Class Teacher - Full-time - Special Needs Position

The Beacon, Folkestone And Walmer

• Ref:KCC886-7043-463T
• Posted:27/03/2026
• Pay:MPS/UPS plus SENA
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:20/04/2026 at 08:00
• Interviews:W/b 27th April

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Teacher – The Beacon School, Folkestone and Walmer Sites

About Us

The Beacon School is a vibrant, expanding specialist provision dedicated to supporting pupils with complex needs, including autism, communication differences, and sensory processing challenges.  As part of our exciting ongoing growth, we are opening additional classes in September and are seeking passionate educators to join our team.

The Role

We are seeking creative, enthusiastic, and compassionate teachers who are committed to nurturing the potential of every learner. You will bring a strong understanding of SEND and a secure foundation in the Primary curriculum, enabling you to deliver high‑quality, developmentally appropriate learning. Our highly collaborative leadership team will support you to thrive in your role.

You will:

• Teach small classes where you can build strong, meaningful relationships with pupils. You will have the chance to make a real difference to the pupil’s lives.
• Work closely with a dedicated, experienced support team who play a key role in teaching, learning and supporting pupil wellbeing.
• Adapt lessons creatively to meet a wide range of learning, communication, and sensory needs. Providing opportunities to develop through creative freedom.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and engaging classroom environment.
• Work as part of a supportive, collaborative school community that highly values professional growth and wellbeing.

Who We’re Looking For

You may be an experienced teacher or early in your career – what matters most is your attitude and approach.  We are seeking someone who is:

• Warm, energetic, and enthusiastic about working with pupils who learn differently.
• Creative in planning lessons and delivering personalised learning experiences.
• Reflective, open-minded, and eager to learn new skills.
• Able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Committed to helping every pupil feel safe, understood, and empowered.

What We Offer

Working at The Beacon means being part of a supportive, forward-thinking school community.  Benefits include:

• Comprehensive induction, mentoring and regular peer coaching opportunities
• Extensive CPD opportunities and funded qualifications
• Wellbeing initiatives and access to a dedicated wellbeing app
• Counselling and Employee Assistance Programme
• Excellent pension scheme
• Annual flu vaccinations
• On-site parking 
• Access to Kent Rewards and Blue light Card

Why Choose The Beacon?

We are dedicated to helping every pupil grow in independence, contribute positively to their community, and achieve their maximum potential.

The Beacon as a whole school prides itself on providing our pupils with much more than academic development and successes. We will collectively not let anything stand in the way of developing the best possible experiences and pathways for our pupils.

At The Beacon, safeguarding the welfare of our children and young people is paramount, and we expect all staff to uphold this responsibility. Appointment to this role will require an enhanced DBS disclosure and two satisfactory references.

Arrange a Visit or Apply

We warmly welcome conversations and visits from prospective applicants. A member of our Senior Leadership Team will be delighted to show you around and discuss the role.

Contact:
Katie Lonergan, HR Manager
📞 01303 847555
📧 hr@thebeacon.kent.sch.uk

Information about the school

The Beacon is a multi site, all age specialist school (4–19 years) providing high quality education for 480 pupils with complex needs, profound and severe learning difficulties, and physical and sensory impairments. Our main site is located on Park Farm Road in Folkestone, our newest provision in Walmer opened in September 2025. We also operate a 10 place satellite provision at Castle Hill Primary School and work collaboratively with Beacon Plus as an extended partner of the school.

The Beacon is built on a strong culture of cooperation and a commitment to personalised learning. Our child centred, needs led curriculum draws on the EYS Foundation Stage, the National Curriculum, and relevant accreditation pathways, with an emphasis on Life Skills, Social Skills, and holistic development.

As a centre of expertise, we also deliver training and support for mainstream schools through our outreach team. This dedicated team provides professional development, advice, and guidance to colleagues across the region. Our conference and meeting facilities regularly host nationally recognised speakers and professional learning events.

We are also home to a Multi Agency Support Hub, one of four centres across the county, bringing together NHS professionals, paediatricians, speech and occupational therapists, nursing teams, children’s social care, and portage services. This integrated approach strengthens the support available to children and families across the Folkestone and Hythe district.

At The Beacon, our shared moral purpose is to improve educational outcomes and life chances for all young people. We believe excellence is achieved through partnership, collaboration, and reflective practice. Our peer to peer coaching model and staff led learning communities help ensure consistently high quality teaching and a culture of continuous improvement. We expect the highest standards from ourselves and all stakeholders, creating an environment where every learner can thrive.

If you share our values and are inspired by our mission, we look forward to hearing from you.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Katie Lonergan
• Address:Park Farm Road, Folkestone, Salisbury Road, Walmer, Folkestone And Walmer, Kent, CT195DN CT147QJ
• Telephone: 01303 847555
• Email: HR@thebeacon.kent.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Teacher JD and Job Spec
• Candidate Pack