Trainee Teacher

Paddock School, London, SW17 0DZ

21 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2027

• Closing date

  4 December 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  13 November 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher or lecturer
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 1, Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Working pattern: Full time, term time: Teacher directed hours
• Contract type: Fixed term - One-year fixed term (1st September 2027 to 31st August 2028)
• Pay scale: UQT 1

What skills and experience we're looking for

Job Description – Trainee Teacher

Reports to:

Class Teacher / Middle Leader / Assistant Headteacher

Purpose of the Role

As a Trainee Teacher at Paddock School, you will combine university training with in-school practice to develop into a confident teacher of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will also undertake a teaching placement in a mainstream school to broaden your experience. On completion of training, you will be a fully qualified teacher (QTS) able to work in both mainstream and specialist settings. This role provides a unique opportunity to train in a supportive, inclusive environment and make a meaningful difference to pupils’ lives.

Key Responsibilities Teaching, Learning & Assessment

• Support the class teacher with planning, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of engaging lessons.
• Learn how to adapt teaching strategies, approaches, and resources to meet the diverse needs of pupils with SEND, including autism, learning difficulties, sensory impairments, and complex needs.
• Progress from supporting small-group and individual learning to leading whole-class teaching by the end of the training year.
• Develop skills in assessing, recording, and reporting on pupil progress, using systems such as Evidence for Learning.
• Contribute to Annual Reviews, Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Work closely with therapists and other professionals to implement and evaluate personalised programmes.
• Promote inclusion, independence, and positive engagement for all pupils.
• Take shared responsibility for maintaining high standards of health, safety, and wellbeing in the classroom and wider school environment.
• Build positive, respectful relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations.
• Follow the school’s positive behaviour approach, supporting pupils to develop self-regulation and independence.
• Provide personal care support (eating, drinking, toileting, changing, washing, dressing) where needed, encouraging independence.
• Actively supervise pupils during lunch and playtimes, promoting positive social interaction.
• Encourage pupils to interact, cooperate, and participate fully in school life.

Pupil Support & Wellbeing

Safeguarding, Health & Safety

• Comply with school policies and statutory guidance relating to safeguarding, health and safety, child protection, and confidentiality.
• Maintain safe and orderly classrooms, ensuring resources, furniture, and equipment are used appropriately, and any hazards are reported immediately.
• Model and promote good health and safety practice for pupils and colleagues.
• Report safeguarding or health and safety concerns promptly and appropriately.
• Follow statutory duties under the Children Act 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

Leadership & Teamwork

• Develop the skills to manage and support teaching assistants, including delegating and monitoring work.
• Work with the class teacher to hold team meetings and support colleagues through discussion, training, and modelling.
• Work collaboratively with staff, parents, carers, therapists, and external professionals.
• Contribute to enrichment activities, trips, and community events, leading where required.

Wider School Contribution

• Assist with displays, school events, and creating a stimulating school environment.
• Use ICT effectively to support teaching and learning and to contribute to school systems (e.g. My Concern, Behaviour Watch, Evidence for Learning).
• Promote the school’s ethos, values, and vision in all aspects of work.

Person Specification

Essential

• A genuine passion for working with children and young people with SEND.
• Experience working with children or young people in education or care.
• Commitment to training to become a qualified teacher.
• Resilience, patience, and flexibility in a diverse learning environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to reflect on practice, take feedback, and adapt.
• Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills (minimum GCSE grade A*-C or equivalent in English and Maths)
• Degree-level qualification (or working towards one) suitable for teacher training entry.

Desirable

• Knowledge of SEND strategies, such as Attention Autism, communication strategies, structure TEACCH, or sensory approaches.
• Experience managing or mentoring staff.
• A supportive and nurturing environment to train and grow as a teacher.
• Experienced mentors and access to high-quality professional development.
• Practical experience across different pathways, needs, and age groups.
• A teaching placement in a mainstream school, ensuring breadth of experience.
• A qualification that enables you to teach in either mainstream or specialist settings.
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills by supporting and developing classroom staff.
• The chance to make a real difference to the lives of children and families.

What We Offer

Personal Specification – Trainee Teacher

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

Qualifications

At least 1 year working within a multidisciplinary setting or equivalent

At least 1 year working within a school setting working with children with Autism and severe learning difficulties

Excellent numeracy and literacy skills – equivalent to NVQ Level 2, GCSE grade A*-C (9 – 4), or a GCSE equivalency test in maths and English

Specialist skills/training in a range of specialist strategies such as, TEAM Teach and structured TEACCH

Degree-level qualification (or working towards one) suitable for teacher training entry.

Appropriately qualified training / experience in ASD specific strategies

Experience

To have a range of experience in a special school or mainstream setting, working with students who exhibit a range of learning and more complex needs.

Personal and Professional

Can use ICT effectively to support learning

Full working knowledge of relevant polices/codes of practice/legislation

Working knowledge and experience of implementing appropriate learning programmes

Good understanding of child development and learning processes

Basic understanding of statutory frameworks relating to teaching

Ability to organise, lead and motivate a team

Constantly improve own practice and knowledge through self-evaluation and learning from others

Ability to relate well to children and adults

Work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your own position within these

What the school offers its staff

To work at Paddock, where the focus is on providing outstanding support and education for pupils with severe learning difficulties and autism, there are several qualities and attributes that are highly valued.

• Team Player
• Compassion and Empathy
• Keen to contribute to school life
• Commitment to putting pupils first and helping them to reach their potential
• Life Long Learning
• Resilience
• Celebrate Learning
• Strong work ethic

We offer:

• Highly competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible PPA time (with agreement of senior leadership)
• Strong senior leadership support
• Opportunities to develop area of specialism
• Partnership for training and development with schools in Wandsworth and beyond.
• An outstanding training programme
• Access to employee wellbeing scheme
• Opportunities for promotion within the school
• Cycle 2 Work
• Smart Schools Benefits (which include Lifestyle Savings, Wellness support, saving scheme for everyday expenses)

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

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

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Please note that we do not accept CVs.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

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

Job Description Trainee Teacher - Lead Partner Route (2).pdf - 315 KB (opens in new tab)

About Paddock School

• Organisation type: Special school, ages 4 to 19
• Size: 246 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Paddock School website
• Email address: recruitment@paddock.wandsworth.sch.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/paddock-school

Paddock School is a growing, outstanding and innovative split site school in Tooting, SW17 0DZ and Putney, SW16 6HL.

Paddock is a special place where we put pupil’s interests first in everything we do. We are an Ofsted outstanding and innovative split site special school for pupils aged 4 – 19 with severe learning difficulties. Most of our children also have a diagnosis of autism.

We pride ourselves on the warm, nurturing culture of the school, and staff share a deep commitment to supporting the individual needs of our pupils. Every pupil here is known, understood and nurtured.
Our valued staff are exceptional practitioners who work as part of an extensive multi-disciplinary team of specialists to plan and deliver highly personalised learning opportunities that make learning fun, meaningful and engaging for our pupils.

Our reputation is founded on our high standards, and maintained by our caring, dedicated staff, who create a nurturing and inspirational atmosphere throughout the school. The whole team is enthusiastic and united in their desire to prepare pupils for life beyond Paddock.
To work at Paddock, where the focus is on providing outstanding support and education for pupils with severe learning difficulties and autism,

Arranging a visit to Paddock School

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

School location

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