Secondary SEMH School - SEN Teacher

Location: Reading
Working Hours: 08:30 am – 16:00 pm
Salary: Paid to teacher scale


Are you a dedicated and compassionate educator with a passion for supporting students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? We are seeking a skilled SEN Teacher to work within a specialist secondary SEMH school, teaching secondary-aged students who are learning at a primary level.
This is a rewarding opportunity to inspire and support young people in a setting that prioritises emotional wellbeing, inclusion, and personal growth alongside academic achievement.
At the school, they are committed to providing a nurturing, therapeutic, and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, understood, and supported. The school caters for students aged 11–16 with SEMH needs and often additional learning difficulties, helping them re-engage with education through tailored, creative, and practical learning experiences.


Key Responsibilities Plan and Deliver Differentiated Lessons: Design engaging, age-appropriate lessons adapted to pupils’ primary-level learning needs, promoting progress and confidence.
Support Holistic Development: Focus on developing literacy, numeracy, life skills, and social-emotional understanding.
Promote Positive Behaviour: Implement restorative and trauma-informed approaches to support emotional regulation and build trust with learners.
Collaborate on Individual Education Plans (IEPs): Work alongside teaching assistants, pastoral staff, and external agencies to ensure each student’s needs are effectively met.
Encourage Engagement: Use creative and hands-on learning techniques to capture attention and foster a love for learning.
Assess and Track Progress: Record academic and behavioural development, adapting teaching strategies to maintain steady progress.
Create a Safe, Supportive Environment: Establish routines and clear expectations to promote consistency, safety, and respect in the classroom.
Work Collaboratively: Partner with colleagues, families, and therapeutic professionals to support students’ emotional and academic success.


Qualifications and Skills Required Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent recognised teaching qualification.
Experience teaching in a primary setting or working with students learning at a primary level.
Experience or an understanding of working with students with SEMH needs, trauma, or challenging behaviour.
Strong behaviour management and relationship-building skills.
Creativity, empathy, and resilience to meet the varied needs of learners.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with students, families, and staff.
Knowledge of trauma-informed or therapeutic teaching approaches (desirable).
A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.


What Makes a Successful SEMH Teacher? Empathy and Patience: Understanding that behaviour is communication and responding with compassion and consistency.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust teaching styles and strategies to support individual learning journeys.
Resilience: Remaining calm and solution-focused when faced with challenging situations.
Engagement and Creativity: Bringing lessons to life in a way that motivates and inspires pupils who may have disengaged from learning.
Collaboration: Working closely with pastoral and therapeutic teams to provide holistic care and support.
Commitment to Inclusion: A belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of barriers.


About UsWe are Engage Education, the most trusted education recruitment agency, with professional development and support at our core.
*Get paid in line with national scales (AWR compliant)
*Access to free CPD sessions
*Your own dedicated consultant
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How to ApplyYou can apply for this role below or get in touch with us directly. All applicants require the appropriate qualifications.
If you are not contacted within 2 working days, unfortunately, you have been unsuccessful in this role. All applicants must have a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting work. Full assistance will be provided.
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