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Home/Blogs/Australian Teachers/Working with SEN Students in UK Mainstream Schools

Working with SEN Students in UK Mainstream Schools

Teach in are partnered with specialist SEN schools and mainstream schools with SEN units and other alternative education institutions across England. If you are a qualified SEN teacher or are interested in working in this kind of environments, here is a guide for overseas teachers on key terms and practice in SEN classrooms and where you can support and teach SEN students in London and across the UK.

If you would like to talk about working in this educational sector, please reach out!  You don’t necessarily need experience or qualifications in SEN but just hold your teaching qualifications and a keen interest in working in SEN settings.

Here is a quick guide for overseas teachers:

Key Acronyms

  • SEN Special Educational Needs
  • SEND Special Educational Needs & Disabilities
  • SENCO Special Educational Needs Coordinator
  • EHCP Education, Health & Care Plan
  • TA/LSA Teaching Assistant / Learning Support Assistant

Legal & Policy Framework

  • SEND Code of Practice (2015) – sets out schools’ duties.
  • Equality Act (2010) – requires reasonable adjustments for SEN pupils.
  • Every teacher is a teacher of SEN – not just the SENCO.

The SENCO

  • Leads on SEN provision across the school.
  • Provides pupil profiles, strategies, and training.
  • Key point of contact if you need advice.

Classroom Practice

  • Inclusive classrooms – SEN pupils usually learn alongside peers.
  • Differentiation expected – scaffolds, alternatives, extra time, visuals.
  • Teaching Assistants may support individuals or groups.
  • Common strategies: Visual timetables, breaking tasks into steps, assistive tech, clear instructions.

Behaviour & Wellbeing

  • Some pupils have behaviour plans linked to SEN.
  • Approach: supportive strategies first, not punishment alone.
  • Strong focus on mental health and wellbeing.

Communication & Paperwork

  • Teachers evidence SEN support in planning, marking, and seating.
  • Parents are active partners – expect regular meetings/reviews.
  • EHCPs: legal documents with specific support requirements.

Cultural Differences to Note

  • Likely more SEN pupils in mainstream classes than in some other countries.
  • Greater emphasis on inclusion and access.
  • Collaboration with external professionals (speech therapists, educational psychologists, social workers).

Key Takeaway

In the UK, every teacher supports SEN students.

In England there are quite a few settings and opportunities where you can teach SEN (Special Educational Needs) students. It depends a bit on your qualifications, which age groups you want to work with, and whether you prefer mainstream or specialist settings.

Here’s a breakdown of where you could teach, and what to consider:

Special Schools

These schools are dedicated to pupils who have particular learning difficulties, disabilities, or both, and whose needs cannot be met in a mainstream school.

Pupils may have needs such as autism, sensory impairments, severe or profound & multiple learning difficulties, etc.

Mainstream Schools with SEN Units or Provisions

Many mainstream primary/secondary schools have SEN units, resource bases, or specialist provisions.

Some pupils are taught primarily in mainstream settings with additional support (e.g. teaching assistants, differentiated learning, etc).

Mainstream Schools (inclusion roles)

Roles such as SEN teacher, Learning Support Teacher, or Inclusion Co-ordinator (often called SENCO) exist to help integrate SEN students into mainstream classrooms.

Working in this way you might spend time both supporting whole-class work and doing small group / individual interventions.

Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) or Alternative Provision

Schools for those who are unable to attend mainstream school for some reason (behavioural, emotional, mental health, etc).

Independent / Private SEN Schools

These often cater to more specialist or complex needs, and may have more flexibility in terms of curriculum, class size, resources.

Residential SEN Schools or Specialist Colleges

For older students, especially those with profound or complex needs, or sensory/physical disabilities, that require specialized care and living arrangements.

Further Education (FE) Colleges with SEN / Disability Support

For students post-16 who have SEN and need additional support to pursue vocational, academic or other training pathways.

Outreach and Support Services

Working for local authorities or charities to provide support for SEN students across multiple schools (e.g. outreach workers, therapy support, specialist intervention teams).

Click here to talk to someone at Teach in about SEN teaching opportunities.

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