PPA Teacher

Sherwood Foundation School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Sherwood Foundation School in Greater London is seeking a dedicated teacher to plan and deliver differentiated lessons for pupils with PMLD, SLD, ASD and complex SEND needs. You will focus on communication, sensory regulation, and emotional well-being while collaborating with therapists and families.

Experience in a special school environment and a compassionate, adaptable approach are essential to support physical disabilities, medical needs, and personal care in line with EHCP targets.

Qualifications

• A recognised teaching qualification (QTS, QTLS, or equivalent).
• Experience teaching pupils with PMLD, SLD, ASD and complex SEND in a special school.
• Strong knowledge of sensory curriculum approaches, intensive interaction, and communication-focused teaching strategies.
• Experience supporting pupils with physical disabilities, complex medical needs, and personal care requirements.
• Knowledge of assistive technologies and alternative communication methods.
• A compassionate and adaptable teaching approach with a strong understanding of sensory learning and therapeutic practice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with staff, families, and external professionals.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons tailored to pupils with PMLD, SLD, autism, sensory processing needs, and complex medical requirements
• Focus on developing communication, independence, sensory regulation, social interaction, physical development, and emotional well-being
• Work alongside speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, support assistants, and healthcare professionals
• Use assistive communication tools including Makaton, AAC devices, communication switches, and sensory-based approaches
• Support pupils with complex medical needs including feeding programmes, mobility support, positioning, wheelchair use, and personal care routines in line with care plans
• Contribute to and review Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), ensuring all targets are relevant, measurable, and achievable
• Maintain a positive, safe classroom environment, supporting learners with sensory and emotional regulation
• Record and monitor pupil progress using small-step achievement frameworks
• Communicate effectively with parents and carers, keeping them updated on progress and celebrating successes

Skills

PMLD experience

SLD experience

ASD experience

Special school experience

Sensory learning methods

Communication-focused teaching

Therapeutic practices

Education

QTS/QTLS or equivalent

Tools

AAC devices

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons tailored to pupils with PMLD, SLD, autism, sensory processing needs, and complex medical requirements
• Focus on developing communication, independence, sensory regulation, social interaction, physical development, and emotional well-being
• Work alongside speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, support assistants, and healthcare professionals
• Use assistive communication tools including Makaton, AAC devices, communication switches, and sensory-based approaches
• Support pupils with complex medical needs including feeding programmes, mobility support, positioning, wheelchair use, and personal care routines in line with care plans
• Contribute to and review Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), ensuring all targets are relevant, measurable, and achievable
• Maintain a positive, safe classroom environment, supporting learners with sensory and emotional regulation
• Record and monitor pupil progress using small-step achievement frameworks
• Communicate effectively with parents and carers, keeping them updated on progress and celebrating successes

What We’re Looking For

• A recognised teaching qualification (QTS, QTLS, or equivalent)
• Experience teaching pupils with PMLD, SLD, ASD, and complex SEND needs within a special school environment
• Strong knowledge of sensory curriculum approaches, intensive interaction, and communication-focused teaching strategies
• Experience supporting pupils with physical disabilities, complex medical needs, and personal care requirements
• Knowledge of assistive technologies and alternative communication methods
• A compassionate and adaptable teaching approach with a strong understanding of sensory learning and therapeutic practice
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with staff, families, and external professionals