Unqualified Class Teacher

Paddock School, London, SW17 0DZ

15 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 January 2026

• Closing date

  5 December 2025 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  20 November 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time, part time (Can be done as a job share): Full-time however part time will be considered. Temporary contract for two terms (January 2026 - August 2026)
• Contract type: Fixed term - January 2026 to August 2026 - Maternity or parental leave cover
• Pay scale: Unqualified Pay Range (Inner London)
• Additional allowances:

  Special Needs Allowance

What skills and experience we're looking for

Person specification

Criteria

Qualifications and experience

• Degree (Essential)
• Successful special school experience (Desirable)
• Training and experience of using a range of specialist strategies (Desirable)

Skills and knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of the National Curriculum and how to apply to teaching in a specialist setting
• Knowledge of effective teaching and learning strategies for pupils with special educational needs
• A good understanding of how children learn
• Ability to adapt teaching to meet pupils’ needs
• Ability to use skills and knowledge and interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents and the wider school community
• Knowledge of guidance and requirements around safeguarding children and how to implement it effectively
• Knowledge of effective behaviour management strategies and commitment to follow whole school protocols to support emotional regulation
• Good ICT skills, particularly using ICT to support learning

Personal qualities

Essential

• A commitment to getting the best outcomes for all pupils and promoting the ethos and values of the school
• High expectations for children’s attainment and progress
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise effectively
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Commitment to safeguarding and equality

What the school offers its staff

Paddock is a vibrant and nurturing Ofsted Outstanding special school for pupils aged 4–19 years with severe learning difficulties and autism. Our focus is on personalised learning, compassion and creating a meaningful & engaging environment where every child is known and thrives. Our aim is to Nurture, Inspire and Transform Lives. We don’t believe in resting on our laurels and are constantly innovating. It is for good reason, we are recognised as Wandsworth’s SEN Powerhouse and knowledge leaders.

As we expand to our new purpose-built secondary site in Tooting, we are seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate Unqualified Class Teacher to join our dedicated team. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact to the lives of SEN pupils, we would love for you to join our team!

At Paddock, we aim to be outstanding employers and pride ourself in creating a structured, innovative, engaging and caring work environment while continuing to provide avenues for professional development. Some of the perks of being a part of our team include:

Having previous special school or base experience is an advantage.

We are looking for someone who is

• Passionate about SEN education and making learning meaningful for all pupils Compassionate and empathetic, putting pupils' individual needs first
• A collaborative team player, working closely with multidisciplinary specialists
• Committed to lifelong learning and looking for professional development Resilient and adaptable, ready for both challenges and rewards
• Dedicated to celebrating student progress, however big or small Willing to go the extra mile

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:

• Strong senior leadership support and mentoring
• Exciting opportunities to develop a specialist area of interest
• Excellent CPD & training partnerships within school experts and beyond Support from on-site multi-disciplinary therapy team
• Opportunities for career progression & leadership pathways
• Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible PPA time to support work-life balance Access to an employee wellbeing scheme
• Cycle to Work and Smart Schools Benefits (lifestyle savings & wellness perks)

We would be delighted if you joined with us on this journey.

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.

About Paddock School

• School type: Special school, ages 4 to 19
• School size: 220 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Paddock School website
• Email address: recruitment@paddock.wandsworth.sch.uk
• Phone number: 02088781521
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/paddock-school

Paddock School is a growing, outstanding and innovative split site school in Roehampton and Putney for pupils with moderate to severe learning difficulties with autism or severe of complex learning difficulties. We currently have over 200 pupils on roll with approximately 180 staff.

We pride ourselves on the warm, nurturing culture of the School and staff share a deep commitment to supporting the individual needs of pupils; every pupil here is known, understood and nurtured. The Assistant Headteacher must champion this philosophy and also possess stamina, mental agility and an approachable, positive outlook. Exemplary inter-personal skills are essential.

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

Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed

Find more school jobs in London