Job Description:

SEND Teacher (EYFS/KS1) – Autism Specialist Hub – Felixstowe

Part‑time (3 days per week) | June 2026 and Sept 2025 | Mixed‑Age ASD Class | Engagement Model

A primary school in Felixstowe is seeking an experienced and compassionate SEND Teacher to work within their Specialist SEND Hub for three days per week during the Summer Term. This role is ideal for a teacher with expertise in ASD, early developmental learning, sensory‑based teaching, pre‑verbal communication, and the Engagement Model.

The SEND Hub supports children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 with autism and complex communication needs. The provision follows a carefully structured, multi‑sensory curriculum designed specifically to support pupils with significant developmental and communication differences. 

About the Specialist SEND Hub

The SEND Hub is a dedicated specialist environment within the school, supporting up to 20 pupils across EYFS to KS2. It offers a highly personalised curriculum, multi‑sensory learning spaces, a sensory room, and tailored outdoor provision. 

This specific class is a mixed‑age group of 9 pupils (R–Y2) with autism who are currently:

• Working within the Engagement Model

• Pre‑verbal and developing early communication

• Supported through sensory regulation, visual strategies, and play‑based learning

• Accessing a curriculum blending adult‑led and child‑initiated exploration 

Experienced teachers, early childhood specialists, and teachers with strong ASD backgrounds will find this setting particularly rewarding.

The Role: SEND Teacher (Autism / EYFS - KS1)

You will lead teaching and learning for this specialist class, delivering a needs‑led curriculum focused on communication, sensory engagement, emotional regulation, and personalised developmental progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver highly individualised lessons aligned to the Engagement Model for pupils with complex ASD needs.

• Create a structured, predictable, sensory‑supportive environment.

• Support pre‑verbal learners through intensive interaction, sensory exploration, visuals, AAC and repetition.

• Work collaboratively with a dedicated HLTA, LSAs, therapists, and the wider SEND Hub team.

• Track progress against EHCP outcomes and developmental frameworks.

• Build strong, positive relationships with families and colleagues, supporting each child’s personalised learning journey.

Ideal Candidate Profile

This role will suit you if you are:

• A qualified teacher (QTS/QTLS).

• Experienced in ASD, early developmental teaching, SEN, or alternative SEND provisions.

• Confident using sensory‑based, play‑led, and communication‑rich teaching methods.

• Knowledgeable (or keen to develop expertise) in the Engagement Model and early communication strategies.

• Patient, nurturing, structured, and reflective in practice.

• Skilled in trauma‑informed and relationship‑centred approaches.

Experience with early years and pre‑verbal pupils is highly desirable.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Opportunity to teach within a specialist ASD Hub with a strong reputation for high‑quality SEND provision.

• Definite long term career progression opportunity.

• Access to a bespoke, multi‑sensory curriculum and a supportive specialist team.

• A well‑designed SEND unit with sensory rooms, outdoor learning space, and structured routines. 

• A chance to make meaningful progress with learners working at early developmental stages.

• Strong collaboration with pastoral and specialist teams.

This is a rewarding opportunity for SEND teachers who thrive in autism‑focused, low‑arousal, highly personalised learning environments.

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. You will need an Enhanced DBS and two professional references. The school welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and promotes equality and inclusivity.