CARDIFF COUNCIL is launching a recruitment drive for specialist teachers to support a significant expansion of education provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
Ambitious city-wide plans have been unveiled to realign and grow services for children and young people with ALN, ensuring every learner receives the support they need to thrive.
With almost 500 new specialist places due to be delivered over the next two years, more teachers across both primary and secondary sectors, are needed to help Cardiff deliver on its commitment to inclusive education and make a lasting difference for children and young people.
A range of vacancies are available across mainstream and specialist provision and applicants can expect to make a real impact by transforming lives. Providing effective, specialist and nurturing, teaching and learning support they will lead the way in high-quality specialist provision. Working in supportive and inclusive schools, with access to professional development and training opportunities, educators can grow careers with specialist learning pathways.
The application window for posts starting in April and September 2026 is now open. A range of settings are recruiting, and posts are being advertised on the Eteach platform here: Teaching jobs and Recruitment – Eteach. Interested candidates are urged to act quickly and apply.
Reflecting on her experience, Catrin Llwyd, who has worked in ALN schools for almost 20 years and currently teaches in Woodlands High School said: “Being a teacher in a specialist setting is a unique and incredible opportunity.
“Being flexible, resilient and person centred by recognising and meeting all individual needs, we strive to ensure that all learners achieve their potential regardless of need and ability.
It is our privilege to create the stage for our pupils to shine and showcase their own unique set of skills and see the progress they make.
“The role is fulfilling, offering daily moments of growth, joy and connection that make every barrier to learning worthwhile.
“Everyday is different, learning is fun, everyday is a new and exciting experience for our learners. Teaching in specialist provision means being a teacher and an advocate and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
The expansion of specialist provision across the city responds to rising demand for Emotional Health and Wellbeing, Autism and Complex Learning Needs places – driven by improved survival rates for children with significant disabilities, better identification of specific needs, and increased emotional health challenges among young people.
It is part of a wider programme aligned with Cardiff’s Education Inclusion Strategy which looks to ensure that the majority of learners with ALN can have their needs met in local mainstream schools wherever possible. When specialist provision is required, the ambition is for learners to remain within Cardiff, reducing reliance on costly out-of-county placements and supporting community cohesion.
Councillor Sarah Merry, Cabinet Member for Education and Cardiff’s Deputy Leader, said: “This is an exciting time for our city, with significant investment planned for the future of specialist provision to support learners with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision.
“As we look ahead, we remain firmly committed to providing truly inclusive education, ensuring that every learner with ALN has their needs met and that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
“Investment is just part of this vision. A strong, dedicated, and passionate workforce is integral to achieving our ambitions.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have outstanding teachers and support staff across the city, and we recognise the vital role they play in enriching the lives of our learners.
“To build on this strong foundation, we are focused on recruiting talented individuals who share our commitment to inclusion, aspiration, and excellence.
“By attracting and nurturing a skilled and enthusiastic workforce, we can deliver high-quality specialist provision that meets the diverse needs of our learners, now and in the years to come.
“Together, we can ensure that every child receives the support they need to succeed.”
Over the coming months, Cardiff will also be recruiting for around 120 teaching assistant roles in Additional Learning Needs (ALN) settings in the city. These positions will play a vital part in supporting learners and helping specialist teachers deliver high-quality, inclusive education.
If you’re interested in these opportunities, keep an eye on the Eteach platform and Cardiff Council’s jobs page for updates:
Cardiff’s new proposals, part of the city’s Education Inclusion Strategy, will be delivered through a mix of refurbishment and new-build projects. You can read more here: Cardiff Council announces major expansion of specialist education provision
