We are seeking a Science Teacher to contribute to high quality teaching and learning for students with SEND across KS2–KS4. This role combines adaptive classroom teaching across the school to promote student engagement, communication, independence and positive outcomes.

The successful candidate will deliver autism-informed and needs-led teaching approaches, contribute to curriculum development and assessment, and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, families and external professionals to support student progress, wellbeing and inclusion.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

• Deliver high quality, adaptive teaching across KS2–KS4 using autism-informed and needs-led pedagogical approaches.
• Teach across curriculum areas with a particular focus on Science.
• Plan and deliver engaging learning activities and resources that support students’ individual strengths, communication, sensory and learning needs.
• Support students undertaking KS4 qualifications and examinations, including first implementation from September 2026.
• Monitor, assess and report on student progress, attainment and behavioural development using robust assessment and profiling systems.
• Contribute to curriculum development, school improvement planning and the implementation of individualised interventions and strategies.
• Promote positive behaviour, wellbeing and safeguarding through consistent implementation of school policies and nurturing classroom practice.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, support staff, parents, carers and external professionals to support inclusive practice and student outcomes.
• Contribute positively to the wider life of the school and Trust through collaboration, professional development, enrichment activities and whole school events.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a recognised teaching qualification.
• Has a specialism in teaching Science.
• Is a highly skilled classroom practitioner able to deliver a range of effective teaching approaches.
• Has experience of working with children with ASD and associated complex difficulties.
• Can adapt teaching to overcome barriers to learning and support students with a range of learning needs.
• Demonstrates effective behaviour management and the ability to motivate and inspire students.
• Communicates effectively with students, colleagues, parents and carers and builds positive professional relationships.
• Has strong organisational and administrative skills and is able to work accurately and efficiently.
• Is committed to safeguarding, inclusion and supporting all students to achieve their potential.
• Is willing to contribute to the wider life of the school and support extra-curricular activities and whole school events.

ABOUT MAIDEN ERLEGH TRUST

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website.

Benefits

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.·      

Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.

·       Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.

·       ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.

·       Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.

·       Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.

·       Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.

·       Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.

·       Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.

·       Mental Health First Aid support.

·       Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.

·       Employee Referral Scheme.

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Newly opened in September 2023, Oak Tree School, based in Winnersh, Reading, is an exciting collaborative project which will provide a safe and happy learning environment for 150 learners from Year 1 to Year 13, with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for Autism Spectrum Conditions and associated complex needs, including Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) and/or Social, Emotional and Mental Health.

These children and young people have boundless potential so, at the heart of Oak Tree School’s provision, will be a rich and stimulating curriculum, specialist personal development education and targeted therapeutic programmes delivered by talented and specialist staff.

The impetus for this project has been a partnership between Brighter Futures for Children, Reading Borough Council and Wokingham Borough Council as part of their commitment to providing additional special school places for local children close to their own communities.

Community, inclusion and respect are key Maiden Erlegh Trust values and they underpin our vision for Oak Tree School. As the project progresses, we will continue work with our partners and listen to parents and children to realise our vision. Only in this way can we meet the needs of every child and help each one to reach their potential.

 Linked to our community values, the school will also offer a range of outreach programmes to support SEND pupils in mainstream schools.

We have developed a Trust wide Special & AP Hub, providing opportunities to connect with staff members in our specialist settings, where we collaborate, learn and innovate together. The mission is to enhance the quality of education and support we provide to students with diverse needs. We encourage open communication, empathy, and respect, at all levels, as we believe that a supportive and inclusive atmosphere is essential for growth and development.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.