Complex Needs Teacher – Specialist SEND Setting
Location: Great Baddow, Essex (with flexibility across Witham and Great Baddow sites)
Salary: MPS/UPS
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Are you a thoughtful and passionate teacher with experience supporting pupils with complex needs? Do you value creating a calm, nurturing and structured environment where every child feels safe, understood and able to flourish?
We are seeking a dedicated Complex Needs Teacher to join a specialist SEND setting, working within the Holly Pathway. This provision supports pupils at informal and semi-formal stages, including those with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communication differences, sensory processing needs and complex developmental profiles.
This is a truly rewarding opportunity to be part of a therapeutic, relationship-led environment where learning is carefully personalised, meaningful and paced to suit each individual pupil.
About the Role
As a Complex Needs Teacher, you will deliver high-quality, sensory-aware teaching that supports pupils to feel connected, regulated and successful. You will create a predictable and nurturing classroom environment where pupils can develop communication, independence and essential life skills.
The Holly Pathway has a strong focus on emotional regulation, functional communication, independence, sensory-based learning and consistent routines that help reduce cognitive load and support engagement.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Planning and delivering personalised learning using sensory, relational and developmental approaches
- Teaching through short, structured sessions, play-based learning and hands-on experiences
- Supporting pupils across informal and semi-formal stages using visuals, objects of reference and clear routines
- Embedding EHCP outcomes, therapy targets and communication goals into everyday teaching
- Creating a total communication environment using Makaton, AAC, symbols, gestures and personalised systems
- Working closely with Speech and Language Therapists to support communication and language development
- Supporting sensory and emotional regulation using trauma-informed, low-arousal approaches
- Assessing progress holistically, including communication, engagement, independence and emotional wellbeing
- Contributing to EHCP reviews and multi-agency meetings
- Building strong, trusting relationships through co-regulation and relational practice
- Leading and supporting Teaching Assistants and wider staff, modelling best practice and maintaining high standards
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with experience supporting pupils with SLD, ASD or complex needs
- A strong understanding of sensory processing, trauma-informed practice and total communication approaches
- The ability to create structured, low-demand learning environments tailored to individual needs
- A calm, patient and reflective approach, with a genuine passion for supporting pupils with complex needs
- Experience within specialist or therapeutic settings (desirable)
- Knowledge of AAC, Makaton, Natural Language Acquisition, sensory integration, or approaches such as Thrive, Attention Autism or TEACCH (highly advantageous)
What the School Offers
- A welcoming and supportive specialist environment where staff are truly valued
- Ongoing training and development, including Thrive, Safeguarding and Essex Steps
- Clear opportunities for career progression
- Company pension, free onsite parking, free uniform and optional free lunches
- Private healthcare after one year of service
This is more than just a teaching role – it’s an opportunity to be part of a setting that genuinely prioritises relationships, wellbeing and personalised learning, enabling you to make a meaningful difference every single day.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your SEND teaching career, we would be delighted to hear from you. Apply today or contact Harry at Parker Smith Inclusion to find out more.