Position: SEN Teacher
Location: Strawberry Lane School, Durham, DH6 5BE
Salary: Up to £42,500 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
Are you a passionate and creative teacher looking to make a real difference in the lives of young people? At our New Options Autism Schools located in Durham, you will have the opportunity to shape the educational experience from day one. You will join a supportive, collaborative team, delivering meaningful learning experiences that inspire, engage, and challenge pupils to achieve their potential.
As an SEN Teacher, you will take a creative and tailored approach to teaching, delivering the school curriculum in a way that maximises pupils’ achievement, development, and wellbeing. You will teach a range of subjects as needed, support pupils with complex ASC, and foster an inclusive, nurturing classroom environment. This role also involves collaborating with colleagues, contributing to school initiatives, and participating in planning, assessment, and professional development to ensure all pupils receive a high-quality education.
General Responsibilities
Safeguard and promote the welfare of pupils.
Work in line with professional practice, statutory requirements, and school policies.
Support the day-to-day administration and organisation of the school.
Take responsibility for specific areas of work and contribute to school improvement processes.
Undertake additional responsibilities as reasonably determined by the Headteacher.
Qualifications
Experience working with complex ASC
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Educated to degree level
Passionate about supporting pupils with Autism and complex needs
About Us
Strawberry Lane School is a brand-new specialist school in Bowburn, Durham, supporting 60 pupils aged 11–19 with autism, communication needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, pupils receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. The school celebrates each learner’s strengths while providing structure, guidance, and encouragement. Strawberry Lane empowers every young person to thrive and reach their full potential.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone 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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Salary description
£42500.00 - £42500.00 per year