Job Description
Download printable version
MPR/UPR + SEN Allowance+ well-being cash plan + pension scheme (TPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Permanent, Full Time or Part Time
January 2026 Start
We are looking for a dedicated and creative SEN Teacher to join our highly skilled and passionate team. This is a unique opportunity to work with pupils aged 3 - 19 with PMLD, SLD and ASD within a truly inclusive and nurturing environment.
About Columbus
Lift Columbus is a thriving special school and college based across two exceptional campuses in Chelmsford, providing education for pupils with a range of complex learning needs including PMLD, SLD and ASD.
Our facilities are purpose-built to support high quality teaching and care, including hydrotherapy pools, sensory integration rooms, fully accessible outdoor spaces, and specialist therapy areas. Every pupil has an individualised Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and our staff work in close partnership with therapists, medical teams, and families to ensure each young person achieves their full potential.
What we offer
- A warm, supportive and skilled team of leaders, teachers and support staff passionate about exceptional SEND education.
- A comprehensiveinduction programme with mentoring and tailored CPD to help you thrive in your role.
- Specialist facilities two campuses that promote sensory learning, communication, and physical development.
- Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the trust, including Pioneer Special School in Basildon, to share best practice and innovative approaches.
- Streamlined assessment systems (including MAPP and the Engagement Model) that reduce workload and focus on meaningful progress.
- A genuine culture of wellbeing, professional growth and collaboration.
About you
We are looking for someone who is:
- Passionate about delivering high-quality teaching and learning for pupils with PMLD SLD and ASD.
- Skilled in creating individualised, sensory and communication-rich learning experiences.
- Collaborative, flexible and reflective in their teaching practice.
- Committed to inclusion and to making a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
Whether you are an experienced SEND teacher or a skilled mainstream practitioner ready to specialise, we would love to hear from you.
Visits and applications
We warmly encourage you to visit our school and see our exceptional learning environment in action. To arrange a visit or an informal conversation, please contact either Brooke Carr at bcarr@liftcolumbus.org or Sarah Whittaker-Axon at swhittakeraxon@liftcolumbus.org
Closing date : 23rd November 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:
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
- Our partnership withOne Worldpowers our innovative Instructional Excellence Program. We also offer a comprehensive range of CPD programs, includingAmbition Institute'sEarly Career andNPQofferings, tailored to both individual and network needs.
- 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.