Special Educational Needs Teacher (Fixed Term)

Vacancy Summary

Experienced Specialist Early Years Teacher (Maternity Cover) to lead teaching & learning in our specialist provision

Salary: MPS/UPS + TLR 2, 0.6 (19.5 hours per week, 3 days per week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays)

Fixed Term to start April to December 2026 initially (may be subject to extension)

Vacancy Information

Hirst Wood Nursery School has been serving the World Heritage site of Saltaire since 1932. We are proud to offer a high quality, inclusive, integrated, well-resourced provision to make a difference and improve outcomes for children aged 2 to 5 years.  We have a long-standing reputation for excellence in education and are extremely proud of our children, their families and the strong relationships that we have built within our community. We are a designated Early Years Enhanced Specialist provision, with places allocated by the Local Authority for supporting children with Special Educational Needs and this is an exciting opportunity to lead our inclusive provision. 

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced teacher to join our amazing team of committed colleagues to take a leading role in developing and delivering a nurturing, child-centred curriculum.  Our provision places relationships, emotional regulation, and early communication at the heart of learning and working closely with a skilled team of colleagues you will create an inspiring and responsive environment for every child.

The right candidate to join our school will be:

• An inspirational inclusive teacher with a track record of raising standards and developing a culture of excellence through the championing of inclusive practice

• A strategic thinker with the ability to show resilience and commitment

• Committed to supporting children’s learning and development to enable all children to make the very best progress they can through the provision of a personalised curriculum, resources & interactions

• Able to build trust and strong relationships with children, parents and colleagues

• Able to work alongside the Senior Leadership in developing and implementing a high-quality curriculum for all our children

• Knowledgeable about Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, Birth to 5, Early Years Developmental Journal to develop and adapt it for individual learning pathways

• Able to support, coach, and develop support staff in communication and engagement strategies

• Experienced in the use of assessment tools to track and celebrate progress

• Able to contribute to whole-school inclusion, modelling best practice in communication and sensory-friendly approaches

We can offer:

• A school where children feel happy and are motivated to learn and follow their own interests
• An experienced, enthusiastic and supportive team of staff
• A very experienced board of governors with a commitment to collaborative working
• A wide range of CPD opportunities to develop your career further
• A collaborative, positive and committed school with a strong moral purpose for success and genuine belonging for all

We actively encourage interested applicants to visit the school and to find out more about this exciting opportunity. Please email: Jayne.Taylor@hirstwoodnscc.co.uk to arrange a suitable time. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Closing Date: 12 noon, 21^st January 2026

Shortlisting: 26^th January 2026

Interviews: 3^rd February 2026

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and the post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Please be aware that online searches will be completed on shortlisted candidates. Proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required.

Hirst Wood Nursery School is committed to creating a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

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