LEAD SPECIALIST TEACHER (COMMUNICATION AND INTERACTION)
Specialist Teacher Communication & Interaction Needs (KS3 and KS4)
Samuel Ward Academy
Salary: MPR/UPR + SEN allowance (£5,497 per annum)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
About The Role
This is an exciting opportunity to shape a high-quality secondary-age provision that blends specialist teaching with meaningful inclusion. As the lead teacher within the provision, you will design and deliver adapted learning that removes barriers, supports self-regulation, and enables students to engage successfully in both the unit and mainstream lessons. You will have responsibility for a small cohort, working flexibly between the integrated base and wider school environment.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking a skilled practitioner with experience or strong interest in communication and interaction needs including autism and associated learning profiles. You will demonstrate creativity, resilience, and precision in your practice, ensuring that each young person receives the personalised support they require. You will work collaboratively with families, therapists, mainstream colleagues, and partner specialists from Churchill to provide a coherent offer that supports progress academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our ethos: Samuel Ward Academy is committed to inclusion that is ambitious and meaningful. We believe every pupil can flourish when given the right teaching, environment, and sense of belonging.
Why Join Us?
You will join a forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust that prioritises professional growth and evidence-informed practice.
We Offer
* Excellent career development opportunities across our trust network, including trust-wide projects
* A two-week October half-term
* Access to high-quality training
* Support from an experienced and nurturing school improvement team
* On-hand expertise from our dedicated education and operations teams
* Evidence-informed research opportunities via our Research School
* Wellbeing packages and an employee assistance programme
About Unity Schools Partnership
Our trust comprises 40 schools (9 secondary, 26 primary, and 5 special schools) across Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Romford in East London. We foster a supportive and collaborative relationship across our family of schools, sharing values and facing challenges together.
Application Process
Closing Date: Monday 16th March 09:00am. Interview Date: 24th March 2026. Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline. In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Incomplete application forms may result in candidates not being shortlisted.
Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding
Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination. We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part-time or as a job-share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups.
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