Primary Autism Lead Teacher
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
Primary Autism Lead Teacher – Specialist Therapeutic Provision
- Ealing, West London
- £50,000 – £55,000 per annum
- Full-time, Permanent or Long-term Contract to Permanent
- January / February start
- Interviews taking place ASAP
This is not a mainstream primary role with SEN elements. It is a specialist position for teachers who have chosen Autism as their long-term focus.
A specialist therapeutic SEND provision in West London is recruiting a Primary Autism Lead Teacher to work with a small group of autistic pupils who have complex communication, sensory, and emotional regulation needs. This is a setting where progress is not rushed, behaviour is understood as communication, and relationships take precedence over outcomes.
Structure here is built around the child, not the timetable.
The School
This is a calm, low-arousal, highly structured primary provision supporting pupils with:
- Autism (ASC)
- Complex communication needs
- Pre-verbal and non-verbal profiles
- Sensory processing differences
- Emotional regulation and attachment needs
Class sizes are intentionally small, with high staffing ratios and experienced specialist support staff. Practice is consistent, predictable and grounded in emotional safety, routine and trust.
Transition Is Central to This Role
A key part of this position involves planned transition work. Pupils are gradually supported into the learning environment, which may include outreach-style work, such as structured home visits. Transitions are paced carefully to ensure they are safe, regulated and genuinely successful.
The Role
As the Primary Autism Lead Teacher, you will:
- Lead teaching for a small group of autistic pupils
- Deliver highly differentiated, developmentally appropriate primary learning
- Create predictable routines that support regulation and emotional safety
- Support pupils through a structured transition period, including outreach work
- Model calm, trauma-informed and autism-informed practice
- Work closely with families and external professionals
- Support pupils who may require close adult attachment
- Adapt teaching approaches for pre-verbal and non-verbal learners
- Maintain clear, consistent boundaries while building strong, trusting relationships
Some personal or intimate care may be required on an ad hoc basis, depending on pupil needs.
This Role Will Suit You If You:
- Are an experienced primary teacher with strong Autism experience
- Have worked in specialist SEND, therapeutic or autism-specific provisions
- Are confident in supporting complex communication and sensory needs
- Stay regulated when behaviour communicates anxiety or distress
- Value depth, consistency and relationship-led practice
- Are comfortable working flexibly, including outreach-style transition support
- Are ready for meaningful, practice-led leadership responsibility
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is essential.
If you are interested, apply now or contact Heeji Moon at Parker Smith Inclusion.