Pre-Formal Primary Teacher

Heath Farm School; Ashford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent special education school in Ashford is seeking a committed Pre-Formal Primary Teacher to support students with complex needs. This role requires creativity and a collaborative approach to teaching. The ideal candidate will have QTS or equivalent and a passion for fostering a safe and engaging learning environment. The position is fixed-term, covering maternity and is full-time during term time.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Passion for supporting pupils with complex needs and diverse learning styles.
• Ability to foster a safe, nurturing environment.
• Commitment to continuous growth.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver creative, individualised lessons.
• Support academic, social, and emotional development of pupils.
• Collaborate closely with families and colleagues.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Creativity

Compassion

Confidence in adapting teaching

Collaborative mindset

Job description

Pre-Formal Primary Teacher

Location: Heath Farm School, Ashford, Kent TN27 0AX

Salary: Up to £42,000 per annum (Not pro rata)

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover until August 2026), Term Time only

Start Date: January 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Outcomes First Group’s 4‑Day Working Week trial allows you to work one day less each week while keeping full‑time pay.

About the role

As a Pre‑Formal Primary Teacher, you will bring learning to life for pupils with complex needs, helping them grow in confidence, communication, and independence. You will create rich, sensory‑based learning experiences that nurture curiosity and celebrate progress in all its forms.

In This Role, You Will

• Design and deliver creative, individualised lessons that spark engagement and joy
• Support each pupil’s academic, social, and emotional development
• Foster a safe, nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and confident
• Collaborate closely with families, therapists, and colleagues for joined‑up learning
• Contribute to innovative teaching strategies and exciting whole‑school initiatives

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a teacher who brings patience, imagination, and resilience to every day.

You’ll have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• A passion for supporting pupils with complex needs and diverse learning styles
• Creativity, compassion, and confidence in adapting your teaching approach
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to continuous growth

About Us

Heath Farm is an independent SEN school that offers a unique, stimulating environment where every pupil can make outstanding progress.

Acorn Education is a leading independent provider of specialist education and part of Outcomes First Group.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll receive an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista – allowing you to choose a package that suits you

• A range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – enhanced maternity and paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.