SALARY SCALE: £35,000–£45,000 per annum
HOURS: Full-time, 52 weeks
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Headteacher
LOCATION: Pathways School, Shrewsbury Avenue, Harrow, Middlesex
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Two Terms
HOLIDAY: The school year for students is 39 weeks. All school closures are non-working days.
SICK PAY: Full pay whilst unable to work due to sickness as follows: • 0 days in first three months • 5 days for the remainder of the first year • 20 days thereafter • Salary payments for periods of sickness beyond 20 days in a 52-week period are at the discretion of Pathways School
OTHER BENEFITS: Pension, employee assistance programme, counselling, supervision, membership fees
OVERVIEW:
Pathways School is an independent special school in Harrow providing education for children and young people aged 11–19 with complex learning needs. We are guided by the principles of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). We work collaboratively with all stakeholders to improve the quality of life for our students and their families within a person-centred culture of unconditional positive regard.
This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join Pathways School as we move into the next stage of our development. Since opening in September 2022, Pathways has become a trusted part of the special school community in North West London — a place where compassion, curiosity, and evidence-based practice work hand in hand to transform young lives. We are seeking an ambitious and compassionate Behaviour Analyst to build on our strong foundations in ABA and PBS, and to help shape the next phase of our journey together.
JOB PURPOSE
To be a member of the school leadership team, contributing to the overall strategic development and day-to-day operation of Pathways School. To lead a team including Assistant BAs and ABA Tutors, providing guidance, support, and training. To collaborate with the teaching team to oversee the educational and behavioural progress of students, develop and monitor individualised education and behaviour support plans, and ensure that data gathering and evidence-based practice underpins all aspects of teaching and learning within the school.
ASSESSMENT AND TEACHING
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of ABA and PBS principles.
- Conduct baseline and ongoing assessments, producing clear and informative reports for all stakeholders.
- Develop and monitor individual learning plans (ILPs) and ensure that targets are actively worked on throughout each term.
- Oversee the admissions process for new students, including school-based assessments, home visits, and transition planning.
- Monitor progress, adjust programmes, and refine teaching strategies as needed.
- Deliver both 1:1 and group instruction where required.
- Prepare for and participate in Annual Reviews and EHCP meetings, producing relevant reports.
- Supervise preparation of materials for parent consultations and end-of-term reports.
- Liaise with the Occupational Therapist and Speech & Language Therapist to integrate their targets into pupil programmes.
BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT
- Conduct functional behaviour assessments and design function-based Behaviour Support Plans.
- Monitor plans closely and make adjustments where required.
- Support ABA Tutors and the wider multi-disciplinary team in implementing plans.
- Discuss Behaviour Support Plans with parents/carers and gain consent prior to implementation.
- Coordinate RPI training for staff, ensuring this remains up to date.
LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING
- Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development to Trainee Behaviour Analysts, Advanced Skills Practitioners, Lead Tutors, and ABA Tutors.
- Deliver structured training and guidance to the multi-disciplinary team (OT, SALT, PE Instructor).
- Conduct termly competency assessments and tailor training accordingly.
- Maintain training records and provide written feedback for all training delivered.
- Monitor professional conduct and address issues promptly, keeping the Headteacher informed.
- Support whole-school planning, including INSET days, timetables, and events.
- Ensure classrooms are organised, well-resourced, and conducive to learning.
- Lead weekly team meetings with ABA Tutors and the multi-disciplinary team.
PARENT SUPPORT AND OUTREACH
- Conduct parent workshops and individual family training sessions.
- Maintain effective communication with parents through meetings, phone calls, and email.
- Share progress updates, address concerns, and support consistent implementation of strategies across home and school.
- Develop the outreach potential for parent/carer education, home-based programmes and professional development opportunities.
PUPIL WELFARE
- Uphold the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of students at all times.
- Play a role as part of the school Safeguarding Team.
- Follow all safeguarding policies and report concerns promptly.
- Ensure risk assessments and medical care plans for students are up to date.
- Supervise the implementation of intimate care routines with sensitivity and respect.
- Administer first aid and liaise with social workers or other professionals as required.
GENERAL
- Stay informed on developments in ABA, PBS, and special education by attending conferences and engaging with current research.
- Implement all school policies and procedures consistently.
- Participate actively in staff meetings, training sessions, and parent events.
- Represent the school professionally at reviews, tribunals, and external meetings.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably requested by the Headteacher.
SAFEGUARDING
Pathways School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check, and confirmation of the right to work in the UK.
How to Apply
Application materials are available on the school website:
https://pbslpathways.org.uk/careers/
Or via the school office:
office@pbslpathways.org.uk
0208 054 4540
Please send your completed application form and a covering letter outlining how you meet the person specification to office@pbslpathways.org.uk.
Closing date for applications: 15 December 2025
Interviews: To be held shortly after the closing date.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications & Training
Essential
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Applied Behaviour Analysis, Psychology, or a related field.
- Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) or UKBA(cert)
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in behaviour analysis, special education, or Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
Desirable
- Safeguarding Level 2 (or willingness to complete).
- First Aid qualification.
Experience
Essential
- Minimum four years’ experience delivering behaviour analytic services in an educational or clinical setting, ideally within a special school.
- Proven experience supervising and developing ABA Tutors or equivalent staff.
- Demonstrable success designing and implementing tailored behaviour support plans and education programmes.
- Experience collaborating with multi-disciplinary professionals (e.g. OT, SALT, psychologists).
- Experience supporting parents and carers through training and consultation.
Desirable
- Experience contributing to inspections, audits, or quality assurance processes.
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- In-depth understanding of Applied Behaviour Analysis and Positive Behaviour Support.
- Strong assessment, data analysis, and report-writing skills.
- Ability to train, coach, and mentor staff effectively.
- Clear understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment, and safe working practices.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across staff, parents, and professionals.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain calm, reflective decision-making under pressure.
- Competence using data and digital tools (e.g. Excel, behaviour tracking software).
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about improving the lives and learning outcomes of young people with complex needs.
- Reflective, compassionate, and resilient leader who models integrity and professionalism.
- Collaborative team player who values inclusion and shared learning.
- Proactive and solution-focused approach to problem solving.
- Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.