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Job Title:  Primary Teacher with Middle Leader Responsibilities
Location:   Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD
Hours:       40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.30pm
Salary:      Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role 

We are seeking an exceptional Primary Teacher with Middle Leadership responsibilities to join our dedicated team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious educator who is ready to take the next step in their career, playing a key role in shaping our provision for pupils with a range of complex needs, including autism, communication differences and social, emotional or developmental challenges.

What you will be doing

• Lead high-quality, adaptive teaching across the primary curriculum, ensuring engaging, inclusive and developmentally appropriate learning for all pupils.
• Play a central role in shaping and strengthening SEN provision, supporting effective inclusion for pupils with autism, communication differences and complex needs.
• Model outstanding teaching and behaviour approaches, working alongside the therapy team to embed trauma-informed, neuro-affirming strategies across the school.
• Support colleagues by initiating, modelling and developing specialist teaching strategies, classroom practice and resource use that meet diverse learner needs.
• Work collaboratively with therapists, families and external agencies to deliver integrated, personalised support packages that promote pupil progress and wellbeing.
• Contribute to whole-school planning, curriculum development and target-setting, ensuring meaningful, ambitious and achievable goals for all pupils.
• Create safe, stimulating and well-organised learning environments that promote independence, communication, life skills and positive engagement.
• Monitor, assess and analyse pupil progress, using data to inform teaching, identify underachievement and implement effective interventions.

What we're looking for

• QTS or equivalent required.
• Middle leader responsibilities including line management essential.
• A skilled and reflective primary practitioner with a deep commitment to helping young learners thrive, including those with diverse developmental and communication needs.
• Someone who embraces trauma-informed, neuro-affirming practice and understands how children’s life experiences shape their learning.
• A teacher with strong curriculum knowledge, effective assessment skills and the ability to use data to drive meaningful progress.
• A collaborative professional who builds positive relationships with families, colleagues, therapists and external agencies.
• An organised, proactive and resilient leader who is committed to continuous professional growth and contributing to whole-school development.
• Driving licence required

About Us

Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Southampton, supporting pupils with SEMH needs, communication difficulties, and associated complex behaviours. The school provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where small classes and personalised support help every pupil thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and purposeful curriculum combines formal learning with life skills and enrichment activities to develop confidence, independence, and resilience. Pupils benefit from staff who understand their individual needs and remove barriers to engagement. Working closely with families, the school fosters strong relationships and a supportive community. Dibden Park empowers every pupil to achieve their full potential and prepare for life beyond school.

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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