Lead Specialist Teacher (Communication and Interaction)

Samuel Ward Academy, Haverhill, Suffolk, CB9 0LD

19 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  September 2026

• Closing date

  16 March 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  25 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: MPR/UPR + SEN Allowance
• Additional allowances:

  SEN Allowance

Lead Specialist Teacher (Communication and Interaction) job summary

Specialist Teacher – Communication & Interaction Needs (KS3 and KS4) 

Samuel Ward Academy 

Salary: MPR/UPR + SEN allowance (£5,497 per annum)

Contract: Full-time, Permanent 

Samuel Ward Academy is pleased to be opening a new co-located Specialist Integration Unit for secondary pupils with communication and interaction needs. Situated alongside Churchill Special School, this provision will enable students to remain part of the mainstream community while accessing targeted, specialist support. 

About the Role 

This is an exciting opportunity to shape a high-quality secondary-age provision that blends specialist teaching with meaningful inclusion. 

As the lead teacher within the provision, you will design and deliver adapted learning that removes barriers, supports self-regulation, and enables students to engage successfully in both the unit and mainstream lessons. 

You will have responsibility for a small cohort, working flexibly between the integrated base and wider school environment. 

What We’re Looking For 

We are seeking a skilled practitioner with experience or strong interest in communication and interaction needs including autism and associated learning profiles. 

You will demonstrate creativity, resilience, and precision in your practice, ensuring that each young person receives the personalised support they require. You will work collaboratively with families, therapists, mainstream colleagues, and partner specialists from Churchill to provide a coherent offer that supports progress academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Our Ethos Samuel Ward Academy is committed to inclusion that is ambitious and meaningful. We believe every pupil can flourish when given the right teaching, environment, and sense of belonging. Our integration model ensures pupils remain part of the wider school community, supported by a curriculum tailored to individual pathways, strengths, and needs. 

Why Join Us? 

You will join a forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust that prioritises professional growth and evidence-informed practice. 

We offer: 

• Excellent career development opportunities across our trust network, including trust-wide projects
• A two-week October half-term
• Access to high-quality training
• Support from an experienced and nurturing school improvement team
• On-hand expertise from our dedicated education and operations teams
• Evidence-informed research opportunities via our Research School
• Wellbeing packages and an employee assistance programme 

If you think you have what it takes to succeed in this role – even if you don’t meet every requirement – please apply. We may be able to support you in areas for development or offer alternative roles that are a good fit. We would love the opportunity to consider your application. 

About Unity Schools Partnership 

At Unity Schools Partnership, our objective is to smash through barriers and make remarkable change happen. We pride ourselves on being an educational organisation that puts children first, going the extra mile for the vulnerable and disadvantaged. Every one of us has an impact on unlocking our pupils’ potential. We value collaboration, wellbeing, diversity, equality, and work–life balance. 

Our trust comprises 40 schools (9 secondary, 26 primary, and 5 special schools) across Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Romford in East London. We foster a supportive and collaborative relationship across our family of schools, sharing values and facing challenges together. This interdependence allows each school to flourish and grow, providing stimulating, nurturing environments where pupils and staff thrive. 

To arrange a visit or conversation with Georgina Ellis, Executive Director of SEND, please email gellis@unitysp.co.uk  or Tom Johnston, Headteacher, email kfranks@samuelward.co.uk 

 

Closing Date: Monday 16th March, 09:00am 

Interview Date: 24th March 2026 

 

Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site.

In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.

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

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safer recruitment, equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

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.

About Samuel Ward Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1152 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Samuel Ward Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/samuel-ward-academy

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