Job Description

Do you want the opportunity to make a difference for pupils?

Are you an inspirational person looking for a new challenge?

SEND Teacher: Focus on Cooking

.

Start Date:

September 2025 (or earlier by negotiation)
.

Location:

The Cavendish School, Cambridgeshire
.

Salary:

MPS/UPS + SEN allowance
.

Contract:

Permanent (TP&C)
.

Closing Date:

Noon on Monday 19th May 2025
We reserve the right to close applications early if a suitable candidate is found.

We are proud to be

Cambridgeshire's first state-maintained Autism Specialist school

and the world's first

IB special school.

Following our Outstanding Ofsted rating in March 2024, we are expanding our provision and are now looking for a, passionate, and innovative

Teacher

to join our dynamic teaching team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a

forward-thinking, trauma-informed, and inclusive setting

that puts pupil wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. Our pupils are autistic, each with their own strengths and challenges, and our mission -- Enabling the Self -- is to ensure they leave school confident, self-aware, and ready for the future.

About the Role

As a

Class teacher with cooking focus

at The Cavendish School, you will play a vital role in supporting the communication and wellbeing of autistic pupils with complex needs by:

? Delivering high-quality teaching in both classroom and Home Economics contexts, using practical and creative approaches to build life skills and confidence

? Planning and implementing an engaging, inclusive curriculum based on the International Baccalaureate framework and Preparing for Adulthood pathways

? Creating a calm, therapeutic environment that supports pupils' sensory regulation and emotional wellbeing

? Leading on the development and teaching of Home Economics, helping pupils build independence in areas such as cooking, nutrition, and household management

? Working collaboratively with families, therapists, and external professionals to support each pupil's education and personal development

? Contributing to a whole-school culture of reflective, trauma-informed practice rooted in our ethos of "enabling the self".

We are looking for someone who believes that

autism is not a limitation

, but a different way of thinking and experiencing the world -- and who is passionate about unlocking each pupil's voice in whatever form that may take.

What We're Looking For

? Someone who demonstrates compassion, creativity, and a commitment to inclusive, autism-specialist teaching

? Experience of teaching autistic pupils and/or those with SEND, ideally in specialist setting

? A strong interest in Cooking and practical life-skills learning, and confidence in leading this subject

? Excellent team-working, classroom leadership, and organisational skills

? A reflective and adaptable approach, with a commitment to a trauma-informed, pupil-centred ethos

? Confidence in contributing to EHCP processes, writing reports, and engaging families in their child's learning

? A willingness to grow professionally within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team

Whether you're experienced in special education or excited to transition into this rewarding field, we offer

additional collaborative planning time

,

ongoing CPD

, and a supportive community where your passion will truly make an impact.

Why Join Us?

? An Outstanding-rated autism specialist school with a pioneering IB curriculum

? A vibrant, therapeutic and supportive school community

? Access to

professional development

, training, and clinical supervision

? A team of

passionate professionals

committed to equity and inclusion

? The chance to

make a real difference

-- not just for pupils, but for their families and futures

? A

Well-being directory

for all staff offering financial supports and to improve wellbeing and work-life balance.

?

Free school meals

are provided for dining with our pupils.

? A

50% discount to our trust sports centre

membership

? An additional

bookable holiday

"Eastern Family Day" for you to take when you require

? A modern

flexible working

school, with the opportunities for home working and reduced hours.

If you believe in inclusive, relationship-based practice and want to make a lasting impact in a setting that

celebrates neurodiversity

, then we would love to hear from you.

Prospective applicants are warmly invited to visit the school. Please contact HR to arrange this: HR@tcs.tela.org.uk

To apply:

Please complete the application form and submit it with a

cover letter (max 2 sides)

outlining your suitability to: HR@tcs.tela.org.uk

Deadline:

Noon, Monday 19th May 2025

The Eastern Learning Alliance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 19/05/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025