Can you ignite a love for reading and writing in even the most reluctant learners?
Are you ready to lead others in creating an inclusive, engaging and truly accessible English curriculum?
Do you want to lead a subject where communication unlocks confidence, character and connection?
About the role
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a unique, nurturing school in Mitcham as the Lead English Teacher, working across the Early Years and Primary phase. You will lead and shape our phonics, reading and writing provision, supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. As Lead English Teacher, you will play a pivotal role in nurturing our pupils' voices - spoken, written, signed or symbol-based - and giving them the tools to connect with the world.
Why Join the school?
You'll be working in one of the best SEND school environments in the region, within a well-resourced setting and alongside expert colleagues including therapists, psychologists and behaviour specialists. Our team shares one goal: to unlock the potential in every child, one 'huge small victory' at a time.
Position Details
Pay range: £38766 - £60092 per annum + TLR + excellent benefits
Start Date: September 2025
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
What We're Looking For:
We're seeking an exceptional English specialist who is:
- Passionate about SEND and driven to make a difference
- Experienced in teaching children with ASD and/or SEMH
- A natural leader and communicator, with a coaching mindset
- Skilled in phonics, literacy, communication approaches and curriculum adaptation
- A creative problem-solver who thinks outside the box
- Patient, empathetic and resilient
- Willing to celebrate all progress, however small
- Confident in working closely with families and wider professionals
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Minimum 2 year's experience working with pupils with ASD/SEMH
- Evidence of leading or coordinating English/Literacy within a school setting
- Proven experience with non-verbal communication systems (PECS, PODD, Makaton)
Desirable Skills:
- Phonics Lead or Literacy Lead experience
- Experience with sensory-based and play-based approaches
- Experience delivering CPD or staff training
- First Aid or Team Teach training
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic development of English across EYFS and Primary
- Champion inclusive communication strategies across the curriculum
- Deliver engaging English lessons tailored to ASD/SEMH needs
- Model effective practice in reading and writing instruction
- Support staff to develop differentiated, meaningful English content
- Coordinate assessment and progress tracking for English
- Ensure the English curriculum is accessible to non-verbal pupils
- Use visual timetables and communication tools in every lesson
- Provide coaching and feedback to colleagues
- Lead INSETs and CPD for phonics, literacy and communication
What We Offer:
- A supportive, collaborative working environment.
- Opportunities for career progression and ongoing professional development.
- The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of students.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- A Refer a Friend scheme where you could earn a £300 Love2shop voucher (subject to terms and conditions).
Click "Apply Now" to submit your application for the Lead Teacher position. For more information, please contact shahir.rai@randstad.co.uk.
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