Federation of Cherry Oak School, Victoria School and Victoria College

Teacher
Fixed term (maternity cover) -   April 2026 to December 2026 

Based at Cherry Oak School, 60 Frederick Road, Birmingham, B29 6PB

Cherry Oak School is a warm, ambitious Primary Special School for pupils with Autism, Cognition and Learning needs, and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). Our pupils have a diverse range of strengths and complex learning profiles, and we are proud to provide a highly personalised, communication‑rich curriculum through our relevant learning pathways.

We are seeking a teacher who is passionate about high‑quality SEND education and who can deliver relevant and engaging learning experiences for all pupils, based on research informed practice and specialist strategies. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, reflective practitioner who understands how to create enabling environments where pupils feel safe, regulated and ready to learn.

You will:

• ·         Have high aspirations for every pupil and a deep commitment to inclusive, child‑centred practice.
• ·       Demonstrate an excellent understanding of Autism, Cognition and Learning, and SLCN, including how these needs influence engagement, communication and progress.
• ·         Plan creatively to meet a wide range of individual needs, using assessment effectively to shape learning.
• ·         Use a range of communication approaches (e.g. AAC, visual supports, signing, objects of reference) to support understanding and expression.
• ·         Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• ·        Work collaboratively with our multidisciplinary team, including therapists and specialist support staff.
• ·        Use technology confidently to enhance learning, communication and independence.

We will:

• ·         Provide high‑quality induction, mentoring and ongoing professional development in Autism, Cognition & Learning and SLCN.
• ·         Support you to develop specialist skills through coaching, training and collaborative practice.
•  Offer a warm, inclusive and values‑driven community where staff wellbeing is prioritised.
• ·         Celebrate your strengths and help you grow as a practitioner.
• ·         Ensure you have access to the resources, technology and support needed to deliver an engaging, personalised curriculum.

Experience in a special school is desirable, but not essential. If you are motivated, resilient, and ready to learn, we will support you to develop the specialist skills needed to thrive in our community.

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks including enhanced DBS; Childcare Disqualification (where applicable); qualifications (where applicable); medical fitness; identity and right to work.

 References

All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references

 Short-Listed Candidates

An online search will also be carried out as part of due diligence on all shortlisted candidates.

 Terms and Conditions

Birmingham City Council is a Living Wage Employer

 Rehabilitation of Offenders

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Which means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent conviction and cautions are ‘protected’; so they do not need to be disclosed to employers; and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account.

Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide. 

The post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016). Therefore, the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for this role.