SEMH Lead in High Wycombe

We’re excited to be creating a brand-new role at New Meaning Training – one that will enhance our capacity and strengthen our position as a leading specialist in SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) provision. Would you like to be part of an organisation that helps young people uncover their strengths and develop the confidence and skills they need to earn their own living? Are you experienced in working with young people with complex SEMH needs and passionate about supporting them in their transition to adulthood? Have you trained in trauma-informed practices and understand the importance of relational, person-centred approaches?

At New Meaning Training (NMT), we provide alternative education for young people aged 15–25 who need a different kind of support to thrive. Our programmes focus on employment skills, personal development, life skills, and Functional Skills in English and Maths. Our tutors and LSAs work as a team to deliver meaningful learning experiences that inspire progress and independence.

We are now seeking a dedicated SEMH Lead to join our growing team. This new role is central to ensuring that learners with complex needs, as identified in their EHCPs, receive the support and guidance they need to fully access our setting and achieve their goals. The role can be based in either Reading or High Wycombe, depending on the successful candidate’s preference.

Key Responsibilities

• Build a supportive and nurturing relationship with young people.
• Implement trauma informed practices.
• Run 1:1 mentoring sessions.
• Directly support learners with complex SEMH needs.
• Provide advice and support to the wider team.
• Safeguarding responsibilities to DSL level 4.
• Attend relevant meetings.
• Manage Early Help Referrals.
• Work collaboratively with the EHCP and Safeguarding manager.
• Run or advise on 1:1 or small group interventions named on the EHCP.
• Deescalate situations as they arise.
• Support learners in developing emotional resilience, self-regulation and confidence in learning.
• Assess learner’s SEMH needs in order that they receive the right level of support.
• Support learners with their social and emotional development.
• Work in accordance with NMT’s safeguarding protocols and procedures.
• Encourage and reinforce to the young people the links between regular attendance, participation, effort, and positive outcomes.
• Work as part of a team to generate creative ideas for how you or other team members can support young people that can be difficult to engage.
• Keep up to date with relevant laws and attend any training provided by NMT.
• Work with supporting agencies to enable the progression of young people.
• Maintain your own diary of appointments with learners each week.
• Implement and monitor support plans for effective outcomes.
• Be able to keep accurate records and able to analyse problems.

About us

New Meaning Training (NMT) offers education with a difference. We are an alternative education provider dedicated to helping young people aged 15–25 discover their strengths and develop the confidence and skills to earn their own living. For the 2025–2026 academic year, around 300 young people from Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, and Berkshire will join one of our programmes. Many of these students are referred by secondary schools, pupil referral units, and Special Education Needs settings.

Our journey began in 2015 with the opening of our first centre in High Wycombe, originally known as “Toolshed.” Ten years on, NMT continues to grow, with new centres planned for Nuneaton and Milton Keynes in September 2025. We offer a diverse range of eight learning programmes: Construction Multiskills, Motor Mechanics, Creative Art & Design, Sports, Beauty, Work & Study, Boost Workskills, and Achieve Lifeskills. Not all programmes are available at every location, but all incorporate functional skills qualifications in Maths and English, along with tutorials to support our well-rounded approach. We also provide a ‘Transition Support’ programme for young people with EHCPs who are not yet ready for a learning setting.

NMT tailors its programmes to meet the needs of its learners, considering Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We comprehensively apply the principles of a Loving Care Approach (Trauma Informed Practice) to ensure all young people receive the support they need to thrive.

You will have:

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working with young people with complex SEMH needs.
• Certified training in trauma informed practices and experience using the approaches.
• Between 6 to 12 case studies using relational approaches and implementing de-escalation strategies.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in mentoring / coaching and preferably with a certified coaching qualification.
• Knowledge and experience in speech and language communication differences.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience and understanding in managing young people that are dysregulated.
• The ability to connect with young people and case studies that prove this.
• Ability to build a rapport with young people from diverse backgrounds that can inspire and motivate.
• A teamworking and proactive attitude.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to work flexibly.
• The desire to help learners to achieve their goals with empathy and understanding for young people in all circumstances.
• Professionalism always – when working with learners, parents, and external parties.
• A good understanding of current social issues would be an advantage (e.g., County Lines and the impact of COVID on young people and their mental health).
• Either an existing knowledge of learning styles and abilities or a willingness to learn.
• A creative flare for tailoring engaging activities that support learners towards their individual goals would be an advantage.

We take Safeguarding seriously, therefore, you will be required to undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check at the enhanced level before working with us.