At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire and support pupils with SEMH needs through tailored teaching and therapeutic practices.
- Company: West Hill Primary School, a caring and inclusive community in Wandsworth.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team focused on professional development and making a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunities for collaboration and growth within a vibrant school community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children with SEMH needs and foster an inclusive learning environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH needs and a passion for trauma-informed education.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 € per year.
West Hill Primary School is seeking an inspiring, compassionate and skilled teacher to join our Inclusion Base, a specialist provision for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is an exciting role for a professional who believes deeply in relational practice, trauma-informed education and inclusive pathways, and who is passionate about ensuring all children feel safe, understood and able to thrive.
West Hill Primary is a one form entry school situated in the centre of Wandsworth, London with excellent transport links. We are proud to be a caring, inclusive community school. Our pupils represent the full diversity of this vibrant part of London with over 50% coming from ethnic minority backgrounds and a large proportion of pupils with EAL and SEN. We celebrate our diversity, it is what makes our school strong, as it provides a wide enrichment of life for our pupils and an understanding and respect for our differences.
About the Role:
As an Inclusion Base Teacher you will be responsible for delivering excellent classroom practice and quality first teaching for pupils educated within the specialist SEMH resource base. The role provides a relational, trauma informed and therapeutic model of education, ensuring pupils experience consistently strong routines, adaptive teaching and high impact instruction that supports emotional regulation, engagement and progress, alongside planned integration into mainstream education where appropriate. This post does not carry strategic leadership responsibility for the provision, but contributes actively to its development through reflective practice and teamwork.
You will work closely with senior leaders, teachers, support staff, families and external professionals to ensure the delivery of the SEMH provision at West Hill is graduated, aspirational and fully integrated within our whole-school inclusion strategy.
This role requires you to:
- Balance teaching with therapeutic support – addressing both curriculum content and emotional/behavioural needs
- Work collaboratively – with support staff, mainstream colleagues, families and external professionals
- Be trauma-informed and relational – understanding that behaviour communicates unmet needs
- Be highly adaptive – responding to pupils' changing regulation, readiness and circumstances
- Maintain high expectations – while providing appropriate scaffolding and support
- Focus on reintegration – preparing pupils to succeed in mainstream settings where appropriate
This is a specialist teaching role requiring expertise in both pedagogy and SEMH support, with a strong emphasis on relationships, regulation and individualised approaches.
We are looking for a teacher who:
- Has substantial experience working with pupils with SEMH needs in school or specialist settings
- Demonstrates a deep understanding of trauma-informed, attachment-aware and nurture-based practice
- Has strong knowledge of the National Curriculum, SEND processes and inclusive teaching and learning
- Is confident working with safeguarding frameworks and multi-agency professionals
- Is reflective, resilient and committed to inclusive, strengths-based practice
Desirable qualities include:
- Experience working within a specialist resource base, alternative provision, nurture group or therapeutic provision
- National SENCo Qualification
- Specialist training or qualifications in SEMH, SEND, mental health or inclusion leadership
What We Offer:
- A school community committed to inclusion, relational practice and child-centred values
- The opportunity to shape and lead a specialist provision with senior leadership support
- A strong culture of collaboration, reflection and professional development
- The chance to make a genuine, lasting difference to children’s lives
Visits to West Hill Primary are welcomed and encouraged for anyone considering applying for this post. Viewings will be held week beginning Monday 11th May 2026. To book in a visit please contact info@westhill.wandsworth.sch.uk
To apply please download an application pack from the Wandsworth Council website which can be found via the ‘visit website’ button at the top of this page. Completed applications should be returned to the School Business Manager by email - tahira.khan@westhill.wandsworth.sch.uk
Closing Date: 15 May 2026 (at 9am). Interviews and selection tasks will be held week commencing Monday 18th May 2026.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to safer recruitment checks including an online search and enhanced DBS check. CVs are not accepted.
West Hill Primary School
5 Merton Road
Wandsworth
London
SW18 5ST
020 8874 5900
Email: info@westhill.wandsworth.sch.uk
Headteacher: Mr Richard Milsom
Inclusion Base Teacher (SEMH) employer: LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS
West Hill Primary School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a caring and inclusive community where every child can thrive. Located in the heart of Wandsworth, London, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and collaboration, allowing teachers to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with SEMH needs. Our commitment to diversity and relational practice ensures that staff are empowered to grow and innovate within a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inclusion Base Teacher (SEMH)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research on West Hill Primary. Understand their values and how they approach inclusion and SEMH needs. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your teaching demo! If you're asked to deliver a lesson or a presentation, make sure you rehearse it. Focus on how you can incorporate trauma-informed practices and adaptive teaching strategies. This will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff! If possible, reach out to teachers or support staff at West Hill Primary. They can provide insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can be super helpful for your interview prep.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly via the Wandsworth Council website. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and shows that you're proactive about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Inclusion Base Teacher (SEMH)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for teaching and supporting pupils with SEMH needs shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience working with SEMH pupils. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've used trauma-informed practices and built strong relationships in your previous roles.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to reflect the values and needs of West Hill Primary. Show us that you understand our commitment to inclusion and how you can contribute to our community.
Follow the Application Instructions:Make sure to download the application pack from our website and follow the instructions carefully. We appreciate attention to detail, so ensure your application is submitted on time and in the right format!
How to prepare for a job interview at LB WANDSWORTH SCHOOLS
✨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 needs, as well as how you can apply trauma-informed practices in the classroom.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires a lot of teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with support staff, families, and external professionals. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships, as this is key to creating an inclusive environment.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Be ready to talk about how you've adapted your teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of your students. Share specific instances where you've had to change your approach based on a pupil's emotional regulation or readiness to learn.
✨Emphasise High Expectations
While it's important to provide support, don't forget to convey your commitment to maintaining high expectations for all students. Discuss how you balance scaffolding with pushing students to achieve their best, and how you prepare them for reintegration into mainstream settings.
