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, London.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape specialist provision, strong professional development culture, and collaborative environment.
- Other info: Visits encouraged; application deadline is 15 May 2026.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and diverse school.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH needs, understanding of trauma-informed practices, and commitment to inclusive education.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 £ per year.
Required from September 2026, 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.
An information pack, including a Job Description and Person Specification can be downloaded below. Completed applications should be returned to the School Business Manager by email. 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
Email:
Headteacher: Mr Richard Milsom
Inclusion Base Teacher (SEMH) - West Hill Primary School - Greater London employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
West Hill Primary School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a caring and inclusive community where every child can thrive. Located in the vibrant heart of Wandsworth, London, we offer a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with SEMH needs. Our commitment to relational practice and trauma-informed education ensures that our staff are supported in their roles, allowing them to grow and excel in a nurturing environment.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inclusion Base Teacher (SEMH) - West Hill Primary School - Greater London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around West Hill Primary if you can. Familiarise yourself with their ethos and values, especially around inclusion and SEMH. This will help you connect your experience to what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for relational practice! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've built strong relationships with pupils in the past. This is key for the role, so make sure it shines through in your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss trauma-informed approaches. Brush up on your knowledge of trauma-informed education and be prepared to talk about how you’ve applied this in your teaching. They want someone who truly understands the needs of SEMH pupils.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to inclusion and support for SEMH needs. This shows you’re genuinely interested and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Inclusion Base Teacher (SEMH) - West Hill Primary School - Greater London
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!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience working with SEMH pupils. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of trauma-informed practices and how you've applied them in the classroom.
Be Reflective:We love candidates who can reflect on their practice. Share insights about what has worked well for you in the past and how you’ve adapted your approach based on the needs of your students.
Follow Our Application Process:Remember to apply through our website and submit your application by the deadline. We want to make this process as smooth as possible for you, so stick to the guidelines provided!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨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.
✨Show Your Relational Skills
This role is all about building relationships. Prepare examples of how you've successfully connected with students, families, and colleagues in previous roles. Highlight your ability to create a safe and inclusive environment where every child feels valued.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Collaboration is key in this position. Think of instances where you've worked closely with support staff, external professionals, or families to enhance student learning. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach teamwork in the context of the Inclusion Base.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
In a role that requires high adaptability, be ready to share examples of how you've adjusted your teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of your students. Discuss how you maintain high expectations while providing the necessary support for each individual.
