SEMH Cover Supervisor – Transforming Young Lives

Milk Education; Wakefield; On-site; Full time

Job description

Cover Supervisor – SEMH School (Alternative Provision)

Location: Wakefield WF2 (commutable from Leeds, Pontefract, Castleford, Barnsley & surrounding areas)

Pay: £100 – £125 per day

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm

Start Date: ASAP

Are you confident managing behaviour and passionate about supporting vulnerable young people?

We are recruiting a Cover Supervisor for a specialist SEMH school in Wakefield, supporting students aged 7–15 who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream education.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone who can build positive relationships, provide consistency, and help students re-engage with education in a structured and supportive environment.

About this role

In this role, you will supervise classes during teacher absences and support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, behavioural challenges, and additional learning needs.

The school provides a nurturing and therapeutic environment focused on:

• Rebuilding confidence and engagement in learning
• Supporting emotional regulation and behaviour
• Creating structure, routine, and positive relationships
• Helping students develop resilience, social skills, and independence
• Supporting pupils who may have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supervising classes using pre-planned work across KS1–KS4
• Managing challenging behaviour using positive behaviour strategies
• Building strong relationships with students to encourage engagement
• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis or in small groups
• Using de‑escalation techniques to support emotional regulation
• Promoting a calm, safe, and structured learning environment
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and behaviour teams
• Acting as a positive role model for vulnerable young people

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with SEMH, challenging behaviour, or vulnerable young people
• Confident classroom and behaviour management skills
• Calm, resilient, and patient approach
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Backgrounds in education, youth work, sports coaching, care, mentoring, or support work are highly valued
• Full‑time availability (Monday–Friday)
• Team Teach or behaviour training is desirable but not essential

Why Join This School?

• Competitive daily pay: £110 – £125 per day
• Long‑term opportunity within a specialist SEMH setting
• Ongoing CPD and training in behaviour management and de‑escalation
• Supportive and experienced leadership team
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact on young people’s lives
• Excellent experience for those considering careers in teaching, psychology, youth justice, or social work

Ideal For

• Experienced Cover Supervisors
• Behaviour Mentors or SEMH Teaching Assistants
• Sports Coaches or Youth Workers
• Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, or Education
• Individuals passionate about supporting excluded or vulnerable students