SEMH Teacher

SEMH Teacher – Specialist SEMH Provision, Harlow (Ages 11–19)

About the Role

A specialist Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) provision in Harlow is seeking a compassionate, resilient, and creative Teacher to join its dedicated team. This role is ideal for an educator who thrives on making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people with additional behavioural, emotional, and social needs.

The successful candidate will plan and teach creative subjects including Art, Design & Technology, and Food/Cooking to students across Key Stages 2, 3 and 4. These practical subjects play a vital role in supporting engagement, building confidence, and developing life skills for pupils who benefit from a more hands-on and nurturing approach to learning.

Many of our students have previously experienced challenges in mainstream education and may require additional support with emotional regulation, social interaction, and wellbeing. Staff work closely together to create a structured, supportive environment where students can rebuild confidence and succeed.

What SEMH Means in Practice

Children with SEMH needs may experience challenges with:

Emotional regulation (e.g., frustration, anxiety, withdrawal, or anger)

Building and maintaining positive relationships

Trusting adults and peers

Managing structure or academic pressure

Communicating their needs effectively

A nurturing and trauma-informed approach is central to helping students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons in Art, DT, and Food/Cooking for students across KS2–KS4.

Build positive, trusting relationships that support both wellbeing and academic progress.

Implement personalised behaviour and support strategies with consistency and empathy.

Create a structured, nurturing classroom environment that promotes engagement and independence.

Work collaboratively with teaching assistants, pastoral staff, and external professionals.

Monitor and report on students’ academic, social, and emotional progress.

Contribute to individual support plans and review meetings.

Promote an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported.

About You

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS) or a relevant teaching qualification.

Experience working with SEMH pupils, SEND learners, or in specialist provision is desirable but not essential.

Passion for creative, practical learning that supports confidence and life skills.

Strong behaviour management grounded in empathy, consistency, and trauma-informed practice.

Ability to differentiate effectively and adapt teaching for diverse learning needs.

Patient, reflective, and resilient approach with a strong commitment to safeguarding.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.

What the School Offers

A caring, supportive, and experienced staff team.

Small class sizes with additional support staff.

Ongoing CPD and specialist SEMH training.

A therapeutic, child-centred approach to education.

Opportunities for career development within specialist education.

Equal Opportunities

Our organisation is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds, and we do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

Additional Benefits

Take advantage of our Refer and Earn scheme– recommend someone who is successfully placed and receive a referral bonus
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed