The SEND Primary Teacher role offers a rewarding opportunity for experienced teachers with a passion for special educational needs. The part-time contract is long-term, with potential for permanency, and comes with a competitive salary scale of £36,413 to £53,944 depending on experience, paid via PAYE. Workdays are Monday to Friday, 08:30 AM to 04:00 PM, during term time only, allowing for a good work-life balance.

What Does the Role Involve?

Day-to-day, you will plan and deliver highly individualised lessons for children with autism, SLD, and complex needs. Each class is small, supporting a sensory and play-based approach to learning. You work closely with Teaching Assistants and therapists, ensuring every pupil receives tailored support. Building trust and strong relationships with students is a central aspect of the job. You’ll also help lead your team, promote best practice, and help pupils regulate before learning, making this a deeply supportive teaching role.

Key Advantages of This Position

Small class sizes mean you can genuinely focus on the needs of every student. The school encourages innovative, curiosity-driven teaching without the pressure of rigid academic targets. Staff enjoy a strong and supportive working atmosphere, where personal growth and team learning are prioritised. There’s a close collaboration with therapy teams and senior staff, supporting your own professional development. Consistency, patience, and a positive mindset are core values celebrated every day in this environment.

Possible Drawbacks

The rewarding nature of the role comes with its challenges. You may encounter moments that test your patience and resilience as some students have high presenting and complex needs. Adapting teaching for early developmental stages requires ongoing creativity and flexibility. The emotional workload, paired with the need for high energy and empathy, may not suit everyone. Progress can be incremental, which is highly rewarding but may feel slow for some educators. Candidates without a strong SEND background might find the specialist demands steep initially.

Verdict: Is This the Right Role for You?

This SEND Primary Teacher role is ideal for someone who thrives in a values-driven environment, passionate about championing inclusive education. If you enjoy seeing small, meaningful progress and want to truly shape student outcomes, it’s a fantastic, rewarding option. While the role has its challenges, the support and collaborative spirit make it an excellent choice for developing as a SEND specialist and making a real difference to pupils’ lives.