Specialist Teacher - Autism Support Team

The Role

Do you see yourself making a meaningful difference to the lives of autistic children across Southwark?

Can you use your teaching expertise to empower schools to create inclusive, supportive learning environments?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

Our Autism Support Team (AST) is looking for a passionate and dedicated Specialist Teacher to join our amazing team and help make a difference today!

About the Role:

The Southwark Autism Support Team (AST) is a peripatetic advisory service based within the SEN Department of Children's and Adults' Services. We provide guidance and training to all Southwark primary schools, supporting staff to develop their knowledge, skills, and confidence in meeting the needs of autistic pupils.

As a Specialist Teacher, you will:

• Offer advice and practical strategies to SENCOs, teachers, and support staff to enhance inclusion and learning outcomes.
• Model effective classroom strategies and support schools in implementing best practice.
• Deliver training as part of the team's wide-ranging professional development offer, including the Autism Education Trust (AET) programmes.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals to promote consistent, evidence-based approaches across the borough.

This is a role where your specialist knowledge and enthusiasm can have a borough-wide impact on inclusive education.

About You:

We are looking for an experienced, motivated, and inspirational qualified teacher who is passionate about supporting autistic children and ensuring they thrive in education.

You will bring:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and proven classroom experience.
• Specialist expertise in autism and inclusive teaching strategies.
• An understanding of the barriers autistic pupils may face and how to overcome them.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to challenge, motivate, and inspire SENCOs, teachers, and support staff.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with strong organisational and time management skills.
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, and working effectively within Southwark's culturally and linguistically diverse community.
• A high standard of written and spoken English.

About the Team:

You'll be joining a friendly and supportive team of professionals committed to improving the educational experiences of autistic children.

The team has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality advice, training, and support. As an AET Training Partner, we offer a comprehensive training portfolio to schools and professionals, ensuring Southwark continues to lead in inclusive education.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Meg Newman (Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist) at .uk

Additional Information:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) DBS check at Enhanced level.

Benefits and more information:

Recruitment timetable

Advert close date: 11:59pm on 12th November 2025

Shortlisting date/s: 13th November 2025

Interview date/s: 20th and 21st November 2025

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.