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Job Title:  Unqualified Teacher
Location:  Groveside School, Reading, RG2 7AY
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday 
Salary:      £31,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Are you passionate about education and determined to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people with additional needs? Do you have the creativity, resilience and enthusiasm to inspire learners, even if you don't yet hold Qualified Teacher Status?

At Groveside School, we're looking for an exceptional Unqualified Teacher to join our dedicated and supportive team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is eager to develop their teaching career within a specialist SEND environment where relationships, personalised learning and pupil success are at the heart of everything we do.

As an Unqualified Teacher, you'll work closely with colleagues across our multidisciplinary team to deliver engaging, personalised learning experiences that enable pupils to achieve their full potential. You'll teach individuals and small groups, adapting your approach to meet a wide range of needs, while helping pupils build confidence, independence and a love of learning. Every day brings new challenges, new successes and the chance to make a lasting impact.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills within a school that values collaboration, invests in professional development and supports ambitious individuals to grow their careers.

What You'll Be Doing

• Plan and deliver engaging lessons for individual pupils and small groups.
• Monitor, assess and report on pupil progress, adapting teaching to maximise outcomes.
• Develop and review Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Behaviour Plans and personalised learning programmes.
• Work collaboratively with Learning Support Assistants, tutors and care staff to provide consistent support.
• Create stimulating learning environments that motivate and engage pupils.
• Build positive, restorative relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Support pupils to develop self-regulation and positive behaviour strategies.
• Contribute to school improvement initiatives and the wider life of the school.
• Liaise effectively between school and home to ensure joined-up support for pupils.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare and wellbeing of every child.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about teaching and improving outcomes for young people with SEND.
• Experienced in planning and delivering lessons within an educational setting.
• Skilled in supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Conditions and/or challenging behaviour.
• Creative, adaptable and committed to bringing learning to life.
• Resilient, approachable and calm under pressure.
• A strong communicator with excellent organisational skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Committed to restorative approaches and building meaningful relationships.
• Confident using assessment information to inform planning and track progress.
• In possession of a full UK driving licence.

About Us

Groveside School is a Special Educational Needs School for Pupils 7 – 16 years old with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils. 

To the ideal candidate, Groveside School offers the following opportunities:  

• To work in a school that is passionate about all achievement for all pupils.
• To work with fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic and engaging curriculum.
• To begin your journey with a strong induction programme tailored to your experience and needs.
• To engage collaboratively within a very supportive environment where professional development is an essential aspect of our daily practice.
• To develop your career.
• To be committed to creating exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.  

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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