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
As Strawberry Lane School continues to grow, we're looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated SEN Teacher to join our passionate team. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a specialist learning environment where every pupil is supported to thrive, achieve and become the very best version of themselves.
Working with children and young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and complex needs, you'll deliver engaging, personalised learning that builds confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning. Every day offers the opportunity to celebrate progress, inspire curiosity and make a lasting difference.
You'll join a welcoming, collaborative team where your ideas are valued, your development is supported, and your impact is seen every single day.
What You'll Be Doing
Plan and deliver engaging, creative lessons that meet the individual needs of pupils with Autism and complex needs.
Adapt teaching strategies to maximise engagement, achievement and personal development.
Create a calm, inclusive and nurturing classroom where every pupil feels safe, supported and ready to learn.
Monitor, assess and celebrate pupil progress, using assessment to inform future learning.
Teach across a range of curriculum areas where appropriate, ensuring a broad and meaningful educational experience.
Work collaboratively with teaching assistants, therapists, families and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver consistent, high-quality support.
Contribute to curriculum development, school improvement initiatives and whole-school life.
Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusive practice.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who:
Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree.
Has experience working with pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and complex needs.
Is passionate about inclusive education and helping every child achieve their full potential.
Is creative, adaptable and able to personalise learning to meet individual needs.
Builds positive, trusting relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
Is reflective, resilient and committed to continuous professional development.
Shares our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
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