Trust Qualified Teacher – Complex Needs and SEND

Job Description

Berlesduna Academy Trust has an exciting opportunity for a Qualified Teacher for Complex Needs and SEND to join the Trust.

Salary: MPS / UPS (dependent on experience).

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Start date: September 2026.

Location: Berlesduna Trust schools in Basildon

Applications close: Midday on 14th May 2026. Interview date: Tuesday 19th May 2026.

Berlesduna Academy Trust is based in Basildon and currently comprises of 11 primary schools, as well as two local authority SEND provisions. The Trust is looking to expand and is a vibrant, exciting and dynamic place to learn and work. Our ethos is very much about devolved leadership and all of our schools run independently, supported by our small central team.

Berlesduna Academy Trust is a strong and growing family of schools, united by a shared commitment to inclusive education and high aspiration for all children. We firmly believe that mainstream schools, when properly supported, can offer meaningful and successful inclusion for pupils with complex special educational needs and disabilities.

We are delighted to invite applications for a Trust Qualified Teacher for Complex Needs & SEND to strengthen our provision across our Basildon-based Trust schools. This is a permanent Trust-wide role, created to build long-term capacity and expertise for pupils with complex needs, including SLD and autism, within mainstream settings.

We are using Essex County Council Qualified Teacher (QT) funding for an initial two-year period to support and establish the role. The Trust is fully committed to embedding this work strategically and sustainably beyond the initial funding window. The post-holder will work across Basildon schools only, operating as a peripatetic specialist teacher, with timetabled time in identified schools and provisions. The role focuses on improving outcomes for pupils, strengthening staff confidence and consistency, and supporting inclusive systems that reduce placement breakdown and escalation.

What you'll do:

· Deliver high-quality specialist teaching for pupils with complex SEND

· Lead and model adapted, pre-formal and semi-formal curriculum pathways

· Support and, where appropriate, lead One Planning Meetings and Annual Reviews

· Strengthen assessment, planning and evidence of progress

· Coach and mentor staff working in enhanced provisions and mainstream classrooms

· Work collaboratively across schools to ensure consistent, high-quality practice

· Contribute to Trust SEND networks and professional development activity

The successful candidate will:

· hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

· have strong experience working with pupils with complex needs (SLD/ASD)

· be committed to inclusive education and high aspirations for all learners

· enjoy working across schools and building staff capacity

· be confident working collaboratively with SENCos, leaders and support staff

· experience of outreach, advisory or enhanced provision work is desirable, but not essential.

We can offer you:

· a commitment to continued professional development

· opportunities to work with enthusiastic and supportive colleagues across the Trust to share resources, ideas and build collaborative relationships,

· access to our Employee Assistance Programme for all staff and their families,

· a generous employer contribution to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

· a Trust culture rooted in collaboration, inclusion and shared responsibility

· genuine commitment to SEND strategy and system improvement

· an opportunity to shape practice across multiple schools

· strong professional support through Trust SEND leadership

· a chance to make a meaningful difference for some of our most vulnerable pupils

Berlesduna is a Trust that values and invests in staff, excellent training, development and planned career progression.

Application

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Lisa Perry at Office@Berlesduna.co.uk or 01268 464759. Please take care to complete the application in full, as incomplete applications will not be considered. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early so recommend that you submit your application at your earliest convenience.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We may review the internet and social media relating to shortlisted candidates as part of the screening process. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Information about the School

The vision of the Berlesduna Academy Trust is to create and foster a culture of high aspiration, enjoyment for learning, academic success and lifelong skills amongst all pupils, regardless of their social, economic or cultural background.