Pre Formal Teacher - Fixed Term - Special Needs Position

Heath Farm School, Ashford

• Ref:KCC886-6060-211T
• Posted:02/06/2026
• Pay:Up to £40,000 per annum
• Start Date:September
• App Close Date:30/06/2026 at 23:45
• Interviews:TBC

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Job Title:  Pre Formal Teacher
Location:  Heath Farm School, Ashford, Kent, TN27 0AX
Hours:      35 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Salary:      Up to £40,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:  Fixed term - March 2027 | Term Time Only
Start:        September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the role

Are you driven to create powerful learning experiences for children with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD)? Do you believe progress is found in confidence, communication and connection as much as academics?

At Heath Farm School, we’re seeking a compassionate, creative Pre‑Formal Teacher to help pupils access the world through personalised, sensory-rich learning. You’ll shape learning that celebrates every small step, builds trust and emotional regulation, and empowers pupils to communicate, engage and thrive.

What You’ll Do

• Deliver highly personalised pre‑formal learning tailored to each child
• Build early communication, interaction and engagement skills
• Use multi‑sensory approaches: sight, sound, touch, movement and play
• Work closely with therapists to embed therapeutic strategies
• Support hydrotherapy, sensory regulation and other therapy-led activities
• Develop communication through visuals, symbols and intensive interaction
• Create calm, nurturing environments where pupils feel safe and valued
• Celebrate meaningful developmental milestones
• Collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams

About You

• QTS (or equivalent)
• Passionate about PMLD and sensory-based learning
• Creative, patient and adaptable
• Skilled in communication development and relationship building
• Confident working with therapists and integrated approaches
• Committed to inclusive, child‑centred practice
• A positive team player
• Full UK driving licence

A role for someone who wants to make a profound difference—far beyond traditional teaching.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

Information about the school

About the School

We are an independent SEN school that offers a unique and stimulating environment where every pupil can make outstanding progress in their personal development and enjoy success in their education. From our nurturing approach for primary pupils through to the relaxed working environment of the specialist College Provision, all students are encouraged to reach high standards in every aspect of their lives.

Our pupils present with a wide range of needs, including social and emotional issues, learning difficulties, mental health problems and associated conditions. However, they are able to enjoy extraordinary outcomes and be happy at school.

We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Claire Harrap-Stanley
• Address:Charing Heath, Ashford, Kent, TN27 0AX
• Telephone: 01233 712030
• Email: enquiries@heathfarmschool.org

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Teacher JD
• Equal Opportunities Policy