SEND Teacher (Maternity Cover)

the Cedars Academy; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedars Academy in Gateshead is seeking a dedicated teacher to lead an EYFS or KS1/KS2 class for pupils with complex needs. You will plan a bespoke, sensory-led curriculum, using Total Communication and assistive tech, and collaborate with therapists, staff and families.

This role suits an experienced SEND/primary practitioner and is not for ECTs. The post offers MPS/UPS pay with SEN allowance, full-time, fixed-term for two terms initially, starting February 2027, with professional development

Qualifications

• Proven ability to plan inclusive curriculum for children with diverse needs.
• Experience supporting pupils with complex needs and safeguarding.
• Knowledge of EYFS and KS1/KS2 curriculum.

Responsibilities

• Plan and teach an inclusive curriculum for EYFS/KS1/KS2.
• Assess progress and record using tracking systems for timely interventions.
• Create a safe, positive classroom sensitive to individual needs.

Skills

Strong communicator

Team player

Planning & assessment

Education

Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years or Primary

Experience with SEN

Job description

We are looking for a teacher to join our creative, nurturing school community and deliver meaningful, bespoke education to children who learn differently. You will lead one of our EYFS or Key Stage 1/2 classes for pupils with complex cognitive and emotional needs.

This suits an experienced SEND or EYFS/primary practitioner who can plan and deliver an engaging curriculum in a practical, sensory-led way. You will plan creative learning around communication, emotional regulation and independence, use Total Communication and assistive technology (training provided), and work closely with therapists, specialist staff and families.

Cedars is a warm community where staff shape their own professional development and contribute to evidence-informed practice. If you have the energy and empathy to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you. This post is not suitable for ECTs.

Pay and contract

MPS/UPS plus SEN allowance. Full time. Fixed term, two terms initially, and may be extended depending on the substantive teacher's return. Start: February 2027.

What you will do

1. Plan and teach an inclusive curriculum that meets each child's developmental and sensory needs, working with your team and guiding teaching assistants
2. Assess and record progress, and use our tracking systems to make timely interventions
3. Create a purposeful, positive and safe classroom that is sensitive to individual needs
4. Write pupil reports, run Personal Learning Plans and attend review and parent meetings
5. Build strong communication with parents, carers, social workers and other professionals
6. Help develop an inclusive, relevant curriculum with our leadership team
7. Take part in training and our research-based professional development programme

What we are looking for

Essential

1. Qualified Teacher Status, with an Early Years or Primary qualification
2. Experience of supporting children with additional needs and understanding barriers to learning for pupils with complex needs
3. Experience of promoting safeguarding in a school
4. Knowledge of working with pupils with SEN, autism, and emotional, behavioural or communication difficulties
5. Sound knowledge of the EYFS and/or KS1 and KS2 curriculum
6. Warm, enthusiastic, adaptable and a strong communicator and team member

Desirable

1. Experience in a specialist setting
2. Experience of an EYFS or semi-formal curriculum
3. Evidence of continuing professional development

The full job description and person specification can be downloaded from this vacancy page.

Keeping children safe

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to share that commitment. Any offer is subject to an enhanced DBS check, right-to-work checks, teacher status and prohibition checks, satisfactory references and a health questionnaire. Cedars is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer.

Come and see us

We would love you to see our school before you apply. To arrange a visit or a chat about the role, please email Joanne Carr, Deputy Headteacher ([e-mail]).

Closing date: Friday 6 November 2026, 12 noon.

Interviews: Wednesday 11 November 2026.