At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver engaging lessons and support vulnerable learners with SEMH needs.
- Company: Independent Alternative Provision focused on nurturing and therapeutic education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and small class sizes for impactful teaching.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to personalised education pathways and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives by supporting their emotional and academic growth.
- Qualifications: QTS or equivalent experience, strong understanding of SEMH, and excellent relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33483 £ per year.
Secondary SEN Teacher – Alternative Provision (KS3 & KS4) Full-Time | Permanent | QTS Required (or equivalent experience considered)
Specialism: Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Independent Alternative Provision
Are you a resilient, compassionate and skilled Secondary SEN Teacher with a passion for supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Do you believe in the power of relationships, consistency and high expectations to transform the life chances of vulnerable learners? We are seeking a dedicated and reflective SEN Teacher to join our Independent Alternative Provision for KS3 and KS4 pupils. This is a unique opportunity to work with small groups of young people who require a highly individualised, nurturing and therapeutic approach to education. Our provision supports pupils who may have experienced barriers to learning in mainstream education, including disrupted education, trauma, anxiety, behavioural needs and wider SEMH challenges. Our aim is to re-engage learners, rebuild confidence and enable meaningful academic, social and emotional progress.
About the Role
You will deliver high-quality, differentiated teaching across KS3 and KS4 within a small-group alternative provision setting. Teaching will be highly adaptive, relational and responsive to the needs of learners, with a strong emphasis on emotional regulation, engagement and re-engagement in learning. You will work closely with pastoral staff, SEN professionals, therapists, senior leaders and families to provide a consistent, structured and supportive environment where pupils feel safe, understood and able to succeed. The role combines subject teaching (including core subjects where appropriate) with therapeutic and SEMH-informed practice, ensuring pupils can access education at a level appropriate to their needs and build towards recognised qualifications where suitable.
Our Approach to SEMH and Alternative Provision
Our provision is built on the belief that behaviour is communication and that every young person deserves a personalised pathway to success. We provide:
- Small class sizes with high levels of adult support
- Trauma-informed and attachment-aware practice
- Consistent routines, boundaries and expectations
- Individualised learning pathways tailored to academic and emotional needs
- Integrated pastoral and academic support
- A focus on reintegration, progression and positive destinations
- Strong emphasis on emotional regulation and self-management skills
- A safe, structured and nurturing environment
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and deliver engaging, differentiated lessons across KS3 and KS4
- Teach and support core subject learning where required (English, Maths and/or other subjects)
- Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils with SEMH needs
- Support learners who may present with challenging behaviour, anxiety, trauma or disengagement from education
- Develop personalised learning plans and contribute to EHCP outcomes where applicable
- Use restorative, trauma-informed and de-escalation approaches to support behaviour and emotional regulation
- Promote positive engagement, attendance and progress in learning
- Work collaboratively with pastoral staff, leadership, therapists and external agencies
- Support pupils in developing resilience, independence and readiness for next steps in education, training or employment
Pupil Needs Supported
You will be working with pupils presenting with a range of needs, including:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Anxiety and emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)
- Trauma and attachment-related needs
- ADHD and associated behavioural needs
- Speech, language and communication difficulties
- Autism (including high-anxiety presentations)
- Gaps in learning due to disrupted education
Approaches and Interventions
Our staff are trained in a range of SEMH-informed and therapeutic approaches, including:
- Trauma-informed practice
- Attachment-aware strategies
- Restorative approaches
- De-escalation and positive behaviour support
- Emotional literacy and regulation strategies
- Mentoring and coaching approaches
- Structured routines and predictability to support engagement
- Functional behaviour understanding and planning
Training and Professional Development
Comprehensive induction into SEMH and Alternative Provision practice. Ongoing CPD in trauma-informed education, behaviour support and inclusive teaching. Opportunities to develop specialist expertise in SEMH and alternative education models. Supportive supervision and reflective practice. Clear pathways for progression within alternative provision and leadership.
Requirements
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent teaching experience (essential)
- Strong understanding of SEMH and barriers to learning
- Experience in Alternative Provision, PRU, SEN or similar settings (desirable)
- Ability to build strong, positive relationships with vulnerable learners
- Excellent behaviour management grounded in relational and restorative approaches
- Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing
- Resilience, adaptability and a solution-focused mindset
- A belief in second chances and personalised education pathways
What We Offer
- A supportive and values-driven independent provision
- Small class sizes enabling meaningful impact
- High levels of pastoral and leadership support
- Ongoing specialist SEMH training and development
- Opportunity to make a significant difference to young people’s life chances
- Competitive salary based on experience
We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.
SEN Teacher- Subject Specialism in Slough employer: Create Education
Join our dedicated team at an Independent Alternative Provision where we prioritise the well-being and growth of both our students and staff. With small class sizes, a nurturing environment, and a strong emphasis on professional development, we empower our educators to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every teacher has the opportunity to thrive and develop their expertise in a rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Teacher- Subject Specialism in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow educators, join online forums, and connect with people in the SEN community. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH and alternative provision. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We want to hear your passion for supporting vulnerable learners!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through a portfolio! Include lesson plans, examples of personalised learning strategies, and any relevant training you've completed. This will help us see your approach to teaching and how you engage with students.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and enthusiastic about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teacher- Subject Specialism in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people with SEMH needs shine through. Share personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in alternative provision or SEN settings, and how your teaching style aligns with our nurturing and therapeutic approach.
Be Reflective:We love candidates who can reflect on their practice. In your application, mention any challenges you've faced in teaching and how you've adapted your methods to meet the needs of your learners.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Create Education
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support students with these challenges. This shows that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Share personal anecdotes that highlight your ability to form trusting relationships with students. This is crucial in an alternative provision setting, so let your passion for supporting vulnerable learners shine through!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
Be prepared to discuss how you adapt your teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of your students. Give examples of how you've modified lessons or approaches based on individual learning plans or emotional needs. This will demonstrate your commitment to personalised education pathways.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Highlight your experience working collaboratively with other professionals, such as therapists and pastoral staff. Discuss how you’ve contributed to a supportive environment and how you value the input of others in creating a nurturing space for students. Teamwork is key in this role!
