Tired of the Mainstream Grind? Rediscover the Joy of Teaching.
Position: Specialist SEN / Alternative Provision Teacher
Salary: M1 to M6 (Matches your experience)
Location: Nottingham (City Hub)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (40 hours)
If you are a great teacher currently feeling stifled by endless data tracking, rigid "one-size-fits-all" behaviour policies, and the relentless pressure of a 30-student classroom, this is your exit strategy.
We are looking for a qualified teacher who is ready to step away from the mainstream factory model and return to what actually matters: making a difference, building relationships, and truly teaching.
The Reality of This Role: Why It's Different
In this Nottingham-based Alternative Provision, we don't teach to the test. We teach the individual. We support young people who have been let down by traditional schooling and need a fresh start.
Here, your autonomy, creativity, and mental health matter. We swap the bureaucracy for a manageable, human-centric workload:
Micro-Class Sizes: Say goodbye to crowd control. You will teach small groups of 3 to 6 learners, alongside some targeted 1:1 transition work.
Real Behaviour Strategies: No zero-tolerance shouting. We use relational, restorative approaches that focus on de-escalation, emotional regulation, and mutual respect.
Actual TA Support: You aren't doing this alone. You will have dedicated, skilled Teaching Assistants to deliver targeted support under your direction.
Work-Life Balance: Manageable, realistic planning and marking expectations. We prioritise pupil voice and creative innovation over endless paper trails.
What You Will Do
As an experienced educator, you already know how to deliver a great lesson. Here, you will adapt those skills to deliver a holistic, flexible curriculum blending academic, personal, and life skills.
While you will contribute to a broad curriculum, we are specifically looking for someone with strong knowledge of Maths at KS3/KS4 and Functional Skills to help plug learning gaps. You will set ambitious, highly personalised targets based on where the child is actually at, not where a government spreadsheet says they should be.
Who We Are Looking For
You don't need to have spent your entire career in special education-we value the core pedagogical skills and resilience you've built in mainstream schools. We want your expertise, combined with a willingness to adapt:
QTS / PGCE or equivalent teaching qualification (Essential).
Core strength in KS3/KS4 Maths / Functional Skills.
The emotional intelligence to connect with vulnerable, disengaged learners.
A reflective mindset and a desire to work in a collaborative, supportive team.
A full UK driving license (Essential due to the nature of the role).
Why Make the Leap?
Remember why you became a teacher? It was to see the spark in a child's eyes when they finally "get it." It was to help the kids who everyone else gave up on. Mainstream environments don't always leave room for that anymore. We do. Get your evenings back, protect your well-being, and fall in love with teaching again.
Ready for a Change?
For a confidential chat about transitioning into this rewarding sector, reach out to Paul Hirchfield at Randstad Education:
Email: paul.hirchfield@randstad.co.uk
Phone: 01293 527416
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