How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?
Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).
If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!
Job Title: English Teacher – Maternity Cover (History as additional subject)
Location: Underley Garden School, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2DZ
Salary: Up to £41,000.00 per annum plus a Welcome Bonus of £1,000**
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Fixed Term | Term Time Only
Start: October 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for an English Teacher – Maternity Cover (with History as an additional subject) to join our close-knit and supportive team at Underley Garden School, part of Options Autism.
About the Role
We are looking for a well-qualified and enthusiastic teacher to deliver English to pupils with complex learning needs, spanning Key Stage 1 to Post-16. In addition to teaching English, you will also deliver a small number of foundation subject lessons throughout the week.
All of our young people have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and present a range of special educational needs including:
Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC)
Learning Difficulties
Mental Health or Medical Needs
Associated behavioural challenges
This role requires a teacher who is creative, flexible, and genuinely passionate about working in a specialist environment where every pupil matters.
What We Offer
Small class sizes for more personalised teaching
Dedicated planning and preparation time
A well-resourced and organised department
Motivated pupils in a structured and supportive setting
A welcoming and collaborative staff team
Ongoing professional development within a growing and respected education group
About You
We’re looking for someone with:
UK QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or equivalent
Experience or strong interest in working with pupils with SEN/ASC
The ability to teach English across a wide age and ability range
Confidence to deliver some foundation subject content
A nurturing, resilient, and flexible approach
A commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing
Visit Us or Learn More
We strongly encourage visits to the school so you can see our setting and ethos in action.
To arrange a visit or for more information, contact us on: (phone number removed) or visit:
About Us
Underley Garden School is a large school with small class sizes, focusing on pupils, aged 5-19, who have a range of complex needs associated with autism and learning disabilities, including complex communication, sensory and behavioural needs associated with their disabilities.
Our School adopts a holistic, person-centred approach to the development of our pupils and endeavours to ensure that they achieve as high a standard as possible. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of education, care and therapy to meet the individual requirements of students with complex special educational needs.
At Underley Garden, we aim to make a positive difference to the personal, social and learning lives of the people entrusted to our care.
Located near the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale on the edge of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales in a commutable distance of Lancaster, Cumbria and surrounding areas.
For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide 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 Options Autism?
We place the outcomes of the pupils 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. 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:
Travel Allowance - up to £450.00 depending upon distance travelled
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.
Additional School Benefits
Birthday Chocolates
Gift Voucher at Christmas
BUPA Wellbeing Health Expenses including Employee Assistance Programme and Anytime Healthline
Team Building Days
Attendance Incentive
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
**Welcome Bonus is payable as one payment of £500 after completion of month three (3) and one further payment of £500 upon completion of your final probation period - month six (6) or later. Terms and Conditions Apply
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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