sen eyfs teacher.

Job Title: Permanent SEN EYFS Teacher

Location: Retford, Nottinghamshire

Working Pattern: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: £30,000 - £38,000 (Unqualified: £30,000+ | QTS: Up to £38,000; subject to review ahead of the September pay award)

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a highly supportive educational community seeking a passionate and resilient Permanent SEN EYFS Teacher for a September 2026 start. This role offers excellent professional stability and an outstanding standard of care, complete with dedicated time for continuous professional development (CPD) tailored specifically to SEN leadership. Whether you hold full Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS) or you are an experienced, unqualified educator with a profound track record in early years SEN, this setting is committed to helping you thrive while you make a lasting impact on young learners.

About the Setting

Our partner setting is a generic special school located in Retford, Nottinghamshire, providing tailored learning pathways for pupils aged 5 to 19 with Special Educational Needs. The school operates with exceptionally small class sizes - ranging from just 4 to 8 students - allowing for truly individualised attention. Pupils are grouped strictly by their specific needs and compatibility rather than their age. The campus features modern classroom resources and a highly collaborative multidisciplinary environment where educators work alongside teaching assistants and external therapists. Please note that due to specific building restrictions, the setting is unable to cater for students with physical disabilities.

The Approach / Pedagogy

The school utilises a distinct, ambitious curriculum mapped across three specialised pathways (Oak, Cedar, and Willow) designed to bridge academic learning with crucial life and independence skills. In the early years and primary stages, learning is deeply meaningful, heavily ingrained with Preparation for Adulthood skills, and takes place both inside and outside the classroom through sensory stories, sports, and regular Forest School sessions. Behaviour is supported through a highly proactive, positive framework. The staff team is fully trained in Team Teach positive handling techniques, focusing primarily on de-escalation, alongside utilising ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) strategies, Autism strategies, and the Zones of Regulation to foster emotional intelligence and self-regulation.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Lead an early years classroom, creating a structured, multisensory, and inclusive space that actively promotes communication, independence, and positive social interactions.
• Plan, deliver, and continuously adapt a high-quality EYFS curriculum tailored to children with complex SEN, including ASD, ADHD, and speech and language barriers.
• Track, assess, and review pupil progress closely against their Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs).
• Manage complex behaviours safely and positively, implementing specific de-escalation, Team Teach, and ABA strategies tailored to individual student needs.
• Collaborate closely with a dedicated team of teaching assistants, speech therapists, and parents to ensure a holistic approach to development.

What We Are Looking For

• Qualifications & Experience: Proven experience working within the EYFS framework alongside a strong operational understanding of SEN strategies. Open to both Qualified Teachers (QTS/QTLS) and talented Unqualified Teachers with substantial classroom-based expertise.
• Characteristics: Excellent communication skills, deep patience, emotional resilience, and a collaborative mindset.
• Transport/Commute: Ability to reliably commute to the school's location in Retford for a full-time role.

Safeguarding & Compliance

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This role involves a strict education compliance process. Applicants must possess an Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or be willing to undergo a new check), provide satisfactory professional references, account for all CV gaps, and hold the right to work in the UK.