Pre Formal Teacher

We work smarter so that you can enjoy the things that matter outside of work

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

Eligibility: UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

Are you passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences for children with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD)? Do you believe that progress should be measured in confidence, communication, engagement and independence as much as academic achievement?

At Heath Farm School, we're looking for a compassionate and creative Pre-Formal Teacher to join our dedicated team and help pupils access the world around them through personalized, sensory-rich learning experiences.

This is a truly rewarding role where you'll work with pupils who require a highly individualized approach to education. Rather than focusing on traditional age-related academic outcomes, you'll support the development of foundational skills that enable pupils to communicate, connect, regulate emotions and engage with the world in meaningful ways.

Working closely with therapists, support staff and families, you'll create nurturing learning environments that celebrate every achievement and unlock every child's potential.

• Deliver highly personalized pre‑formal learning programmes tailored to individual pupil needs
• Support the development of early communication, interaction and engagement skills
• Use multi‑sensory approaches including sight, sound, touch, movement and play to promote learning
• Work closely with speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and other professionals to integrate therapeutic approaches into everyday learning
• Support therapy‑integrated learning programmes such as hydrotherapy, sensory regulation activities and massage stories
• Develop pupils' communication skills through strategies such as visual supports, now/next boards, symbols and intensive interaction
• Build routines, trust, emotional regulation and sustained attention through consistent, nurturing practice
• Monitor and celebrate progress in small but significant developmental milestones
• Create a safe, calm and stimulating environment where pupils feel secure, valued and ready to learn
• Work collaboratively with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child

We're looking for someone who is:

• Qualified with QTS or equivalent
• Passionate about supporting pupils with PMLD, complex needs and diverse learning profiles
• Experienced in, or enthusiastic about, pre‑formal and sensory‑based learning approaches
• Creative, patient and able to adapt learning to individual needs
• Skilled at building trusting relationships and supporting communication development
• Comfortable working alongside therapists and implementing therapeutic strategies
• Committed to inclusive, child‑centred practice
• A collaborative team player with a positive and nurturing approach
• In possession of a full UK driving licence

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

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic. All applicants will be considered based on merit and suitability for the role.