Early Years Specialist Teacher - SEND School

The Dales School, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 4RE

13 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  11 May 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  28 April 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Early years
• Working pattern: Full time (Can be done as a job share)
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: M3
• Additional allowances:

  UPS3

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Early Years Practitioner to join our team, supporting our youngest pupils, many of whom have severe and complex needs.

You will work alongside an established team delivering provision for our ‘Early Communicator’ pupils. Direct experience of working with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is highly desirable.

Interviews will be held on 14th and 15th May.

Main duties and responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Be responsible for the teaching and learning of a group of pupils with a range of SEN needs

• Communicate effectively with parents and carers and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills

• Work as part of a team and, where appropriate, lead others

• Develop their understanding and knowledge of SEN through experience and research

• Apply a working understanding of the SEN Code of Practice and associated paperwork

• Demonstrate resilience and a good sense of humour

• Show a clear desire and ability to make a positive difference to the lives of children with SEN

You will actively engage with your class team to ensure learning experiences are:

• Carefully planned and appropriate to pupils’ individual needs

• Well resourced to support pupils to be as independent as possible within a structured and organised learning environment

• Engaging, thought provoking and connected across learning experiences

• Focused on developing core skills, including communication, reading, writing and numeracy

• Reflected upon with learners so they can recognise the progress they are making

Person specification Essential requirements

The successful candidate will:

• Have direct experience of working with pupils with SEND

• Hold a recognised teaching qualification

• Be passionate, enthusiastic, driven and ready for a challenge

• Have strong subject knowledge and the ability to resource across the whole curriculum

• Demonstrate a clear focus on removing barriers to learning

• Work effectively and collaboratively with a class team

• Be committed to supporting pupils’ holistic development

What the school offers its staff

• Specialist advice and support

• A supportive and collaborative class team

• Opportunities to work closely with colleagues across the school

• Children who love their school

• A passionate school community that wants to make things happen

• Regular teacher meetings to share good practice and contribute to school development

• A school that actively supports staff wellbeing, health and workload

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Teacher Job Description and Person Specification.docx - 22 KB (opens in new tab)

About The Dales School

• School type: Special school, ages 4 to 11
• School size: 212 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: The Dales School website
• Email address: recruitment@thedales.northumberland.sch.uk
• Phone number: 01670 352556
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/the-dales-school-blyth

The Dales is a specialist primary school based on two sites: Blythdale in Blyth and Ashdale in Ashington. We provide education for children with a variety of additional needs that may not otherwise be met in a mainstream setting. We set out to make a difference to the learning, wellbeing and future life chances of children with additional needs. The school cultivates a safe and caring environment where children can thrive and have the opportunity to meet their full potential.

The dedication and commitment of our staff team and Governing Body creates an outstanding professional purposefulness that sustains our high standards. Our staff team of highly skilled practitioners work with children in small groups with a high ratio of adults to children and use bespoke interventions and strategies to ensure that learning is both accessible and meaningful. Staff work together to meet the individual needs of every pupil and we believe we can unlock each child’s potential and support progress and achievement.

Arranging a visit to The Dales School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@thedales.northumberland.sch.uk.

School location

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in Northumberland