SEN Teacher

Full Job Description

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Job Title:   SEN Teacher 
Location:   Castle Garden School, Guildford, Surrey GU2 4DU
Hours:       37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Salary:       Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:         September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

This is more than a teaching role—it's an opportunity to help shape a brand-new specialist school from day one.

Castle Garden School is an exciting new Options Autism school in Guildford, providing a nurturing, purpose-built environment for pupils with Autism, learning difficulties and complex needs. We're looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated SEN Teacher to join our founding team and play a key role in creating a school where every child can thrive.

As one of our first teachers, you'll have the unique opportunity to help establish the school's culture, values and approach to learning. You'll deliver creative, personalised lessons that inspire confidence, encourage independence and help pupils achieve more than they ever thought possible.

Working alongside a supportive multidisciplinary team of Teaching Assistants, therapists and education professionals, you'll have the time, resources and collaboration needed to make a genuine difference to every pupil's learning, wellbeing and future.

If you're passionate about inclusive education and want to be part of something truly special, we'd love to hear from you.

What you will be doing

• Plan and deliver engaging, personalised lessons that meet the individual needs of every pupil.
• Create a calm, structured and inclusive classroom where pupils feel safe, valued and ready to learn.
• Monitor, assess and celebrate pupil progress, adapting teaching to maximise outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with Teaching Assistants, therapists, families and external professionals to provide exceptional support.
• Help establish the school's culture, routines and high expectations as part of our founding team.
• Promote pupils' confidence, independence, emotional wellbeing and positive behaviour.
• Contribute to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and personalised learning pathways.
• Champion safeguarding and ensure the highest standards of pupil welfare at all times.

What you will bring

We're looking for someone who:

• • Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
  • Is educated to degree level.
  • Has experience teaching pupils with Autism, SEND and/or complex needs (desirable).
  • Is passionate about inclusive education and helping every child achieve their potential.
  • Is creative, adaptable and committed to delivering engaging, personalised learning.
  • Builds positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
  • Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

At Castle Garden School, you will be part of a supportive and dedicated team where professional expertise, innovation, and reflective practice are valued. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in pupils’ lives while helping shape a new specialist school from the ground up.

About Us

Opening in September 2026, this brand-new school in Guildford is part of the Options Autism group, a leading provider of specialist education individuals with complex needs. The school will support up to 40 pupils aged 11–18, offering a safe, structured, and inclusive environment tailored to meet a wide range of needs.

Our schools are unique environments, each one having its own special atmosphere and range of opportunities and resources. Our teachers enjoy becoming part of their school’s ‘family’, exploring the potential of the building and environment and getting to know the brilliant pupils in our care.

For over 19 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 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

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. 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.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

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.

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