SEMH Teacher (QTS / QTLS) – Specialist Provision

Are you a resilient, passionate, and adaptable teacher looking to make a life-changing impact in specialist education?

We are currently recruiting an inspiring SEMH Teacher (holding QTS or QTLS) to join a dedicated specialist provision in Southend-on-Sea starting in January.

In this role, you will be teaching small, supportive class groups of students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and associated complex behaviours. You will look beyond barriers to learning, deliver engaging, differentiated lessons, and provide the structure and consistency these young people need to flourish academically and socially.

This is a full-time, long-term placement starting in January, with strong potential to transition into a permanent contract for the right educator.

Key Responsibilities

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Plan, differentiate, and deliver creative lessons tailored to small class sizes of pupils with SEMH and additional SEN needs.

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Establish a calm, purposeful, and structured classroom environment where students feel safe and respected.

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Foster positive behaviour using proactive de-escalation techniques, empathy, and positive reinforcement.

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Work collaboratively with Learning Support Assistants (LSAs), SENCOs, and therapeutic support teams to track holistic student progress.

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Build meaningful, trust-based relationships with learners who have previously disengaged from mainstream education.

What We Are Looking For

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Qualified Status: Must hold UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS). Early Career Teachers (ECTs) with strong SEMH experience are encouraged to apply.

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Specialist Experience: Previous experience teaching within an SEMH school, PRU (Pupil Referral Unit), or alternative provision (or strong mainstream experience managing complex behaviours).

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Core Qualities: High emotional resilience, a calm and grounded demeanour, patience, and a thick skin for high-pressure situations.

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Positive Mindset: A restorative, pupil-centred approach to behaviour management—recognising that behaviour is a form of communication.

Why Apply Through Us?

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Competitive Pay: £150 – £220 per day (PAYE via Umbrella, negotiable based on experience).

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Job Stability: Guaranteed January start with a direct pathway to a permanent contract.

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Specialist Consultant Support: Dedicated education recruitment consultants across Essex to support your placement.

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Rewarding Environment: Small class sizes, strong support ratios, and high-impact teaching.

Requirements

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QTS or QTLS qualification.

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Enhanced DBS on the DBS Update Service (or willingness to process a new one).

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Right to work in the UK.

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Full career history with referenceable work history.

Safeguarding

Riley Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All applicants will be subject to rigorous safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including references, qualification verification, an Enhanced DBS check, and any other checks required in line with statutory guidance.

Apply today with an up-to-date CV, or get in touch with our team directly to secure your January placement in Southend