Lead SEND Teacher
Full time | Permanent |MPS/UPS + SEN Allowance 1 (£2,787.00 per annum)
Bridgwater College Academy is seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and compassionate Lead SEND Teacher to join our specialist ASC Polden Centre, working with students who have autism and other needs such as ADHD. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a highly skilled team who are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing and aspirational learning environment for all students.
About the Role
The successful candidate will:
- Deliver high-quality, inclusive teaching and structured learning activities for individual students, small groups and whole classes within the Polden Centre, primarily across English and/or Maths alongside the wider curriculum.
- Adapt lessons, schemes of work, interventions and support to meet the individual needs identified within students’ EHCPs.
- Support the academic, social, emotional and personal development of students with autism and other SEND needs, promoting wellbeing, independence, positive behaviour, engagement and inclusion.
- Build positive, professional and trusting relationships with students, creating a safe, purposeful, nurturing and engaging learning environment that celebrates success.
- Assess, monitor, record and report on student progress, contributing to SEND documentation, Annual Reviews and personalised learning plans.
- Work collaboratively with the Head of Centre, SEND Teachers, LSAs and wider school colleagues to ensure a consistent and effective approach to teaching, learning and student support.
- Support the professional development of the Centre team, helping colleagues to develop the skills and confidence needed to meet students’ individual needs effectively.
- Communicate and work effectively with parents/carers, families, external agencies and other professionals involved in supporting students.
- Deputise for the Head of Centre in their absence and support the effective day-to-day operation of the Polden Centre.
- Promote inclusion within the Polden Centre and across the wider school community, contributing to wider school responsibilities including break and lunchtime duties.
This is a varied, rewarding and impactful role, ideal for someone who is passionate about inclusion, child development and improving outcomes for young people with autism and other SEND needs. It also provides an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their leadership skills within a supportive specialist setting.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Has experience teaching students with SEND (either in specialist or mainstream settings).
- Understands how to adapt lessons, manage behaviour positively and meet a range of learning needs.
- Is reflective, enthusiastic and committed to professional development.
- Builds strong relationships with students, staff and families.
What We Offer:
- Employee Reward Scheme including high street discounts and a staff wellbeing centre.
- A supportive, skilled and welcoming SEND team
- The chance to make a meaningful difference in a well‑resourced specialist provision
Closing Date for applications: Tuesday 1st September 2026 at 11:59pm
We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don’t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.
We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, employer pension contribution of at least 19%, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.
We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. This post is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). A comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants, which will include a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
