Unqualified Teacher (UQT) – Specialist SEND

Location: Witham / Great Baddow, Essex (flexibility across both sites required)
Contract: Full-time | Term-time only
Salary: UQT Scale, dependent on experience

Some children need a different approach to learning.

They need someone who can look beyond behaviour, understand what sits underneath it and create an environment where they feel safe, supported and ready to learn.

Parker Smith Inclusion is working in partnership with a specialist SEND setting looking for a compassionate and motivated Unqualified Teacher (UQT) to join their team across Witham and Great Baddow.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their teaching career within a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment supporting pupils with a range of complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profiles and speech and language difficulties.

This setting understands that every child learns differently. Relationships come first, emotional safety is prioritised, and learning is carefully adapted to help each pupil make progress at their own pace.

The Role

As an Unqualified Teacher, you will work alongside qualified teachers, pathway leaders and specialist staff to deliver personalised learning that meets each pupil's individual needs.

You'll help create engaging, meaningful learning experiences using sensory-based, play-based, communication-rich and therapeutic approaches. The focus is on building trust, encouraging independence and helping pupils feel confident enough to engage with learning.

What You'll Be Doing

• Delivering creative, practical and sensory-based learning activities tailored to individual needs.

• Supporting pupils across informal, semi-formal and structured learning pathways.

• Following personalised learning plans, EHCP outcomes and therapy targets.

• Encouraging communication through approaches such as Makaton, PECS, AAC, visuals and objects of reference.

• Supporting emotional regulation through sensory strategies, movement breaks and consistent routines.

• Using flexible, low-demand approaches to support pupils with PDA profiles.

• Building positive, trusting relationships that promote emotional wellbeing and confidence.

• Encouraging independence, social interaction and engagement through a nurturing, child-centred approach.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues to monitor progress and celebrate every achievement.

Communication & Therapeutic Support

Communication is at the heart of this role. You'll help pupils express their needs, develop their language and interact with the world around them using approaches suited to their individual communication styles.

You may use strategies such as Makaton, PECS, AAC, visual supports, narrative approaches, vocabulary scaffolding, Blank Level Questioning and Natural Language Acquisition.

You'll also work alongside a multidisciplinary team, including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, teachers and pastoral staff, to provide consistent, joined-up support.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is passionate about SEND and understands the importance of patience, consistency and building meaningful relationships.

Ideally, you'll have:

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEND, including ASC, SEMH, SLD or PDA profiles.

• An understanding of sensory needs, emotional regulation and trauma-informed practice.

• A calm, nurturing and adaptable approach.

• The confidence to adjust your communication and teaching style to meet individual needs.

• A genuine interest in developing your skills and progressing within education.

Experience in a specialist setting or training in approaches such as Makaton, PECS, Thrive, TEACCH, Attention Autism or sensory integration would be beneficial.

You don't need to have all the answers. What's important is your willingness to learn, reflect and work collaboratively to help every pupil thrive.

What's on Offer?

• A welcoming and supportive specialist SEND environment.

• Extensive ongoing training, including Thrive, safeguarding and Essex Steps.

• Clear opportunities for professional development and career progression.

• Company pension.

• Free on-site parking and uniform.

• Optional free lunches.

• Private healthcare after one year of service.

• The opportunity to build a rewarding career supporting children and young people with complex needs.

Why Parker Smith Inclusion?

At Parker Smith Inclusion, SEND is genuinely all we do. We understand that finding the right setting is about more than securing a job; it's about finding a team where you can develop, feel supported and make a lasting difference.

We'll support you throughout the recruitment process, helping you understand the role, prepare for interview and find an opportunity that aligns with your experience and aspirations.

Ready to take the next step in your SEND career?

If you're passionate about helping children feel safe, understood and ready to learn, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact Harry at Parker Smith Inclusion for an informal conversation about the opportunity.