Are you a highly empathetic, resilient, and experienced professional with a passion for supporting vulnerable young people? Do you have a background in youth work, mentoring, or complex support needs? We are looking for a dedicated Unqualified SEN Teacher to join our specialist Alternative Provision (AP) team in Burnley.
This is a chance to move into a teaching role where your practical skills, patience, and ability to build rapport are valued above formal QTS.
The Role: Making a Difference
This vital full-time role starts in January 2026 (or sooner if possible) and involves working with a small group of students who have been disengaged from mainstream education due to significant Special Educational Needs (SEN), including Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism, and challenging behaviour.
Key Responsibilities:
Small Group Teaching: Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging, personalised lessons across core subjects (e.g., Functional Skills, vocational subjects) to small groups of students.
Behaviour and Pastoral Support: Utilise a trauma-informed and restorative approach to manage challenging behaviour, de-escalate crisis situations, and act as a key mentor and positive role model.
Individualised Learning: Tailor the curriculum and activities to meet the complex needs outlined in students' Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Student Engagement: Develop and implement creative strategies to re-engage reluctant learners and improve attendance and motivation.
Team Collaboration: Work closely with the SENCO, Headteacher, and support staff to ensure holistic, consistent support for every student.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking a candidate whose practical experience and character are exceptional:
Essential Experience: Significant proven experience working with young people (aged 11-16) with challenging behaviour and complex SEN (e.g., in a youth work, residential care, mentoring, or Teaching Assistant role).
Resilience & Empathy: A high level of personal resilience, emotional intelligence, and genuine empathy for students who have faced barriers to education.
Strong Boundaries: The ability to establish and consistently maintain clear, firm, and fair boundaries.
Non-Teaching Qualification (Desirable): Relevant qualifications in Youth Work, Counselling, Social Care, or relevant academic degree are beneficial.
Unqualified Teacher Status: Must be eligible to work on the Unqualified Teacher Pay Scale.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: Paid according to the Unqualified Teacher Pay Scale (Unqualified Teacher Scale 1-6, currently ranging from approximately £26,500 to £30,500 per annum, dependent on experience).
Contract: Full-Time, long-term contract with potential for a permanent position.
Support: Excellent CPD opportunities, regular supervision, and ongoing training specific to Alternative Provision and complex SEN.
Impact: A profoundly rewarding role where you will genuinely change trajectories for vulnerable young people.
Location: Burnley, Lancashire.
How to Apply
If you are a dedicated and highly motivated professional ready to take the next step into an unqualified teaching role in a demanding yet highly rewarding setting, we encourage you to apply immediately.
To apply, please submit your most recent CV and a detailed cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining your experience with SEN and challenging behaviour to (url removed)
Closing Date: Ongoing
All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory safeguarding references. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children