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Class Teacher – 14–19 Department (Complex Autism Specialist Preferred)

Salary: + SEN Allowance · Fordwater School, Chichester

Contract Type: Full Time (Part Time requests will be considered)

Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026 12 Noon

Interviews: at Kingsham Site: Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd April 2026

Location: Fordwater Kingsham, Chichester High School, Chichester, PO19 8EB

Fordwater School is a highly regarded special school for pupils aged 2–19 with severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and a significant number of learners with complex autism. Our 14–19 Department, located at the Kingsham site, provides a specialist, ambitious and nurturing environment that prepares learners for adulthood.

We are seeking a passionate, reflective and compassionate Class Teacher to join our team, someone who values connection, creativity and collaborative practice and who is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our young people.

Why Fordwater Is Unique and Why You Will Love Working Here

Fordwater is a values‑led, compassionate community where both staff and pupils are respected, heard and empowered. Staff consistently describe the school as:

  • A place of shared purpose and collaborative problem‑solving
  • Psychologically safe, with a strong culture of honest reflection
  • The opportunity to be creative and innovative within our practice
  • Commitment to personal and professional growth through the Growth and Development Pathway (GDP)

Visitors frequently comment on:

  • Warm, trusting relationships between staff and pupils
  • Calm, low‑arousal learning spaces
  • Rich, personalised communication support
  • A strong sense of joy and purpose throughout the school day

The Kingsham provision specialises in:

  • Independence, life‑skills and structured learning
  • Excellent preparation for adulthood
  • Regulation‑based approaches

What is the Growth & Development Pathway (GDP)

We are extremely proud of our innovative Growth & Development Pathway (GDP) a co-produced professional development model built on trust, collaboration and personalised growth. This approach enables teachers to:

·  Work with a trained facilitator

·  Set meaningful goals

·  Receive supportive peer and leader coaching

·  Grow confidence, capability, and compassion

What We Are Looking For

We welcome both experienced SEND teachers and adaptable mainstream teachers ready to transition into special education.

You will:

  • Have experience with complex autism or be committed to developing this skill
  • Bring a warm, attuned and calm approach to supporting regulation and communication
  • Be creative, flexible and skilled at personalising learning
  • Value compassionate teamwork and contribute actively to it
  • Engage enthusiastically in the Growth & Development Pathway
  • Build strong relationships with pupils, families and multidisciplinary colleagues
  • Be reflective, curious and committed to continuous improvement
  • Believe deeply in the potential of every young person

What We Offer

  • A happy, positive and vibrant working environment
  • A diverse, inclusive and compassionate school community
  • A culture of wellbeing and psychological safety
  • Skilled, supportive colleagues and strong teamwork
  • Excellent resources and specialist learning environments
  • Outstanding CPD and coaching opportunities
  • Leadership that listens, values and champions staff
  • Opportunities for career progression within a sector‑leading school

Safeguarding

Fordwater is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
The successful candidate must complete an enhanced DBS check and provide two references, including one from their most recent employer.

Visits Encouraged

We warmly welcome prospective applicants to visit and experience our culture first-hand.

Contact: Aneka Jeffs - Operations Manager
operations@fordwatersch.co.uk

Visits to the school welcomed, please contact Aneka Jeffs, Operations Manager to arrange: operations@fordwatersch.co.uk

Job Description, Person Specification, Shortlisted Candidate Information Form and Application Forms are available at the bottom of this web page. – Once completed please return to Aneka Jeffs - operations@fordwatersch.co.uk

Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026 12 Noon

Interviews: at Kingsham Site: Wednesday 22nd/Thursday 23rd April 2026

To apply, please complete the application form and Shortlisted Candidate Information Form below and email to Aneka Jeffs at the email address below:

Unfortunately we are unable to contact unsuccessful applicants individually. We would therefore like to thank you for your application and interest in Fordwater School.

Downloads

Class Teacher - Person Specification

Class Teacher - Job Description

Class Teacher - Job Application Form

Shortlisted Candidate Information Form