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:   SEN Teacher (Maternity Cover) Location:   Underley Garden School, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2DZ Salary:       Up to £41,000.00 per annum (DOE) + £1,000 Welcome Bonus** Hours:       40 hours per week, Monday to Friday Contract:   Fixed Term ending October 2026, Term Time Only Start:         October 2025 This role does not offer sponsorship. At Underley Garden School, part of the Outcomes First Group, we believe every child deserves the chance to flourish. As part of our continued growth, we are now offering an exciting opportunity for a qualified and passionate SEN Teacher to join our warm, supportive team on a maternity cover basis. This isn’t your average teaching role. Our young people have autism, learning difficulties, and complex needs — and they deserve a teacher who sees their potential, understands their challenges, and knows how to unlock their strengths through creativity, innovation, and care. About the Role As a dynamic and motivated SEN Teacher, you’ll have every opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of pupils with complex needs. You’ll plan and deliver engaging, meaningful lessons tailored to individual needs, working in a unique environment with extensive resources and expert support at your side. This role is all about inspiring growth – academically, socially, and emotionally. You’ll observe, monitor and assess students to ensure their wellbeing and development are always a top priority. Key Responsibilities: Deliver creative and inclusive lessons across Key Stages 3–5. Develop exciting teaching strategies that foster a love of learning. Support pupils’ personal and emotional development as well as academic progress. Work closely with a multidisciplinary team to meet individual EHCP targets. Build strong, positive relationships with pupils, families, and professionals. Contribute to the wider school life and continuous development of our provision. Who We’re Looking For We are looking for a passionate, dedicated teacher and an exceptional communicator — someone just as comfortable engaging with students with autism and complex needs as they are contributing to the school’s wider vision. You will thrive in our close-knit, family-like school community and relish the opportunity to help each pupil reach their full potential through highly personalised learning. You will need: UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent – essential. Experience teaching children or young people with SEN, autism, or complex needs – desirable. Creativity, adaptability, and resilience in a specialist teaching environment. A team-focused mindset and a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners. Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare. 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? 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 And that’s not all, 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. 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. #1