Head of ASC (Autism Support Centre Primary)
The Downs Primary School and Nursery, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3RB40 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
1 June 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
20 April 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £34,398.00 - £52,490.00 Annually (Actual) + SEN Allowance
Head of ASC (Autism Support Centre Primary) job summary
Head of ASC (Autism Support Centre Primary)
Salary: MPS/UPS + SEN Allowance
About Us
The Passmores Co-operative Learning Community (PCLC) is dedicated to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all pupils. We proudly host primary and secondary enhanced provisions for pupils with autism on behalf of Essex County Council (ECC). Our provisions are central to our commitment to inclusion; guided by an ethos of unconditional positive regard, we ensure every pupil is valued and supported to achieve their full potential
In Autumn 2026, the PCLC will open a second primary Autism Support Centre in West Essex, in collaboration with ECC. This expansion presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the Trust, enabling us to share best practice, grow collective expertise, and further enhance the quality and consistency of provision for pupils with autism.
About the Role
The role is based within our new 10-place Primary Autism Support Centre at the Downs Primary School, supporting pupils aged 4-11.
We are seeking an exceptional, passionate, and experienced practitioner to develop and lead the new provision at the Downs Primary School. This is a unique opportunity to shape a specialist setting, champion inclusive practice, and make a lasting difference to the lives of pupils with autism.
At the heart of this role is a commitment to excellent primary teaching. You will deliver high-quality, inclusive practice that secures strong academic and social progress, combining quality-first teaching with carefully planned, bespoke interventions to meet individual needs.
This is a unique opportunity to deliver a highly adapted SEND curriculum within a well-resourced specialist setting. We are looking for a skilled, inclusive and adaptable practitioner, with an understanding of developmental approaches to teaching and learning, with the ability to match provision to a wide range of developmental profiles regardless of chronological age.
The role requires strong leadership to develop and guide the ASC team, alongside excellent communication to ensure pupils can access learning and successfully integrate into mainstream classrooms.
Visits to our existing provision are warmly welcomed. To arrange a visit, and to meet with our Director of Primary Inclusion, Lucy Thomas please contact HR on HR@pclc.co.uk
Key Responsibilities
Inspire, lead and develop the ASC team, ensuring high-quality, consistent practice
Deliver and model quality-first, adaptive teaching (whole class, small group and 1:1)
Plan and deliver individualised, person-centred programmes within a broad and balanced curriculum
align the curriculum in the ASC and teaching practice with the main school, following phonics and maths schemes
Provide targeted interventions, including pre-learning and overlearning, to support academic and social progress
Work collaboratively with mainstream colleagues to support access, inclusion and integration
Build strong partnerships with parents and external professionals
Ensure Section F of EHCPs is delivered effectively; lead annual reviews and reporting
Oversee assessment and progress monitoring, including use of Neuroinclusive Education Network approaches
Provide training and professional development to staff to strengthen autism practice
Lead on safeguarding within the ASC
Work with the Local Authority on admissions, transitions and consultations, including regular attendance at the Local Authority's monthly autism panel meeting
Provide written consultation responses and tribunal witness statements when required by LA SEND Operations
What We Are Looking For
An excellent primary practitioner with a proven track record of strong outcomes
Strong understanding of autism and the strategies and interventions that support children with autism
Proven ability to lead and develop a team effectively
Understanding of, or willingness to develop, EYFS and developmental approaches
A commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity within the school community
Strong communication and collaboration skills to support mainstream access
Evidence of ongoing professional development (interest in, or willingness to undertake, the National Award for SEN Coordination would be welcomed)
We Offer
A well-resourced and expanding specialist provision
High-quality autism-specific training and CPD
Opportunities to contribute to a growing ASC model across the Trust
A supportive team and strong leadership backing
A role where you can make a significant impact on children’s lives
'PCLC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure Barring Service’
Further information about the job
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 school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About The Downs Primary School and Nursery
- School type
- Academy, ages 3 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 402 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Downs Primary School and Nursery website
School location
Similar jobs nearby
Hertford Heath Primary and Nursery School
Woodland Road, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 7QW
Hertford Heath Primary and Nursery School
Woodland Road, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 7QW
Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed
Find more school jobs in Harlow and Essex, Southend and Thurrock