Lead Teacher of SEND

The Robert Smyth Academy; Market Harborough; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Robert Smyth Academy is seeking a Lead Teacher of SEND (Autism Specialist) to lead the Redwood Communication and Interaction Resource Base (CIRB). The role focuses on strategic and operational leadership for autism provision, ensuring EHCP-aligned support and outstanding teaching to enable students to reach their full potential.

You will lead staff, foster strong family partnerships, and work with external agencies to secure the best outcomes for autistic learners within a supportive,

Qualifications

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Significant experience working with children and young people with autism.
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Thorough knowledge of SEND legislation and SEND Code of Practice.
• Committed to inclusive education and raising aspirations for SEND learners.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Redwood CIRB.
• Deliver high-quality teaching and interventions for students with autism.
• Lead and develop the support staff team within Redwood.
• Build strong relationships with families and ensure clear communication.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external agencies to secure outcomes for learners.
• Provide training to staff to enhance autism-inclusive practice.

Skills

QTS

Autism experience

Communication

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Are you passionate about making a lasting difference to the lives of young people with Autism? Do you have the expertise, vision and commitment to lead excellent provision for students with additional needs ?

We are seeking an exceptional Lead Teacher of SEND (Autism Specialist) to lead our thriving Redwood Communication and Interaction Resource Base (CIRB) at Robert Smyth Academy.

Built in 2023, Redwood is a purpose-built resource base designed to provide specialist support for up to 15 students with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Condition. As part of Robert Smyth Academy and the Tudor Grange Academies Trust, Redwood offers a highly structured, therapeutic environment where students feel safe, valued and nurtured, enabling them to reach their true potential.

Our vision is to eliminate barriers to learning through personalised support, specialist teaching and strong partnerships with families. We help young people celebrate their strengths, develop independence and acquire the skills needed to access employment, further education and fulfilling adult lives.

The Role

As Lead Teacher of SEND, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for Redwood's provision while delivering outstanding teaching and support for students with Autism. You will ensure that students receive high-quality provision aligned to their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), enabling them to make excellent academic, social and emotional progress.

The successful candidate will:

• Have an excellent understanding of Autism Spectrum Conditions and strategies that support students' learning, communication and emotional regulation.

• Deliver high-quality teaching, interventions and personalised learning programmes that maximise student outcomes.

• Lead and develop the support staff team within Redwood.

• Build strong, supportive relationships with families, ensuring clear and consistent communication.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues, external agencies and professionals to secure the best outcomes for young people.

• Provide advice, guidance and training to staff across the Academy to further develop autism-inclusive practice.

About You

We are looking for a qualified teacher who:

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

• Has significant experience working with children and young people with Autism.

• Has excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.

• Has a thorough knowledge of SEND legislation and the SEND Code of Practice.

• Is committed to inclusive education and raising aspirations for young people with SEND.
• Is an inspiring leader who can motivate and support both students and staff.

A postgraduate qualification in Autism, or a willingness to work towards one, would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

Redwood offers a unique opportunity to shape and develop specialist autism provision within a successful mainstream academy. You will work alongside a dedicated team in a purpose-built environment designed to meet the needs of autistic learners, including specialist classrooms, sensory facilities, life-skills areas and outdoor learning spaces.

Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make a profound difference to the lives of young people and their families every day.

Join us and help our students build confidence, independence and success for the future.

Tudor Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.