SEMH Learning Coach

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you thrive in a role where you can make a real difference in students’ academic and personal development? We are seeking a dedicated SEMH Learning Coach to join our Pathways Provision, working closely with students at risk of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and those who need additional support to engage in their learning. This role requires an individual who can build strong, trusting relationships, deliver academic interventions, and provide emotional support to help students succeed.

As an SEMH Learning Coach, your role is both academic and pastoral, ensuring students receive tailored learning support while developing essential emotional and social skills. You will work closely with students who may struggle in mainstream settings, using trauma-informed approaches, SEMH interventions, and restorative practices to help them engage with education. Whether delivering literacy, numeracy, or reading interventions, acting as a key worker, or leading small group sessions, you will be instrumental in creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

Our ideal candidate will be:

• Compassionate and patient, with a deep understanding of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Experienced in supporting students who are at risk of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) or struggling to engage in education.
• Ability to support learning at KS2/KS3 level.
• Skilled in delivering numeracy, literacy, or reading interventions.
• Trained in Zones of Regulation or ELSA, or willing to develop expertise in SEMH strategies.
• Proficient in trauma-informed and restorative approaches to behaviour management and student engagement.
• Excellent at building relationships with students, staff, parents, and external agencies.
• Organised and data-driven, capable of monitoring student progress and adapting interventions accordingly.
• Flexible and adaptable, able to respond to students’ changing needs with creativity and resilience.
• Passionate about inclusion, fostering a positive, supportive Alternative Provision environment.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for any questions, please contact Keah Stell, HR Advisor, on k.stell@charteracademy.org.uk.

Benefits:

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• 10 inset days (of which at least one is dedicated to staff wellbeing).
• A behaviour policy that ensures disruption-free learning.
• Development opportunities for future leaders.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Up to £3,000 relocation costs to move to the south coast (dependent on the role).
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers.
• Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark at arkonline.org/careers/why-work-with-us/.

About Us

Ark Charter Academy is a happy and vibrant school located in the heart of Portsmouth. We believe that every young person should feel a sense of belonging to our school community and enjoy their learning. We inspire and support our students so they can become the very best they can in every single way. With love and care, we develop motivation both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging an appetite for learning in a safe and stimulating Christian environment. We want our students to become the leaders and game-changers of the future.

To achieve this we offer an academic curriculum that strives to expose all pupils to the richness of education, allowing them to experience a diversity of subjects during their time with us. Our teachers and support staff work hard every day to inspire each and every student to develop skills which will help them to achieve their full potential. We pride ourselves in recognising hard work and rewarding it accordingly, providing opportunities for professional and personal growth in school and across the wider Ark network.

Visit charteracademy.org.uk/jobs to learn more about us and see our current vacancies.

Diversity and inclusion:

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.

Safeguarding statement:

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage to submit your application at your earliest convenience.