How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG. Job Title: Unqualified Teacher – Maternity Cover Location: Smallbrook School, Shrewsbury, SY4 3HE Salary:
£29,400.00 to £36,750.00 per annum depending on experience (
not pro rata
) Hours:
37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 08:45 – 16:30 Contract: Fixed-Term (ending February 2027) | Term Time Only Start:
January 2026 UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship At Smallbrook School, we do more than teach — we nurture, empower, and champion young people with diverse and complex needs. As part of our continued growth, we’re delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a committed and compassionate Unqualified Teacher to join our dedicated and close-knit team. This isn’t just a teaching role; it’s a chance to make a life-changing impact. You’ll be helping to create a safe, inclusive, and inspirational learning environment where every pupil feels heard, respected, and supported to succeed — academically, emotionally, and socially. About the Role Are you passionate about teaching and eager to help children with complex needs thrive? This role is perfect for someone who wants to focus on what truly matters — planning meaningful lessons, building strong relationships, and inspiring pupils to reach their full potential. You’ll work with pupils who present a range of social, emotional, communication, and learning needs. With support from a multidisciplinary team, you’ll have the flexibility to adapt your teaching to suit individual strengths, needs, and EHCP targets. This is a highly rewarding opportunity to develop your classroom practice within a nurturing, SEN-focused environment. Key Responsibilities Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging lessons and learning programmes (short, medium, and long-term) aligned with the National Curriculum and accreditation requirements, tailored to EHCP outcomes. Create a stimulating, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment through engaging activities, displays, and experiential learning. Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, robust reports to track individual and group progress in line with statutory requirements. Set, monitor, and review targets for academic achievement and behaviour to ensure meaningful progress for every pupil. General Responsibilities Work proactively with pupils, teachers, and the wider multidisciplinary team to meet individual needs effectively. Deploy, supervise, and collaborate with Teaching Assistants to maximise learning outcomes, behaviour, and pupil engagement. Participate in training, CPD, and staff development to enhance your teaching practice, SEN knowledge, and curriculum understanding. Contribute to planning, assessment, and moderation within relevant year or subject teams. Ensure high-quality use and maintenance of teaching materials, classroom resources, and learning environments. Qualifications & Experience UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) —
highly desirable ( or equivalent, with a willingness to work towards QTS ) Experience of working with pupils with SEN, SEMH, autism, or communication needs —
desirable A passion for helping young people with complex needs overcome barriers and achieve their full potential About us Smallbrook School is a co-educational day school based halfway between Shrewsbury and Wem in Shropshire. We are currently expanding our capacity from 50 to 80 students, with significant investment in our site to develop our KS2 and sixth form provision. We cater to pupils aged 7–18 with a range of complex needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs, as well as those diagnosed with autism or displaying behaviours associated with autism. At Smallbrook, we provide a therapeutic, supportive, and inclusive learning environment, committed to raising achievement and enabling pupils to recognise and reach their potential. Through a personalised and engaging curriculum, we focus on developing the foundational knowledge and skills that ensure a smooth and manageable transition to the next stage of life. We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running. Why join Acorn Education? We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to 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. Benefits Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including: Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including: A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Schemes Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support -
inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. One Moment In Time We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. *You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit 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 #1