of Working With Us:

• Competitive daily rates of pay, paid weekly and reflective of your specialist skills and teaching background.

• A dedicated local consultant with deep knowledge of the secondary and SEN education sector in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire.

• Complete freedom to set, manage, and update your availability on your own terms.

• Access to specialised CPD training opportunities to enhance your SEN toolkit.

• Direct pathways into permanent contracts and subject leadership roles within local specialist provisions.

Ready to inspire a love for language and literature in Cambridge?

Take the next step in your specialist teaching career today.

We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All candidates will be required to undergo comprehensive vetting, reference checks, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.