Primary SEMH/Autism Teacher

Full Job Description

Get Paid for Five Days… but Only Work Four!

Job Title:        Primary SEMH/Autism Teacher
Location:       The Holden School, Leigh, WN7 4SB
Salary:            £39,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours:            37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm | Tuesday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Contract:        Permanent | Term Time Only
Start Date:      February 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Outcomes First Group, we put wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you work 80% of your hours for 100% of your pay*. Many of our schools have already adopted the 4DWW, with others preparing to introduce it once fully staffed—making now a great time to join #teamOFG.

About the Role

In this role, you’ll plan and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons that meet the individual needs of pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and associated learning differences. You’ll create a nurturing classroom environment that promotes confidence, curiosity, and independence, helping pupils to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high-quality, creative lessons tailored to pupils’ individual learning needs across EYFS to KS2 levels.
• Teach core subjects—English and Maths—as well as supporting other areas of the curriculum.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to support engagement, confidence, and emotional resilience.
• Monitor, assess, and record pupil progress, providing regular feedback and adapting teaching accordingly.
• Contribute to and maintain Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) and participate in EHCP reviews, ensuring each pupil’s needs are effectively met.

What We’re Looking For

• UK QTS (fully qualified teacher – this role is not suitable for ECTs).
• A degree in a relevant subject and PGCE or equivalent qualification.
• Proven experience teaching pupils with SEMH, autism or additional needs, ideally across primary age ranges.

If you’re passionate about helping young people find confidence and joy in learning, we’d love to welcome you to our team.

About Us

The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 5 to 16, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life. We are a Therapeutic Led, Trauma Informed School providing individualised curriculums for our students supported by our Class Teams, our Pastoral Team and our own Therapists.

We pride ourselves in steering pupils in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live.

We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your career while taking on rewarding challenges. Acorn Education is a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are at the forefront of creating and delivering innovative approaches that support children and young people in our care to make meaningful progress

In 2025, Outcomes First Group was proudly certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference.

Benefits include:

• Life Assurance & Pension scheme
• Mental health support, physical health checks, and wellbeing services
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) to choose perks that suit you
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Purchase Schemes
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced parental leave and fertility treatment support
• 4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay*

*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

This is your chance to join a school and make a lasting impact, and enjoy a better work/life balance. Apply today and help shape the future of The Holden School

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.