SEMH Teacher (QTS / QTLS) - Specialist Provision

Riley Personnel; Essex; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Riley Personnel is seeking a qualified SEMH Teacher to join an alternative provision in Southend-on-Sea starting this January. You will teach groups of 6 to 8 pupils with differentiated lessons within a structured, therapeutic framework to re-engage learners.

You will be supported by experienced Learning Support Assistants and collaborate with pastoral leads, SENCOs, and therapeutic staff to track progress and behaviour.

Qualifications

• UK QTS or QTLS (ECTs with substantial SEN or SEMH placement experience are welcome).
• Background in an SEMH school, PRU, AP, or mainstream setting with strong behaviour management experience.
• A calm, grounded approach focused on understanding behaviour as communication.
• De-escalation training (e.g., Team-Teach, Step On, MAPA) is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver creative, accessible lessons tailored to small groups of 6-8 pupils.
• Manage classroom dynamics using restorative practice, emotional regulation, and proactive de-escalation.
• Direct and deploy classroom Learning Support Assistants to ensure optimal 1:1 intervention.
• Work closely with pastoral leads, SENCOs, and therapeutic staff to track academic and social targets.
• Build consistent, trust-based relationships with learners who have faced barriers in mainstream education.

Skills

QTS/QTLS

SEMH experience

Classroom management

Restorative practice

Behaviour management

Education

QTS or QTLS

Job description

Are you a qualified teacher looking for a specialist setting where small class sizes allow you to focus on genuine relationships and tailored learning?

We are seeking an engaging, qualified SEMH Teacher (holding QTS or QTLS) to join a dedicated alternative provision in Southend-on-Sea starting this January.

Teaching class groups of just 6 to 8 pupils, you will deliver differentiated lessons to young people with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. You will be supported by experienced Learning Support Assistants in every lesson, working within a structured, therapeutic framework designed to re-engage disaffected learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver creative, accessible lessons tailored to small groups of 6 8 pupils.

• Manage classroom dynamics using restorative practice, emotional regulation, and proactive de-escalation.

• Direct and deploy classroom Learning Support Assistants to ensure optimal 1:1 intervention.

• Work closely with pastoral leads, SENCOs, and therapeutic staff to track academic and social targets.

• Build consistent, trust-based relationships with learners who have faced barriers in mainstream education.

What We Are Looking For

• UK QTS or QTLS (ECTs with substantial SEN or SEMH placement experience are welcome).

• Background in an SEMH school, PRU, AP, or mainstream setting with strong behaviour management experience.

• A calm, grounded approach focused on understanding behaviour as communication.

• De-escalation training (e.g., Team-Teach, Step On, MAPA) is advantageous but not essential.

What We Offer

• Clear pay options: direct PAYE (no agency umbrella deductions) or Umbrella payroll.

• Small group teaching (6 8 pupils per class) with dedicated full-time LSA support.

• Transparent pathway to a permanent school contract.

• Continuous placement support from an experienced Essex SEN recruiter at Riley Personnel.

Requirements

• QTS or QTLS in the UK.

• Right to work in the UK (sponsorship is unavailable for this post).

• Enhanced Child Workforce DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to process one).

• Two professional teaching or leadership references.

Riley Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults. All candidates are subject to pre-employment vetting checks in line with KCSIE statutory guidance.