SEMH Teacher (KS2/KS3) in Shaftesbury

Are you an enthusiastic and compassionate teacher looking to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people with complex presentations including SEMH, ASC and associated needs?

Coombe House School is seeking a Generalist Key Stage 2 / Key Stage 3 Teacher to join our specialist provision, working with small classes of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). This role offers a highly rewarding alternative to mainstream teaching, with a strong focus on relationships, inclusion and personalised learning.

This teaching role offers small class sizes (up to 8), and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on individual progress. As a Generalist KS2/KS3 Teacher, you will:

Plan, deliver and evaluate an aspirational and accessible curriculum across Key Stages 2 and 3

Teach across a range of subjects, adapting content to meet pupils’ individual needs and starting points

Create a calm, engaging and supportive learning environment where pupils feel safe, valued and motivated

Use a relational and trauma‑informed approach to behaviour, recognising behaviour as communication

Build strong, trusting relationships that support pupils’ academic progress, confidence, resilience and emotional development

Track and evidence pupil progress, using assessment to inform planning and personalised intervention

Contribute to Pupil Profiles, IEP reviews and EHCP‑driven targets

Work collaboratively with colleagues and multi‑disciplinary professionals (including therapists and external agencies)

Take on full tutor responsibilities, including pastoral support and communication with parents and carers

We are seeking a qualified and reflective teacher with experience of KS2 and/or KS3, strong inclusive practice and the ability to adapt teaching creatively for pupils with complex SEND. The successful candidate will demonstrate resilience, a commitment to professional development, and consistently model the school’s values of kindness, belonging and ambition. Experience working with pupils with complex presentations including SEMH, ASC and associated needs.

Our school

Coombe House School is an independent special school for pupils aged 5-19 with SEMH, ASC, and associate needs, all with EHCPs. We take a therapeutic, relationship-based approach where behaviour is understood as communication.

As a teacher you will work in an immensely rewarding, although often challenging environment, contributing to supporting the development of social, life and independence skills and truly making a difference in the lives of pupils.

In order to achieve the best possible outcomes for our pupils we endeavour to take a holistic approach to their education. Very often this will mean thinking beyond the conventional educational experiences. This ensures that pupils are in the best possible position to lead successful adult lives beyond school. We believe passionately in supporting and nurturing our pupils as well as aspiring to provide them with outstanding and creative learning opportunities.

Coombe House School is located at the eastern edge of Shaftesbury. The school enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds (55 acres). What Coombe House School can offer you:

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Competitive salary: Main pay range (DOE) + SEN Allowance.
• Continuous professional development and training.
• Health Care Plan after probation period - claim back costs towards dental check-ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.
• Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme.
• A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.
• Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool) at specific times.

• Highly supportive leadership team, colleagues and working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of other SEN Specialists.
• Class sizes up to 8 pupils.
• The opportunity to play an integral part at the next phase of the schools’ unique journey.

We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.