Supporting Children with SEND (SEMH Focus)

About the School

This specialist independent day provision supports children and young people aged 7–18 with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), primarily within the Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) category. Many pupils also present with additional needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and sensory processing difficulties.

The pupil community often includes individuals who have experienced significant educational disadvantage, disrupted schooling, or early childhood trauma and attachment difficulties. As such, many pupils require targeted support to develop emotional regulation, resilience, and engagement with learning.

The provision operates across four specialist settings over three sites, enabling a highly personalised and bespoke approach to education. With small class sizes and high adult-to-pupil ratios, the experienced and cohesive staff team is able to deliver tailored support to meet each individual’s needs.

The school is recognised for its strong track record in re-engaging pupils who may have previously felt unable to access education. Through a therapeutic, child-centred approach, the team creates a calm, structured, and nurturing environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, develop positive relationships, and make meaningful progress—both academically and personally.

The focus is not only on education, but on transforming life outcomes—helping pupils rediscover a love of learning and regain opportunities for their future.

The Role

You will play a key role in supporting pupils who may display:

• Emotional dysregulation
• Challenging behaviours linked to unmet needs
• Difficulties with communication and social interaction
• Low engagement or previous school refusal

Your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting teaching and learning in small classroom settings
• Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils
• Implementing individual education and behaviour plans
• Using calm, consistent approaches to support distressed students
• Promoting emotional wellbeing, resilience, and independence

What We’re Looking For

The school is seeking individuals who are:

• Passionate about working with children with SEND
• Patient, empathetic, and emotionally resilient
• Calm under pressure and able to manage challenging behaviour positively
• Committed to making a lasting difference in young people’s lives
• Strong team players who value collaboration and consistency

Experience in education, care, or therapeutic settings is desirable but not essential. Full training and professional development will be provided.

Why Join?

• Be part of an experienced and supportive team with a proven track record
• Work in a setting where wellbeing and relationships are prioritised
• Make a genuine, lasting impact on young people’s futures
• Access ongoing training and development opportunities
• Contribute to a provision where every achievement is recognised and celebrated

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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