Job Description
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£18,331.51 - £19,538.89 + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Permanent, Part Time
30 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
Immediate Start
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Therapeutic Thinking Lead to join our team at Lift Columbus. In this pivotal role, you will support the emotional regulation, social development, and positive behaviour of children and young people with complex needs including severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), and autism spectrum conditions (ASC).
Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, families, and external professionals, you will:
- Lead on behaviour planning and therapeutic interventions.
- Support staff to design and implement individual behaviour support plans.
- Provide direct pupil support following incidents, ensuring effective reintegration.
- Promote inclusion and social development as part of a whole-school ethos.
- Act as a key point of contact for families and external agencies.
- Use behaviour data to monitor patterns, track interventions, and drive improvements.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment that enables every learner to thrive.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience supporting children and young people with SLD, PMLD and/or ASC.
- Understands SEND and barriers to learning.
- Has strong knowledge of behaviour management strategies and de-escalation skills.
- Is confident working with families and external agencies.
- Is resilient, calm under pressure, and passionate about inclusion and wellbeing.
- We warmly encourage you to visit our school and experience our exceptional learning environment first hand.
To arrange a visit or schedule a friendly chat, please contact our School Operations Managers:
Brooke Carr - bcarr@liftcolumbus.org
Sarah Whittaker-Axon - swhittakeraxon@liftcolumbus.org
Closing date : 28th September 2025
Who is Lift Schools?
We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.
We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.
We offer you:
- Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application. Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Information about the School
Lift Columbus has a rich history that reflects the development of specialist education in Chelmsford. Originally two separate schools – Woodlands School, supporting children aged 3–19 with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex learning difficulties (CLD), and Hayward School, supporting children aged 4–16 with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) and autism – the schools federated in 2005 to form the Chelmsford New Model Special School. In September 2009, they formally amalgamated to become Columbus School and College, now proudly part of Lift Schools.
Today, Lift Columbus provides education for children and young people aged 3–19, across two campuses. We cater for a wide spectrum of additional needs, including PMLD, severe learning difficulties (SLD), moderate learning difficulties (MLD), and autism. Our provision is designed to support learners at every stage of their journey, from the early years through to preparation for adulthood.
We are committed to providing a personalised and ambitious curriculum, tailored to individual needs. This includes a strong focus on communication, independence, social interaction, and life skills, alongside academic learning. Our dedicated team of teachers, support staff and therapists work in close partnership with families and external agencies to ensure that every child can flourish.
Lift Columbus also benefits from excellent facilities, including:
Specialist classrooms and therapy spaces designed for sensory and physical needs.
Vocational learning opportunities to prepare young people for life beyond school.
A sixth form college provision, enabling students to continue their education in a supportive environment and develop the skills needed for adulthood, further study, or employment pathways
Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.
Our mission:
- We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
- With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
- We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.