SEND Teacher

Acorn Care and Education; Trimdon Station; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized education institution in Trimdon Station is seeking a dedicated SEND Teacher to join their new Options Autism School. The role involves planning and delivering tailored lessons for pupils with Autism, ensuring their academic and personal growth. Candidates should hold Qualified Teacher Status and preferably have experience in supporting pupils with complex needs. The school offers a supportive environment and multiple employee benefits, underlining their commitment to safeguarding and improving the welfare of pupils.

Benefits

Health and wellbeing rewards package

Pension scheme

Flexible Benefits Platform

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with Autism or complex needs preferred.
• Must have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Not suitable for ECT/NQT.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging lessons tailored to individual needs.
• Ensure the curriculum is accessible and stimulating for all pupils.
• Develop creative teaching strategies and use resources effectively.
• Collaborate with a skilled team to support each child’s development.
• Observe, monitor, and assess students’ progress and wellbeing.

Skills

Communication skills

Passion for supporting pupils with Autism

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Overview

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy! We are opening a brand-new Options Autism School in County Durham to provide outstanding education and support for pupils with Autism. Trimdon Hill School, located in Durham, caters to 40 pupils aged 4 to 11 years and opened in June 2025. We are recruiting a dedicated SEND Teacher to join the team and help shape the future of this school.

Role

Title: SEND Teacher
Location: Durham, North East, TS29 6EY
Salary: Up to £42,000 per annum depending on experience and qualifications (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Rota: Monday & Wednesday 8:30am – 5:00pm | Tuesday 8:30am – 4:30pm | Thursday & Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start date: January 2026
UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

As a dynamic and motivated qualified teacher, you will have a passion for supporting pupils with Autism, helping them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. In this role, you will plan and deliver engaging lessons tailored to individual needs, ensuring the curriculum is accessible and stimulating for all pupils. You will have the opportunity to develop creative teaching strategies, make full use of extensive resources, and work collaboratively with a highly skilled team to support each child’s development. You will also observe, monitor, and assess students’ progress, ensuring their wellbeing and personal growth are given equal importance alongside their academic achievements.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging lessons tailored to individual needs.
• Ensure the curriculum is accessible and stimulating for all pupils.
• Develop creative teaching strategies and use available resources effectively.
• Collaborate with a skilled team to support each child’s development.
• Observe, monitor, and assess students’ progress and wellbeing.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a passionate and adaptable Teacher with excellent communication skills, who is comfortable supporting pupils with Autism and complex needs. You will enjoy building strong, trusting relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues, and actively contributing to the school’s vision and direction. Our schools are unique environments where teachers are part of a supportive school “family,” exploring the potential of their environment and engaging fully with the pupils in their care.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Experience supporting pupils with Autism or complex needs preferred
• Not suitable for ECT/NQT

Why Join Options Autism?

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are proud that in 2024 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a “Great Place to Work” for the fifth year running. Our focus is on the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services, so you’ll wake each day knowing your role will have a positive impact on others. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants will undergo a fully enhanced DBS check.

Benefits

• Health and wellbeing rewards package including Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• Wellbeing support services and health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) with: health, wellbeing and insurance benefits; discounts; Cycle to Work; Electric Car Purchase; Critical Illness cover; Family Growth Support including enhanced parental leave and fertility treatment support

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

Outcomes First Group is committed to fair, thorough recruitment in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. All stages of the compliance process are subject to safeguarding checks and statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.