Teacher, Special Needs ​/ Learning Disabilities

About The Role

Teacher (12‑Month Fixed Term – Maternity Cover)

Birchwood School, Cardiff – Full Time, 37.5 hours per week, Term Time Only, Fixed Term (12 months)

Salary: £21,501 – £38,628 per annum

Birchwood School is entering a new phase of development, and we are pleased to offer a 12‑month fixed‑term opportunity for a Teacher to join our dedicated team in Cardiff. This maternity cover role is ideal for someone who wants to make a meaningful impact within a specialist setting while contributing to the continued expansion of our provision.

Birchwood School, part of Orbis Education & Care, supports children and young people with Autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, and complex barriers to learning. Our therapeutic, nurturing environment enables pupils to feel safe, understood and empowered — and our staff are central to making that happen.

• Planning and delivering differentiated lessons aligned to individual learning needs.
• Creating a calm, structured and supportive classroom environment.
• Using positive behaviour support strategies in line with school policies.
• Monitoring, assessing and recording pupil progress.
• Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and parents/carers.
• Supporting pupils’ wellbeing, including personal care where required.
• Leading, coaching and supporting Learning Support Assistants to ensure high‑quality classroom practice.
• Promoting safeguarding, equality and inclusion at all times.

• GCSEs (A*–C or equivalent), including English and Maths.
• A child‑centred approach and passion for inclusive education.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt teaching methods to support complex needs.
• Commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.
• Experience supporting or leading others in a classroom environment.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Experience working with pupils with Autism, SEMH or additional learning needs.
• Confidence working within a multidisciplinary team.
• A creative, flexible and reflective approach to teaching and learning.
• Experience coaching or mentoring support staff.

• Be part of an expanding school with opportunities to contribute to new provision.
• Small class sizes with high levels of support.
• A welcoming, supportive and values‑led school culture.
• Ongoing professional development and learning opportunities.
• Term‑time only working to support work‑life balance.
• The chance to make a genuine, lasting difference every day.

Please note:

This role involves regulated activity with children and requires an Enhanced DBS Check, including a Barred List Check. Registration with the Education Workforce Council (EWC) is essential.

If you’re a teacher looking for a rewarding fixed‑term opportunity within a specialist school — where your impact truly matters — we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your teaching career at Birchwood School, Cardiff.