Teacher
Fordwater School, Chichester, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 6PP5 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 January 2027
Closing date
19 October 2026 at 9am
Date listed
14 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher or lecturer
- View all Suitable for early career teachers (737)jobs
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time (Can be done as a job share): 32.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday
Contract type
- Fixed term - 1 Year fixed term Maternity Cover - with the potential for extension and the possibility of becoming a permanent position. - Maternity or parental leave cover
Pay scale
- Teachers’ Pay
Additional allowances
SEN Allowance
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are seeking a passionate, reflective and compassionate Class Teacher to join our team, someone who values connection, creativity and collaborative practice and who is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our young people.
We welcome both experienced SEND teachers and adaptable mainstream teachers ready to transition into special education.
You will:
Have experience with complex autism or be committed to developing this skill
Bring a warm, attuned and calm approach to supporting regulation and communication
Be creative, flexible and skilled at personalising learning
Value compassionate teamwork and contribute actively to it
Engage enthusiastically in the Growth & Development Pathway
Build strong relationships with pupils, families and multidisciplinary colleagues
Be reflective, curious and committed to continuous improvement
Believe deeply in the potential of every young person
Visits Encouraged
We warmly welcome prospective applicants to visit and experience our culture first-hand.
Contact: Aneka Jeffs - HR Manager - HR@fordwatersch.co.uk
What the school offers its staff
What We Offer
A happy, positive and vibrant working environment
A diverse, inclusive and compassionate school community
A culture of wellbeing and psychological safety
Skilled, supportive colleagues and strong teamwork
Excellent resources and specialist learning environments
Outstanding CPD and coaching opportunities
Leadership that listens, values and champions staff
Opportunities for career progression within a sector‑leading school
Why Fordwater Is Unique and Why You Will Love Working Here
Fordwater is a values‑led, compassionate community where both staff and pupils are respected, heard and empowered. Staff consistently describe the school as:
A place of shared purpose and collaborative problem‑solving
Psychologically safe, with a strong culture of honest reflection
The opportunity to be creative and innovative within our practice
Commitment to personal and professional growth through the Growth and Development Pathway (GDP)
Visitors frequently comment on
Warm, trusting relationships between staff and pupils
Calm, low‑arousal learning spaces
Rich, personalised communication support
A strong sense of joy and purpose throughout the school day
What is the Growth & Development Pathway (GDP)
We are extremely proud of our innovative Growth & Development Pathway (GDP) a co-produced professional development model built on trust, collaboration and personalised growth. This approach enables teachers to:
Work with a trained facilitator
Set meaningful goals
Receive supportive peer and leader coaching
Grow confidence, capability, and compassion
Further information about the job
Safeguarding Statement
Fordwater School and West Sussex County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service check along with other relevant employment checks, including satisfactory references.
Fordwater is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.The successful candidate must complete an enhanced DBS check and provide two references, including one from their most recent employer.
How to Apply
NOTE TO CANDIDATES - The School processes your applications directly rather than through this site.
To apply for this role - Forms are available on the school website www.fordwatersch.co.uk under Job Vacancies
Please complete the application form and ensure that you outline your motivations for applying and explaining the skills and experience you can bring to the role (please refer to the key skills in the job description).
Once completed, please return the application forms to Aneka Jeffs, HR Manager at HR@fordwatersch.co.uk
Should you have any questions regarding the role or the application please contact the school directly.
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
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)About Fordwater School, Chichester
- Organisation type
- Special school, ages 2 to 19
- Size
- 219 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 2 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- HR@fordwatersch.co.uk
Arranging a visit to Fordwater School, Chichester
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email HR@fordwatersch.co.uk.
School location
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