Complex Needs Teacher

Full Job Description

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

Are you an innovative Teacher committed to improving the lives of pupils and young people?

We are excited to announce the opening of two brand-new Options Autism schools in County Durham, designed to provide exceptional education and support for pupils with a variety of needs, including Autism.

Strawberry Lane School, also located in Durham, will accommodate 60 pupils aged 11 to 19 years. We are looking for a passionate SEN Teacher to contribute to the growth and success of this new school.

Job Title:   Complex Needs Teacher

Location:   Strawberry Lane School - Durham, DH6 5BE

Salary:       £32,000 - £42,000 per annum

Hours:        37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday

Contract:   Permanent, Term Time only

Start Date: September 2025

UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the role

You will be motivated by your belief that every child can achieve and reach their potential. Whilst previous experience of working in an SEN environment would be desirable, excellent teaching skills and the right motivation, personal qualities and levels of resilience are just as important. Experience of continuous provision and experiential learning would also be of real interest.

To help enhance learning opportunities for our pupils, we now have an opportunity for a teacher to join our close-knit team. You will be delivering inclusive, responsive and innovative teaching and learning in a class based environment.  You will constantly strive to produce outstanding/good teaching and learning at all times to ensure that all learners succeed. Under the reasonable direction of the Head Teacher and Senior Leadership Team, carry out the professional duties of a school teacher as set out in the current School policies and uphold the professional code of the GTC.

You will teach in accordance with the ethos, organisation and policies of the school as a fully committed member of the teaching team and as detailed in the specific duties and core standards below.

Essential

• A deeply held conviction that every child can achieve and reach their potential
• Experience delivering EQUALS Semi formal curriculum
• The belief that all children deserve a life of choice and opportunity
• Ability to be adaptable in a fast-paced extremely environment
• Commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all children
• Ability to work successfully with pupils with challenging behaviour
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Willing to undertake training
• QTS
• Degree
• Experience working with Complex ASC

Desirable

• Experience of working with young people from challenging backgrounds
• Evidence of continually improving the outcomes of pupils
• The courage and conviction to make a difference
• The ability to listen and communicate effectively

If you want a phone call with the headteacher for further information please email Ellie.Sharples@ofgl.co.uk

Why join Options Autism? 

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.

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. 

And that’s not all, 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.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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