Location: Colchester, Essex (CO3)
Salary: £38,400 – £52,835 per annum (MPR/UPR) + £2,885 SEN Allowance for candidates with relevant experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Start Date: January 2027
Age Group: Year 3 – Year 11 (7–16 years)

Job Description

TeacherActive is currently recruiting for an enthusiastic, dedicated and passionate SEND Teacher to join a welcoming and well-established specialist SEND school in Colchester, Essex.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified teacher who is passionate about supporting children and young people with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and additional complex learning difficulties.

The school supports pupils from Year 3 through to Year 11, providing a nurturing, structured and inclusive learning environment where pupils are encouraged to develop their confidence, independence, communication skills and academic abilities.

You will be joining an experienced, supportive and forward-thinking team who are committed to providing high-quality education and ensuring every pupil reaches their full potential.

The school welcomes teachers from both mainstream and specialist SEND backgrounds, particularly those with strong adaptive teaching skills and a genuine passion for inclusive education.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching and Learning

• Plan and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons tailored to pupils with MLD, SLD, SEMH and additional learning needs.

• Adapt teaching methods, resources and activities to support pupils working significantly below age-related expectations.

• Create a positive, structured and supportive classroom environment that encourages engagement and independence.

• Deliver a broad and balanced curriculum, ensuring learning is accessible, meaningful and appropriate for individual abilities.

• Use creative, practical and multisensory teaching approaches to support pupils with different learning styles.

• Assess, monitor and track pupil progress, adapting teaching strategies to meet individual learning targets.

SEND and Behaviour Support

• Develop a strong understanding of individual pupils' Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and implement appropriate support strategies.

• Support pupils with communication difficulties, emotional regulation needs and challenging behaviour.

• Promote positive behaviour through consistent routines, clear expectations and supportive interventions.

• Work closely with Teaching Assistants and specialist support staff to ensure pupils receive personalised support.

• Encourage the development of social skills, emotional resilience, confidence and independence.

Classroom Leadership and Collaboration

• Take responsibility for leading a class group, ensuring effective teaching, learning and pastoral support.

• Provide guidance and direction to Teaching Assistants and classroom support staff.

• Work collaboratively with other teachers, therapists, SENCOs and school leaders.

• Contribute to curriculum planning, development and improvement across the school.

• Build positive relationships with pupils, parents, carers and external professionals.

• Maintain accurate records of pupil progress, achievement and individual learning needs.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or a recognised equivalent teaching qualification.

• Experience teaching children or young people with SEND, or a strong willingness to develop specialist SEND teaching skills.

• Confidence adapting lessons for pupils with a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs.

• Strong classroom management and positive behaviour support skills.

• Excellent communication, organisation and teamwork skills.

• A patient, caring, flexible and proactive approach to teaching.

• A genuine commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and supporting vulnerable young people.

Desirable Experience:

• Previous experience teaching pupils with MLD, SLD or SEMH needs.

• Experience delivering English, PE, Design Technology or Creative Arts.

• Experience leading a curriculum subject or specialist teaching area.

• Knowledge of EHCPs, alternative communication strategies and personalised learning approaches.

What the School Offers

• Permanent teaching position starting January 2027.

• Competitive salary on the Main or Upper Pay Range, plus an SEN allowance for eligible candidates.

• A supportive and experienced team with expertise across a range of SEND provisions.

• Excellent specialist facilities, teaching resources and learning environments.

• Ongoing professional development, training and mentoring.

• Opportunities to contribute to curriculum development and share innovative teaching approaches.

• A welcoming school community that values staff wellbeing, collaboration and professional growth.

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the education and development of children with additional needs.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate SEND Teacher, SEN Teacher, Primary Teacher or Secondary Teacher looking for a rewarding opportunity within specialist education, TeacherActive would love to hear from you!

Whether you already have experience in a specialist SEND setting or are an experienced mainstream teacher looking to transition into SEND education, we would be keen to discuss this opportunity with you.

Please get in touch with your most up-to-date CV to discuss the role and application process.

Start Date: January 2027

The successful candidate will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS, professional references and safer recruitment procedures.

TeacherActive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.