At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee SEMH provision, shaping a nurturing educational model.
- Company: West Hill Primary School, dedicated to inclusion and child-centred values.
- Benefits: Supportive community, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment focused on reflective practice and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be a pivotal leader in transforming lives through trauma-informed education.
- Qualifications: Experience with SEMH needs and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
About the Role
As Head of the Inclusion Base, you will provide strategic leadership and day‑to‑day operational oversight of our SEMH provision within a mainstream primary school. You will shape and deliver a therapeutic, nurture‑based model of education that supports emotional regulation, positive identity, engagement in learning and – where appropriate – planned reintegration into mainstream classes. You will work closely with senior leaders, teachers, support staff, families and external professionals to ensure that SEMH provision at West Hill is graduated, aspirational and fully integrated within our whole‑school inclusion strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the vision, development and refinement of a relational, trauma‑informed SEMH base
- Deliver a structured SEMH curriculum integrating nurture, emotional regulation, life skills, therapy‑informed practice and personalised learning
- Ensure behaviour support is relational rather than punitive, recognising behaviour as communication
- Oversee SEMH‑specific assessment and review processes, including Boxall Profile and strength‑based monitoring
- Lead SEND processes for pupils in the provision, including EHCP consultations, annual reviews and multi‑agency work
- Design and implement graduated integration and reintegration pathways
- Recruit, develop and support a skilled SEMH staff team through reflective practice and high‑quality CPD
- Build strong partnerships with families and external agencies
- Take strategic responsibility for safeguarding and wellbeing within the inclusion base
Leadership Qualities
- 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 proven ability to lead emotionally demanding provision while promoting staff wellbeing
- 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
- Experience establishing or leading SEMH provision
- National SENCo Qualification
- Specialist training or qualifications in SEMH, SEND, mental health or inclusion leadership
What the school offers its staff
West Hill Primary School is seeking an inspiring, compassionate and skilled leader to become our Head of Inclusion Base, leading our specialist provision for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is a pivotal leadership 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.
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
Head of Inclusion Base (SEMH) in London employer: Teaching vacancies
Contact Detail:
Teaching vacancies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Inclusion Base (SEMH) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEMH. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for inclusion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your experiences and ideas about trauma-informed practices. Let them see how committed you are to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s values and current initiatives. Tailor your responses to reflect how your vision aligns with their goals, especially around SEMH provision.
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Inclusion Base (SEMH) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Inclusion: When writing your application, let your passion for inclusion and SEMH shine through. Share personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to creating a nurturing environment for all children.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application specifically to the role of Head of Inclusion Base. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially around trauma-informed practices and relational approaches.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily see how you fit into our vision and values at West Hill Primary School.
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 exciting opportunity to lead our SEMH provision.
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching vacancies
✨Know Your SEMH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Be ready to discuss trauma-informed practices and how they can be integrated into a mainstream setting. This shows that you’re not just familiar with the theory but also understand its practical application.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in emotionally demanding environments. Highlight your ability to support staff wellbeing while driving forward an inclusive vision. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Inclusion Base effectively.
✨Engage with the Whole School Approach
Familiarise yourself with the school's overall inclusion strategy and be ready to discuss how you would align the SEMH provision with it. Show that you can collaborate with senior leaders, teachers, and external professionals to create a cohesive approach to inclusion.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about how you would handle specific challenges related to SEMH needs, behaviour management, and reintegration pathways. This will help you showcase your reflective and resilient nature.