Primary Teacher - SEMH/Therapeutic setting

Primary Teacher – Full-Time SEMH / Therapeutic Setting TARA Professional Recruitment are working in partnership with a specialist education setting seeking a Primary Teacher to work full time within its primary department, supporting pupils aged 7–9. The role is available until the end of January and would suit a primary-qualified teacher with experience supporting children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs. This is a specialist teaching opportunity for someone who understands that successful learning depends on building trusting relationships, supporting emotional regulation and creating a safe, structured and nurturing environment. We are seeking a teacher who can combine effective academic delivery with a flexible, therapeutic approach to meet the complex needs of the pupils.

The role

The successful Primary Teacher will work with small groups of pupils aged 7–9, delivering a broad and differentiated curriculum adapted to varying abilities, engagement levels and individual needs. Teaching within this setting requires more than traditional classroom delivery. The successful candidate will need to respond confidently to changing situations, support pupils experiencing emotional dysregulation and challenging behaviour, and use positive behaviour strategies to help children feel safe, settled and ready to learn. Building strong, consistent relationships will be central to the role. The teacher will work collaboratively with colleagues and the wider multidisciplinary team, following agreed behaviour and support plans and contributing to a structured, nurturing and therapeutic learning environment.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or an appropriate recognised primary teaching qualification.
• Experience working with primary-aged children, ideally within the 7–9 age range.
• Strong emotional resilience and the ability to remain calm, patient and consistent under pressure.
• Experience supporting children or young people who display challenging behaviour linked to SEMH needs.
• Ability to build safe, trusting relationships with pupils who may experience attachment difficulties or emotional dysregulation.
• Confidence delivering a broad, differentiated curriculum to small groups with varying academic abilities and learning needs.
• Ability to adapt teaching approaches quickly in response to pupils’ behaviour, emotional needs and engagement.
• A flexible, proactive and solution-focused approach to teaching and learning.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to use de-escalation strategies and restorative conversations effectively.
• Willingness to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and follow agreed behaviour and support plans.
• A genuine commitment to creating a safe, structured and therapeutic environment where pupils can make progress both academically and emotionally. Experience in SEMH, nurture, alternative provision or specialist SEND settings is highly desirable. Please note that this is not a general classroom cover role. We are specifically seeking a teacher who is comfortable working within a therapeutic model and who can support pupils’ emotional regulation, behaviour and engagement alongside their academic development. What’s on offer?
• Full-time Primary Teacher position until the end of January (scope for permanent for the right candidate)
• The opportunity to work with pupils aged 7–9 within a specialist primary department.
• A rewarding role supporting children with complex social, emotional and learning needs.
• The opportunity to contribute to a structured, nurturing and therapeutic approach to education.
• Dedicated support from the TARA Professional Recruitment team.
• Access to our Teacher Referral Bonus scheme.
• Further opportunities to explore suitable teaching placements through TARA. If you are a primary-qualified teacher with the resilience, flexibility and experience needed to thrive in a therapeutic setting, we would be pleased to hear from you. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate a strong understanding of SEMH needs and a commitment to supporting pupils both emotionally and academically. Call TARA Professional Recruitment today or apply online to become a TARA Teacher. About Tara We provide a dedicated and committed service to candidates, supporting teachers and support staff in their search for suitable and regular work and excellent Teacher Referral Bonuses. Tara Professional Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all interested parties. All applicants will be accepted and reviewed solely on merit. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and young people and work diligently to help raise the standards of education within our schools. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks, including Prohibited List, Barred List, DBS and qualifications. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. What we're looking for We are seeking candidates who:
• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Have a clear understanding of professional boundaries, safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of reporting concerns in line with school policies and statutory guidance.
• Share our values of integrity, professionalism, inclusivity and putting the needs of children first.
• Have a positive, reliable and proactive attitude, with the ability to build professional relationships with pupils, colleagues and school staff.
• Can demonstrate patience, emotional intelligence and consistency when supporting pupils with complex needs.
• Are committed to creating safe, supportive learning environments where every child can thrive.
• Are willing to engage fully with safer recruitment and ongoing compliance requirements, including safeguarding training and vetting checks. Successful applicants will be expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and always act in the best interests of children