BPN Future Teachers Programme: Specialist from the start New

A salaried pathway into teaching for graduates committed to inclusive education

Delivered by Best Practice Network
In partnership with an Oxford Multi-Academy Trust

There is a growing need across the education system for teachers who feel confident supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). At the same time, many people enter teaching without having had the chance to really develop this expertise in practice.

The Future Teachers Programme - Specialist from the start,has been designed to bridge that gap. It offers a structured, supported year in a specialist school, where you can build experience, develop your understanding of inclusive teaching, and begin to see yourself as a teacher.

Working in a specialist setting gives you a different kind of starting point. You begin by really understanding how pupils learn, communicate, and engage - and how teaching can respond to that.

Over the year, you will:

• develop confidence in adaptive and inclusive teaching

• Develop your SEND pedagogy and understanding of complex needs. 

• learn how to work relationally and collaboratively with pupils and professionals

• gain experience that will support you in specialist setting and boost your mainstream relevance.

A salaried role in a specialist school
You'll work as a Teaching Assistant, building day-to-day experience of classroom practice and the role of the teacher

A structured development programme
Alongside your role, you'll follow a sequenced programme covering SEND, pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment

Mentoring and support
You'll have regular opportunities for coaching, observation, and feedback from experienced colleagues

A clear route into ITT
As the year progresses, you'll be supported to take the next step into Initial Teacher Training, including help with applications and interviews

• Understanding SEND and inclusive practice

• Behaviour as communication

• Adaptive teaching and responsive approaches

• Supporting communication, literacy, and numeracy

• Planning for learning and progression

• Working with multiagency professionals

The year is designed to build gradually, with increasing responsibility over time:

Term 1: Understanding specialist settings, approaches and values
Term 2: Developing inclusive and adaptive teaching approaches
Term 3: Beginning to plan and deliver learning with support
Term 4: Preparing for ITT and next steps

Learning is delivered through a mix of online modules, in-school mentoring, and specialist-led sessions.

This programme is likely to suit:

• Graduates who are thinking about teaching

• People with an interest in inclusive education and SEND

• Those who would benefit from a supported, structured introduction to the profession

• Career changers exploring teaching as a next step

By the end of the programme, you will have real experience of working in a specialist classroom, along with a stronger understanding of inclusive teaching and what the role of the teacher involves.

You'll be well placed to move into ITT, particularly the BPN SEND Pathway - with a clearer sense of direction and greater confidence in your next steps.

Take your first step into teaching in a setting where inclusion is central, not additional.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ's on the