Job Description

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Job Title: SEN Teacher

Location: Strawberry Lane School, Durham, DH6 5BE

Salary: Up to 42,000 dependent on experience and qualifications (

not pro rata

)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start date: November 2025

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Are you a passionate and creative teacher with a specialism in Maths or Science? Do you want to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)?


Join us at Strawberry Lane School, a new and growing specialist school within Options Autism, where you'll help shape a bespoke, enriching educational experience for our pupils from day one. As part of the Outcomes First Group, we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred education that enables every learner to thrive -- academically, socially, and emotionally.

About the Role

As a

SEN Teacher specialising in Maths or Science

, you will plan and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons tailored to the unique learning profiles of pupils with complex autism and additional needs. This is more than a teaching role -- it's an opportunity to help build a nurturing, inclusive school culture and make a real difference in pupils' lives.

Key Responsibilities

Deliver high-quality teaching in Maths or Science to pupils aged 7-19 with complex ASC Adapt and personalise the curriculum to meet individual needs, strengths, and EHCP targets Create a safe, calm, and supportive learning environment that fosters engagement and progress Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including therapists, learning support assistants, and other teachers Contribute to planning, assessment, and school-wide initiatives Promote positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and resilience in every pupil Participate in CPD, staff meetings, and school development activities

Essential Criteria:

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) Specialism in Maths or Science Open to Early Career Teachers (ECTs) / Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) Experience teaching or supporting young people with autism and complex needs Strong classroom management and differentiation skills A nurturing, trauma-informed approach to behaviour support Commitment to safeguarding, teamwork, and professional development

Desirable:

Experience in a specialist or autism-specific setting Familiarity with personalised learning plans, EHCPs, or SCERTS Comfortable using alternative or augmentative communication strategies Willingness to contribute to enrichment or cross-curricular activities Experience working with complex ASC

About us

Strawberry Lane School, located in Bowburn, Durham, is a brand-new specialist school accommodating 60 pupils aged 11-19 with a primary need of Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), communication and language needs, and often additional complex needs.


The school is dedicated to empowering every learner and embracing every strength, providing a nurturing and inclusive educational environment where autistic young people can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.


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 really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.


We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions "Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:

A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Schemes Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with 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.

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