Job Title: SEND Teacher- Maternity cover
Location: Trimdon Hill School, Durham, TS29 6EY
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Salary: £39,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Fixed Term- May 2027 | Term Time Only
Start: October 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
Are you looking for a teaching role where you can be creative, build meaningful relationships with pupils and focus on the progress that really matters? At Trimdon Hill School, we’re looking for a passionate and enthusiastic SEND Teacher to join our team on a maternity cover contract.
This is an opportunity to teach in a specialist environment where individuality is celebrated, learning is personalised and pupil wellbeing is just as important as academic achievement.
You’ll use your creativity and teaching expertise to plan engaging learning experiences around the individual needs, abilities and interests of your pupils. Rather than expecting every child to learn in the same way, you’ll have the opportunity to adapt your approach and help each young person discover what works for them.
Working alongside a skilled multidisciplinary team, you’ll support pupils with Autism and complex needs to overcome barriers, develop confidence and make meaningful academic, social and personal progress.
Whether you’re an experienced SEND Teacher, a mainstream teacher looking to move into specialist education or an ECT ready to begin your career in a supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.
What you will be doing
Plan and deliver creative, engaging and personalised lessons that respond to individual pupil needs.
Create a safe, inclusive and stimulating classroom where pupils feel understood, supported and ready to learn.
Adapt teaching strategies and resources to make learning accessible, meaningful and enjoyable.
Build positive relationships that encourage confidence, independence, curiosity and resilience.
Monitor and celebrate academic, social and personal progress, recognising that success looks different for every pupil.
Work closely with teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team to provide consistent, individualised support.
Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing through calm, nurturing and supportive approaches.
Contribute to a school culture where pupils are encouraged to recognise their strengths and achieve their potential.
Who We're Looking For
We’re looking for a teacher who brings enthusiasm, creativity and a genuine desire to make education work for every young person.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with Autism and complex needs.
The creativity and flexibility to adapt teaching around different learning styles and individual needs.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
A collaborative approach and willingness to work alongside other education and specialist professionals.
A calm, compassionate and resilient approach.
High expectations for what pupils can achieve, both academically and personally.
Open to ECTs
About Us
Trimdon Hill School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Trimdon Grange, County Durham, supporting pupils aged 4–11 with autism and associated complex needs. Opened in June 2025, we provide a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where every child is supported to SHINE. Our personalised, autism-informed curriculum develops communication, social interaction, and curiosity through rich, inclusive learning.
Working closely with families and clinical professionals, we support each child’s progress, independence, and readiness for the next stage of education.
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
£39000.00 - £39000.00 per year