SEN Teacher (Complex Needs / Pre-Formal Pathway) - Guildford

SEN Teacher - Guildford Full Time Position | Immediate Start Available Location: Guildford, Surrey Salary: Teachers' Pay Scale + SEN Allowance, dependent on experience

We are delighted to announce an exciting and specialist opportunity for a passionate and experienced SEN Teacher to join a close-knit and highly specialist school community in Guildford, where every member of staff is genuinely valued, supported and empowered to do their best work. This is a genuinely unique role for a teacher who understands that outstanding teaching within a complex needs setting looks very different from adapting a mainstream curriculum and who is excited by that challenge.

This is a deeply rewarding position for a practitioner who is committed to communication-led, pupil-centred teaching, who thrives on building meaningful connections with non-speaking pupils and who takes pride in recognising and celebrating every step of progress, however small.

About the Role

You will lead a class of pupils working within a pre-formal developmental pathway, many of whom are non-speaking and present with PMLD or SLD profiles. You will design and deliver a highly individualised, communication-led curriculum that prioritises sensory regulation, engagement and developmental progress over chronological age expectations, working alongside a team of dedicated Teaching Assistants and a wider multidisciplinary team including Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.

The school is committed to the ongoing professional development of its staff, with access to specialist training, clinical supervision and a genuinely collaborative team environment where specialist knowledge is shared and celebrated.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver a pre-formal and semi-formal curriculum tailored to the individual developmental needs and communication profiles of each pupil
• Use a range of AAC systems and communication approaches to support non-speaking pupils to engage, communicate and access learning
• Apply sensory regulation strategies and sensory-based learning approaches to support pupil engagement and wellbeing
• Use engagement and developmental assessment frameworks to track progress and inform next steps
• Implement Intensive Interaction and other relationship-based approaches to support communication and connection
• Work effectively and collaboratively with a high level of TA support, providing clear direction and guidance to your team
• Support pupils with personal care and physical needs with dignity and sensitivity
• Contribute to EHCP reviews, pupil progress reporting and MDT meetings alongside SLTs, OTs and Physiotherapists
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils, families, carers and the wider school community
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety and school-specific policies at all times

About You

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent - essential
• Experience working with pupils with complex needs, PMLD or SLD profiles - essential
• Confident understanding of pre-formal and semi-formal curriculum approaches
• Experience with AAC systems and a range of communication approaches for non-speaking pupils
• Knowledge of sensory regulation strategies and sensory-based learning
• Familiarity with Intensive Interaction and engagement-based assessment frameworks
• Experience supporting pupils with personal care and physical needs
• Ability to lead and direct a team of Teaching Assistants effectively
• A calm, patient and deeply pupil-centred approach
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships with pupils, families and professionals
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all pupils

We recognise this is a highly specialist position and warmly welcome applications from teachers whose experience may not follow a traditional path but who have the right knowledge, values and approach. The right SEN pedagogy and mindset matters far more to us than a conventional CV.

Who are Aspire People?

Aspire People is the UK's fastest growing education recruitment agency, specialising in providing teaching and support staff to schools across England. We work closely with primary, secondary and SEN schools across London and the UK to match them with qualified professionals, including teachers, teaching assistants, therapists and administrative staff.

We are fully committed to safeguarding and have built a strong reputation for reliability, expertise and a people-first approach in the education sector.

Why join Aspire People?

• Dedicated consultant who will support you every step of the way
• The opportunity to join a close-knit specialist SEN school community in Guildford with access to specialist CPD, training and clinical supervision
• Competitive pay on Teachers' Pay Scale plus SEN Allowance, dependent on experience
• Contracts to suit you! We specialise in permanent, long-term, short-term and day-to-day roles
• Refer a friend scheme which can earn £100-£250 per person
• Access to free CPD and training opportunities

Next Steps:

Get in touch with Kane directly with an up-to-date CV: 📧 📞 (phone number removed)

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks