SEN Teacher (Maternity cover)

Hillingdon Manor School; Norwich; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Vista benefits (Health, discounts)

Cycle to Work

Electric Car Purchase

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

Acorn Park School within the Outcomes First Group is seeking an experienced SEN Teacher on a maternity cover. You will lead a class, delivering personalised education to autistic students aged 4–19, within a supportive, specialist environment. The role is fixed-term for December 2026 to December 2027, with a salary up to £42,500 per year.

We value creativity, patience and energy, and offer a collaborative culture with strong safeguarding commitments and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Degree, QTS/ QTLS or working towards required.
• Inclusive, personalised education.
• Lead by example and support your class team.
• Reflective practitioner eager to learn, grow and share expertise.
• Strong communication, collaboration and consistency.
• Resilient, creative, and ready to make a real difference.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high-quality, engaging lessons aligned with the curriculum.
• Create an organised learning environment with tailored resources to support progress.
• Build positive relationships with students and communicate with parents/carers.
• Use assessments to track and celebrate student progress per school expectations.
• Inspire enthusiasm for learning and challenge students to reach potential.
• Support student wellbeing, behaviour and safeguarding per policy.
• Collaborate with colleagues, therapists and EHCP teams to meet needs.
• Develop ASD knowledge and share best practices within the team.

Education

Degree

QTS/ QTLS or working towards

Job description

SEN Teacher (Maternity cover)

Acorn Park School

• Fixed Term

Salary: Up to £42,500 per annum, depending on experience

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

At OFG we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work

Job Title: SEN Teacher
Location: Acorn Park School, Banham, Norwich, NR16 2HU
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8.30am - 4.30pm
Salary: Up to £42,500 per annum, depending on experience (not pro rata)
Contract: Fixed Term | Term Time Only
Start: December 2026
End: December 2027
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Are you passionate about transforming the lives of autistic young people? Do you thrive in a supportive, specialist environment where every day brings purpose, creativity and connection? If so, Acorn Park School would love to meet you.

Part of the Outcomes First Group, Acorn Park School is an independent special school for students aged 4–19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated needs. We are a nurturing, vibrant community where staff work collaboratively to help every learner grow academically, socially and emotionally.

As an SEN Teacher at Acorn Park School, you will lead a class team dedicated to delivering high‑quality, meaningful learning experiences. You’ll shape engaging lessons, build strong relationships and create a safe, structured environment where students can thrive.

This is a role for someone who believes in potential, champions individuality and brings energy, patience and creativity to every day

What you will be doing

• Plan and deliver high‑quality, engaging lessons aligned with the Formal or Semi‑Formal Curriculum Pathways
• Create a purposeful, well‑organised learning environment with tailored resources that support student progress
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students and maintain professional communication with parents and carers
• Use assessment tools effectively to track, record and celebrate student progress in line with school expectations
• Inspire enthusiasm for learning and ensure students are challenged to reach their full potential
• Support student wellbeing, behaviour and safety in line with school policies and safeguarding procedures
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, therapists and wider stakeholders to meet each student’s EHCP needs
• Develop your specialist knowledge of ASD, share best practice and contribute to a positive, supportive team culture

What you will bring

• Degree, QTS/ QTLS or working towards required
• A committed, compassionate teacher who believes in inclusive, personalised education
• Someone who can lead by example and bring out the best in their class team
• A reflective practitioner who is eager to learn, grow and share expertise
• A team player who values communication, collaboration and consistency
• Someone who is resilient, creative and ready to make a real difference

About Acorn Park School

Acorn Park School is an independent Autism specialist school in rural South Norfolk supporting autistic children and young people aged 4–19. Set within a large 37 acre private estate, the school provides a safe, nurturing environment where students are placed at the heart of everything we do. We have two curriculum pathways, Formal and Semi-Formal, to support the wide range of needs and abilities of the students at the school. We have an integrated clinical team that provide and range of therapeutic approaches including: Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy and psychotherapy. The school benefits from extensive facilities including specialist subject spaces such as DT room, Science lab, an outdoor education space, animal care farm, horticulture polytunnels and a commercial kitchen. Working in partnership with families, we empower students to grow in confidence, develop independence and thrive as they prepare for their next steps in life.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/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.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales

Wherever you work – whether in a city location or one of our more rural settings – you’ll be part of one dynamic family, aiming high and dreaming big, and helping the people we work with achieve their own personal goals

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

With amazing teams working across our family of brands – Acorn Education, Options Autism, Momenta Connect and Blenheim Schools– we offer a huge range of exciting career opportunities.Take a closer look and discover how fulfilling your career could be.

Meeting the social and emotional needs of pupils who have faced trauma or adversity, equipping them for life’s important steps.

Supporting autistic pupils to value their uniqueness and access the world in their own way.

At Momenta Connect we support young people to overcome barriers and engage with education.

We are committed to enabling outstanding futures for all children through a portfolio of inclusive, high-quality independent and international schools.