Teacher - Maternity Cover

Shorefields; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A special education school in Colchester is seeking a Teacher for a Maternity Cover role. The position involves delivering quality education to students with autism, encouraging personal and social skill development. Candidates must hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and have experience with autism education. The school offers a supportive team, opportunities for professional growth, and commitments to inclusivity. The role requires working 38.5 hours per week during term time, with salary potentially aligned with experience.

Benefits

Staff wellbeing programmes

Free counselling service

Comprehensive training

Free on-site parking

Exclusive discounts

Access to a GP

Bereavement counselling

Life cover

Qualifications

• Currently working at Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Experience in special education and working with autism.
• Relevant experience in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

• Meet the Teachers' Standards and deliver top-quality education.
• Support students in developing personal and social skills.
• Challenge and nurture students in a safe environment.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Experience with students with autism

Patience and enthusiasm

Knowledge of special education needs (S.E.N.)

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

Position Start Date: Immediate Contract Type: Full-time/Part-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 31/01/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: ASAP

Teacher Maternity Cover -Autism Anglia and Doucecroft School, Colchester

Are you passionate about helping young people reach their full potential? Doucecroft School, part of Autism Anglia, is looking for a Teacher to join our friendly and dedicated team in a Maternity Cover contract. We have two available positions:

• 1 Year contract starting from February 2026


• 2 term contract starting from January 2026

This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who enjoys encouraging learners both individually and in small groups, helping them to build confidence, develop new skills, and thrive in a safe, supportive environment.

Location

Subject to experience, M1-M6 plus SEN allowance

Hours

38.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 39 weeks per year (term time only) plus 3 training days during school holidays

Interviews

January 2026

What the Teacher role involves

• To meet the Teachers' Standards which set the minimum requirements for a teacher's conduct and practice.


• To work within the policies and guidance of Doucecroft School, as an effective and motivational professional who is ambitious for the learners and therefore challenges and supports staff and pupils to achieve their best.


• Provision of top quality education and care for pupils, who have autism.


• Delivering irresistible learning to engage learners in appropriate tasks/ activities, for each learner within the school's agreed curriculum.


• Development of pupils' personal and social skills to help them manage their everyday lives.


• Challenge for our young people in a safe and nurturing environment.


• To ensure working with all areas of the school's multidisciplinary team.


• To be responsible for the day-to-day organisation and management of the classroom (which includes the learners, the staff, and the physical environment). This will include working with learners at lunchtime and supervising break times.


• To adhere to the autism accreditation framework, ensuring appropriate support is embedded for each learner.


• To comply with and promote to others, the policies and procedures relating to the school, specifically those relating to child protection, safeguarding, health and safety, security confidentiality, and data protection.

What we're looking for

• Are currently working at Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)


• Have previously undertaken an Undergraduate degree


• Previous experience, or Qualification/training in special education


• Proven Knowledge of S.E.N.and working with children with early communication skills


• Relevant experience working with students with autism or learning disabilities in an educational setting


• Most importantly, we're looking for someone with patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for supporting young people.

Benefits & Support

At Doucecroft, we know our staff are at the heart of everything we do, so we make sure you're supported too. We provide:

• Staff wellbeing programmes and mental health support


• Free counselling service


• Comprehensive training and supervision


• Free on-site parking


• Exclusive discounts with major retailers, restaurants & more via the Blue Light Card


• A supportive and accessible leadership team, always available for guidance and assistance


• 24/7 access to a GP


• Bereavement counselling


• Life cover

Commitment to Diversity

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

How to apply

If you're looking for a role where you can use your skills to change lives, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today by clicking the link below, and a member of our recruitment team will be in touch.

Doucecroft is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This role is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, registration with the DBS Update Service, and other relevant checks, including verbal verification of references.

We welcome applications from all individuals who meet the requirements of the role and may wish to request flexible working or reasonable adjustments.

Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.

Information about the School

Doucecroft School is a specialist co-educational school for children and young people with autism and additional complex needs, age 3 –19 years. Established in 1973, we are experienced and successful in meeting the needs of students with wide-ranging strengths and needs, providing a nurturing environment where students are able to thrive and grow in independence and self-esteem.

Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy are provided on-site by our experienced therapy team.

Doucecroft School is part of Autism Anglia, a regional charity working with children, adults and families affected by Autism.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.