Teacher of Complex Needs (PMLD, SLD & ASD)

Oliver Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 4ZB, CM1 4JG
United Kingdom

Main Pay Range + Sen Allowance + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Permanent, Full Time or Part Time

September 2025

At Columbus School and College, we are looking for a creative and inspirational teacher to join our specialist team, working with Pupils aged 3 – 19 with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

We have high expectations for all our learners and are profoundly focused on preparing them for the future with a broad and ambitious curriculum tailored to their individual Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), developed in collaboration with parents, carers, and other professionals.

Here’s what we can offer you:

• A welcoming, skilled, and dedicated team of leaders, teachers, and staff who are passionate about our pupils.
• A comprehensive induction programme and a supportive mentor to help you quickly settle in, feel a sense of belonging, and achieve success in your role.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and clear pathways for career progression.
• High levels of support to enhance your teaching practice, including collaborative work with Pioneer Special School in Basildon.
• Concise assessment systems designed to reduce workload, allowing you to focus on improving learning rather than just proving it.
• The chance to work in some of the highest quality learning environments in the country for pupils with special needs, across our two campuses.
• A culture where we want our pupils to be excited about coming to school and to truly love learning, feeling motivated and challenged every day. We achieve this by building precisely on what our pupils already know and can do.

Are you:

• Passionate about delivering outstanding education to pupils with PMLD, SLD and/or ASD?
• Creative and reflective in your teaching approach?
• Committed to making a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people?

We welcome applications from those seeking full time or part time hours. If applying for part time, please include your preferred working pattern in your personal statement. We are happy to be flexible with days.

 Come and see us in action!

We warmly encourage you to visit our school and experience our exceptional learning environment firsthand. To arrange a visit or schedule a friendly chat please contact Brooke Carr, our School Operations Manager, at bcarr@columbusschoolandcollege.org. School tours are also available upon request.

Closing date : 3rd August 2025

 Who is Lift Schools?

We’re a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child – in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools.  As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they’ve ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
• Our partnership with One World powers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, including Ambition Institute’s Early Career and NPQ offerings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we’ve got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and Linkedin. Further details can be found on our careers page.

Lift Schools is recruiting for Teacher Training placements. Please click here to view the website for further details.

Downloads

Job Description

Brochure

Safer Recruitment Statement