Considering a Move into SEND? How to Find the Right SEN Jobs for You

Maybe it was the moment a pupil who’d been struggling all term finally got it, because you tried a different approach. Or maybe the part of your week you look forward to most is the time you spend with pupils who need a little extra support. If you’ve found yourself searching for SEN jobs on a Sunday evening, you’re not alone.

If that feeling has been quietly growing all term, it’s worth listening to. A career that truly fits you is worth chasing, and with the resignation deadline just around the corner, there’s no better time to take the first step.

When is the teacher resignation deadline?

To leave your current school at Christmas and start somewhere new in January, you’ll usually need to hand in your notice by 31st October. That’s the date in the Burgundy Book for teachers in maintained schools, and most academies follow it too, though it’s worth checking your contract.

This year, 31st October falls on a Saturday, and for many schools it’s the end of half term. In reality, that means you’ve got less time than you think. Our guide, What’s Your Teaching Jobs Resignation Deadline?, covers the dates for every term.

Which SEN jobs could you start in January?

Before you write that letter, it helps to know what you’re moving towards. And the need is growing, with more than 1.8 million pupils in England now identified as having special educational needs. But SEND isn’t one job, and the right setting can make all the difference.

• Specialist schools have small classes with several adults in the room, so you really get to know every pupil. They suit teachers who love seeing progress up close, even when it comes in tiny steps.
• Resource bases and specialist units sit within mainstream schools, so you can specialise without leaving mainstream behind altogether.
• Alternative Provision and Pupil Referral Units work with pupils who can’t currently attend mainstream school. Some pupils will test you before they trust you, but if you’re drawn to young people the system hasn’t always worked for, there’s nothing quite like it.
• SEMH and autism-specific schools focus on particular needs, and they’re a great fit if you want to build real expertise in one area. Prospero Learning’s online courses, like Supporting Children with Autism in Schools, are a good way to get a head start.

Do SEN teachers get paid more?

Often, yes. Teachers in many SEND roles receive an SEN allowance on top of their usual salary. From September 2026, the SEN allowance is set to range from £2,885 to £5,690 a year, depending on the role and the school. It’s not guaranteed in every SEND job, so it’s always worth asking about when you apply.

How to find the right SEN job before 31st October

A fortnight isn’t long, but it’s enough if you use it well.

• Visit before you decide. Most SEND schools are happy for teachers to look around, and an hour in the building will tell you more than any job advert. Pay attention to how staff talk to pupils, and to each other.
• Ask the questions that matter. How many adults are usually in each classroom? How does leadership support staff after a tough day? The way a school answers says a lot about what it’s like to work there.
• Speak to a specialist. An agency with a dedicated SEN team will know which schools are recruiting for January and which settings might suit you, which saves you a lot of searching.
• Get your letter in early. Keep it short and polite, and hand it to your headteacher before half term so there’s no last minute panic.

What if you’re not ready to commit yet?

That’s completely fine. You could still resign by 31st October and start with long-term supply in a SEND setting from January. It gives you a proper feel for the work, without locking you into one school straight away.

And if Christmas feels too soon, the next deadline is 28th February, to leave at Easter. Using the time to visit a few settings now means you’ll be ready when it comes round.

Ready to make your move?

Changing direction mid-career can feel like a big leap, especially with a deadline ticking away. But you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Prospero Teaching has been placing teachers in schools since 2000, and our SEN team works with special schools and Pupil Referral Units. We can talk you through your options and help you find a setting that suits the way you teach.

Contact us before 31st October, even if it’s just for a chat. The move you’ve been thinking about might be closer than you think.

sources: https://www.nasuwt.org.uk/advice/pay-pensions/pay-scales/pay-scales-england.html https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england/2025-26 nasuwt.org.uk/advice/conditions-of-service/resigning-from-your-job.html