Location: Witham / Great Baddow (flexibility required across both sites)
Contract: Full-Time | Term-Time Only
Salary: UQT Scale (dependent on experience)
Are you passionate about supporting children with additional needs and looking to take the next step into teaching? Do you thrive in a nurturing, relationship-focused environment where every small step is a big achievement?
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Unqualified Teacher (UQT) to join a specialist SEND setting. This is a unique opportunity to work within a therapeutic, trauma-informed environment supporting pupils with a wide range of complex needs, including ASD, SEMH, SLD, PDA profiles, and speech and language needs.
You’ll be part of a setting where relationships, communication, and emotional safety come first, and where learning is carefully tailored to each individual child.
About the Role
As an Unqualified Teacher, you will work closely with qualified teachers and pathway leaders to deliver high-quality, personalised learning across a range of pathways.
You will support pupils through sensory-based, communication-rich, and therapeutic approaches, helping them feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. This is a role where flexibility, creativity, and empathy are key.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Delivering engaging learning activities using sensory, play-based, and hands-on approaches
- Supporting pupils across informal, semi-formal, and structured learning stages
- Implementing personalised learning plans, EHCP outcomes, and therapy targets
- Encouraging communication through a total communication approach (Makaton, PECS, AAC, visuals, objects of reference)
- Supporting emotional regulation through sensory strategies, movement breaks, and calming routines
- Using low-demand, flexible approaches to support pupils with PDA profiles
- Building strong, trusting relationships that support confidence and emotional resilience
- Promoting independence, engagement, and social development through positive interactions
Communication & Therapeutic Approach
You’ll play a key role in supporting pupils’ communication and development through Makaton, AAC, PECS, symbols, and visual supports, alongside approaches such as narrative therapy, vocabulary scaffolding, Blank Level Questioning, and Natural Language Acquisition.
Working as Part of a Specialist Team
You’ll collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and pastoral staff, ensuring every pupil receives consistent, holistic support. You’ll also contribute to observations, assessments, and progress tracking, helping to celebrate every success, no matter how small.
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for someone with experience supporting children with SEND such as ASD, SEMH, SLD, or PDA, alongside a strong understanding of sensory needs, emotional regulation, and trauma-informed practice. You will be patient, resilient, and nurturing in your approach, with the ability to use visual supports and communication systems and adapt to the individual needs of pupils.
Experience in a specialist setting or training in approaches such as Makaton, PECS, Thrive, TEACCH, Attention Autism, or sensory integration would be highly beneficial.
What the School Offers
The school offers a welcoming and supportive environment, with extensive training opportunities including Thrive, Safeguarding, and Essex Steps. You will benefit from clear opportunities for professional development and career progression, alongside a company pension, free onsite parking, free uniform, optional free lunches, and private healthcare after one year of service.
This is a truly rewarding opportunity to join a setting that prioritises wellbeing, relationships, and personalised learning, where you can make a meaningful difference every single day.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your SEND career, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Harry at Parker Smith Inclusion to find out more.