SEMH Teacher in Little Clacton

Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision making, ensuring that education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and, most importantly, our students can work together to secure outstanding outcomes for all.

We are all primarily teachers of children before teachers of subjects. Central to this role is knowing the child, building professional, nurturing and positive relationships and motivating students. We require a teacher with the ability/willingness to teach English and/or Maths to GCSE level. No matter the accreditation which is best for the child to pursue, we maintain high aspirations for our children regardless of their learning journey and don’t underestimate the importance of qualifications to provide our children with life chances and opportunities.

Compass Community School teachers inspire children, creating a sense of awe and wonder and making subjects and lessons real and relevant to them. They plan exciting and engaging learning opportunities which challenge and push students, whether they are working on the very basics or they have a special talent or passion for the subject. Our children require very special teachers who are able to manage some complex and challenging behaviours. They will know that our children require lots of attention, the right sort of communication, consistency and flexibility in equal measure, and a non‑judgemental approach. We want our teachers to be part of the decision making that drives our school, provides outcomes for children and advocates for every child. We welcome their input in developing both the academic curriculum and the opportunities in our extra‑curricular offer – bringing their own interests and passions to the table.

We are a small, specialist SEND school, that was set up to provide purposeful learning for students between the ages of 11 and 17 years of age. We offer education in a therapeutic environment for young people who have previously struggled in mainstream provision. CCS Essex is based in a tranquil, rural location in Little Clacton, Essex. We are accommodated in 5 classrooms. This includes a separate therapy room, as well as facilities for cooking lessons. We also have outdoor space, which our young people use for recreation at break times and lunchtimes and for PE lessons. Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties.

Key Responsibilities and Expectations

• Know the child, build professional, nurturing and positive relationships and motivate students
• Teach English and/or Maths to GCSE level
• Plan and deliver exciting and engaging lessons that challenge and push students
• Manage complex and challenging behaviours while providing support that is attentive, communicative, consistent and flexible, with a non‑judgemental approach
• Join decision‑making processes to improve academic curriculum and extra‑curricular opportunities

Qualifications and Experience

• Teaching qualification and ability/willingness to teach GCSE English and/or Maths
• Experience working with students with SEND, SEMH, Autism, ADHD, or communication difficulties

Benefits

• Salary up to £45,350
• Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
• Small class sizes with specialist TA support
• Opportunities to be part of an expanding national organisation
• Enhanced occupational sickness scheme
• Flexible pension scheme
• Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
• Employee benefit service with access to wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes, high‑street vouchers, and money off eating‑out and takeaways

Safeguarding and Equality

Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use. All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times. Compass is an equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Application Process

We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.