PRU Teacher

PRU Teacher – SEMH & Trauma-Informed Practice Pupil Referral Unit – Sutton/Merton Start Date: January 2026 Contract: Full-time, Long-term Salary: M1 – M6 (Inner/Outer London weighting as applicable) We are seeking a resilient, compassionate and emotionally intelligent PRU Teacher to join a supportive Pupil Referral Unit in Sutton from January 2026. This full-time, long-term role is suited to teachers who are passionate about working with young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, many of whom have experienced early childhood trauma, disrupted education, attachment difficulties and adverse life experiences. Our pupils may present with behaviours that communicate unmet needs rather than deliberate challenge. Building trusting, consistent and respectful relationships is at the heart of this role. Success is measured not only through academic progress, but through engagement, self-regulation, resilience and re-connection with learning. The Role As a PRU Teacher, you will: Plan and deliver flexible, differentiated and accessible lessons that re-engage pupils with learning at their level Create a safe, predictable and emotionally supportive classroom environment rooted in trauma-informed practice Use relational and restorative approaches to support behaviour, understanding that behaviour is a form of communication Support pupils to develop emotional literacy, self-regulation and coping strategies Adapt the curriculum to prioritise engagement, confidence, life skills and readiness to learn, alongside academic progress Maintain clear boundaries, routines and expectations while remaining calm, fair and consistent Track and record progress in academic, social and emotional development, aligned with EHCPs or personalised support plans Work closely with pastoral staff, mentors, therapists, social workers and families to provide joined-up support Respond confidently and professionally to challenging behaviour, using de-escalation strategies and reflective practice Safeguard pupils at all times, recognising the impact of trauma and vulnerability The Ideal Candidate You will: Hold QTS (or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification) Have experience working with pupils with SEMH needs, challenging behaviour, trauma or in alternative provision (desirable but not essential) Demonstrate emotional resilience, patience and empathy Understand the impact of trauma, attachment and adverse childhood experiences on behaviour and learning Be reflective, adaptable and able to reset and rebuild relationships when needed Maintain a calm, non-judgemental and respectful presence under pressure Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary and pastoral-led team Be committed to ongoing professional development in trauma-informed and restorative practice What We Offer M1 – M6 pay scale A supportive leadership team with a strong pastoral ethos Extensive CPD in SEMH, trauma-informed practice, behaviour support and de-escalation Small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios Access to specialist services including counselling, mentoring and therapeutic support The opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on young people’s lives and futures If you are a teacher who believes that relationships come before learning, and that every young person deserves understanding, consistency and hope, we would love to hear from you. Apply now through Parker Smith Inclusion and help young people rediscover trust, confidence and purpose in education. For more information, contact Jamie Martinez, SEND Consultant.

SEN Teacher – Autism & Severe Learning Difficulties Special School – Sutton Start Date: January 2026 Contract: Full-time, Long-term Salary: M1 – M6 (Inner/Outer London weighting as applicable) We are seeking a calm, empathetic and highly person-centred SEND Teacher to join a supportive and well-established special school in Sutton from January 2026. This full-time, long-term role is ideal for teachers with experience in special education or those from mainstream settings who are passionate about working with autistic pupils and learners with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD). Our pupils require highly structured, predictable and nurturing learning environments. Many are pre-verbal or minimally verbal, learn best through sensory, visual and experiential approaches, and benefit from consistent routines and trusted relationships. Progress is measured in small, meaningful steps that support communication, independence, emotional regulation and quality of life. The Role As a SEND Teacher working with autistic pupils and learners with SLD, you will: Plan and deliver highly personalised learning experiences, focused on communication, engagement, independence and functional life skills Create a low-arousal, sensory-aware classroom environment that supports regulation, safety and emotional wellbeing Use specialist approaches such as TEACCH, visual supports, sensory integration strategies, AAC and structured routines Adapt learning to meet pupils at their developmental level, celebrating progress in engagement, interaction and self-help skills Work closely with teaching assistants to ensure consistency, structure and continuity throughout the day Observe, assess and record progress against EHCP outcomes, using qualitative and developmental measures rather than solely academic data Collaborate with speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, behaviour specialists and families to provide holistic support Support pupils with personal care, transitions, and emotional regulation, where required Promote dignity, choice, independence and positive self-identity for every learner Maintain high standards of safeguarding, care and professional conduct at all times The Ideal Candidate You will: Hold QTS (or an equivalent recognised teaching qualification) Have experience or a strong interest in working with autistic children and/or pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (experience is welcomed but not essential) Demonstrate a calm, patient and emotionally attuned approach to teaching and behaviour support Understand that progress may be slow and non-linear, and value small, meaningful achievements Be flexible, reflective and responsive to individual sensory, communication and emotional needs Work confidently as part of a multidisciplinary team, valuing collaboration and shared expertise Be committed to ongoing professional development in autism, communication and specialist SEND practice What We Offer M1 – M6 pay scale A nurturing, inclusive school culture with strong leadership support Extensive SEND-specific CPD, including autism and SLD-focused training Well-resourced classrooms with access to specialist equipment and therapeutic input A highly skilled team of teaching assistants and therapists The opportunity to make a profound and lasting difference to pupils’ lives and development If you are an educator who believes that learning should be accessible, respectful and tailored to the individual, and who values connection over compliance, we would love to hear from you. Apply now through Parker Smith Inclusion and be part of a team that changes lives every day. For more information, contact Jamie Martinez, SEND Consultant.

SEN Teaching Assistant - Complex Needs School Location: Sutton and Merton Pay: £90 – £100 per day (Depending on experience) – PAYE, no hidden deductions Working Pattern: Full-time, Long-term (Temp-to-Perm Opportunity) Recruitment Partner: Parker Smith Inclusion Are you someone who genuinely wants to make a difference every single day? Are you calm, compassionate and ready to support a young person who needs patience, understanding and consistency? Parker Smith Inclusion is partnered with a warm, dedicated SEND school in Sutton, and we are looking for a caring, passionate and resilient Teaching Assistant supporting pupils with a diagnosis of Autism and significant behavioural needs linked to trauma, SLD, PMLD and Complex Needs. If you believe in the power of relationships, small steps forward and celebrating every achievement, this could be the perfect role for you. We are supporting two SEND schools across Sutton and Merton, catering to students with physical disabilities, Autism, complex needs, SLD and who require personal care. This may also include moving and handling support where necesary. About the School: This specialist SEND school is known for its nurturing ethos and commitment to every child’s unique journey. Staff work with empathy, patience and genuine care, placing trauma-informed practice at the centre of everything they do. The school prides itself on: A truly child-centred approach, always guided by what each pupil needs to feel safe, settled and ready to learn Ensuring every young person is understood and supported, both emotionally and academically A team culture where staff look out for one another, celebrate successes and support each other during challenges Offering pupils a peaceful, structured environment where they can grow at their own pace Students also benefit from a wide range of therapies based on their EHCPs, including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, counselling, art therapy, CAMHS support, music therapy, Lego therapy, ELSA and various targeted interventions. The school uses an adapted version of the Zones of Regulation, created in collaboration with therapy teams, and a whole-school sensory routine carried out every day. This starts right from breakfast club, helping students meet their oral, proprioceptive, tactile, visual, vestibular and auditory needs with carefully selected activities and food options. In the classroom, students are supported with: Fine-motor activity boxes Calming music Clear transition routines Mid-lesson movement breaks Personalised visual timetables Timers to help with emotional regulation and structure If a student becomes dysregulated and requires additional support, the school provides thoughtful, structured interventions both in and out of the classroom. This may include sensory circuits, movement breaks or time with a TA/HLTA—always planned, supervised and agreed between staff and pupil. It’s a setting where children are cared for deeply—and where passionate educators feel valued, supported and part of something meaningful. About the Role: Provide support to PMLD, SLD, Complex needs and Autistic students Build a trusting, stable relationship that helps the pupil feel secure Offer calm, consistent reassurance during difficult moments Support learning both inside the classroom and through structured sensory/therapeutic activities Work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and therapists using personalised strategies Support personal care and encouraging independence where possible Celebrate progress, no matter how small and help the pupil experience success This role is ideal for someone who truly cares about giving young people the stability and encouragement they deserve. What We’re Looking For: We’re looking for a genuinely passionate educator, someone who: Is confident, patient and nurturing Understands behaviour through a trauma-informed lens Has experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour Can stay positive even on tough days Communicates clearly and works well as part of a supportive team Believes every child is capable of progress with the right support Why Join Through Parker Smith Inclusion? Long-term role with real potential to become permanent Support from specialist SEND consultants who truly understand your role Access to meaningful CPD in SEND, Complex Needs, SEMH and behaviour support A chance to join a school where your kindness, passion and resilience will make a lasting impact If you’re the type of person who shows up with empathy, patience and a willingness to believe in every child, even on their hardest days, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now through Parker Smith Inclusion and help change a young person’s life for the better. For more information, contact Jamie Martinez, SEND Consultant.

PMLD Teaching Assistant - PMLD/SLD School Location: Sutton and Merton Pay: £90 – £100 per day (Depending on experience) – PAYE, no hidden deductions Working Pattern: Full-time, Long-term (Temp-to-Perm Opportunity) Recruitment Partner: Parker Smith Inclusion Are you someone who genuinely wants to make a difference every single day? Are you calm, compassionate and ready to support a young person who needs patience, understanding and consistency? Parker Smith Inclusion is partnered with a warm, dedicated SEND school in Sutton, and we are looking for a caring, passionate and resilient Teaching Assistant supporting pupils with a diagnosis of Autism and significant behavioural needs linked to trauma, SLD, PMLD and Complex Needs. If you believe in the power of relationships, small steps forward and celebrating every achievement, this could be the perfect role for you. We are supporting two SEND schools across Sutton and Merton, catering to students with physical disabilities, Autism, complex needs, SLD and who require personal care. This may also include moving and handling support where necesary. About the School: This specialist SEND school is known for its nurturing ethos and commitment to every child’s unique journey. Staff work with empathy, patience and genuine care, placing trauma-informed practice at the centre of everything they do. The school prides itself on: A truly child-centred approach, always guided by what each pupil needs to feel safe, settled and ready to learn Ensuring every young person is understood and supported, both emotionally and academically A team culture where staff look out for one another, celebrate successes and support each other during challenges Offering pupils a peaceful, structured environment where they can grow at their own pace Students also benefit from a wide range of therapies based on their EHCPs, including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, counselling, art therapy, CAMHS support, music therapy, Lego therapy, ELSA and various targeted interventions. The school uses an adapted version of the Zones of Regulation, created in collaboration with therapy teams, and a whole-school sensory routine carried out every day. This starts right from breakfast club, helping students meet their oral, proprioceptive, tactile, visual, vestibular and auditory needs with carefully selected activities and food options. In the classroom, students are supported with: Fine-motor activity boxes Calming music Clear transition routines Mid-lesson movement breaks Personalised visual timetables Timers to help with emotional regulation and structure If a student becomes dysregulated and requires additional support, the school provides thoughtful, structured interventions both in and out of the classroom. This may include sensory circuits, movement breaks or time with a TA/HLTA—always planned, supervised and agreed between staff and pupil. It’s a setting where children are cared for deeply—and where passionate educators feel valued, supported and part of something meaningful. About the Role: Provide support to PMLD, SLD, Complex needs and Autistic students Build a trusting, stable relationship that helps the pupil feel secure Offer calm, consistent reassurance during difficult moments Support learning both inside the classroom and through structured sensory/therapeutic activities Work closely with teachers, pastoral staff and therapists using personalised strategies Support personal care and encouraging independence where possible Celebrate progress, no matter how small and help the pupil experience success This role is ideal for someone who truly cares about giving young people the stability and encouragement they deserve. What We’re Looking For: We’re looking for a genuinely passionate educator, someone who: Is confident, patient and nurturing Understands behaviour through a trauma-informed lens Has experience supporting pupils with challenging behaviour Can stay positive even on tough days Communicates clearly and works well as part of a supportive team Believes every child is capable of progress with the right support Why Join Through Parker Smith Inclusion? Long-term role with real potential to become permanent Support from specialist SEND consultants who truly understand your role Access to meaningful CPD in SEND, Complex Needs, SEMH and behaviour support A chance to join a school where your kindness, passion and resilience will make a lasting impact If you’re the type of person who shows up with empathy, patience and a willingness to believe in every child, even on their hardest days, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now through Parker Smith Inclusion and help change a young person’s life for the better. For more information, contact Jamie Martinez, SEND Consultant.