Job Description
New Directions Education is recruiting a passionate and resilient SEMH Teacher to work in a range of specialist and alternative education settings across the Wakefield area. This is a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated educator who is committed to supporting pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and helping them re-engage with education.
About the Role
As an SEMH Teacher, you will play a vital role in delivering tailored education to pupils who may have experienced barriers to learning in mainstream settings. You will teach small classes, often with additional support staff, allowing you to build meaningful relationships and provide highly personalised learning experiences.
Your responsibilities will include:
-Planning and delivering engaging, differentiated lessons to meet a wide range of learning needs
-Creating a structured, safe, and nurturing classroom environment that promotes emotional wellbeing
-Supporting pupils with behavioural challenges, using consistent and positive behaviour management strategies
-Teaching across a broad curriculum, often adapting content to suit individual abilities and interests
-Working closely with teaching assistants, behaviour support staff, and pastoral teams
-Developing and implementing individual learning plans, EHCPs, and behaviour support plans
-Monitoring and assessing pupil progress, celebrating small achievements and identifying next steps
-Using trauma-informed approaches to support pupils who may have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
-Supporting the development of pupils’ social skills, emotional regulation, and resilience
-Engaging with parents, carers, and external agencies to provide a holistic support network
This role offers the opportunity to work in smaller class sizes, allowing you to have a real, lasting impact on each pupil’s development.
The Settings
You may work in a variety of settings tailored to SEMH needs, including:
Specialist SEMH schools
Alternative provisions
Mainstream schools with dedicated SEMH bases
These environments are often highly supportive, with strong emphasis on wellbeing and personalised learning.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking candidates who:
*Hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
*Have experience working with pupils with SEMH, SEND, or behavioural needs
*Are calm, empathetic, and resilient in challenging situations
*Have strong behaviour management skills and a consistent approach
*Are adaptable, creative, and able to engage hard-to-reach learners
*Demonstrate a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people
Experience in alternative provisions or specialist settings is highly desirable, but not essential for the right candidate.
Apply Today
If you’re an inspiring teacher looking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, we want to hear from you.
What New Directions Education Ltd offers:
We are fully committed to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. All applicants must undertake a full enhanced DBS check.
Please select Apply Now to enquire about this job vacancy with New Directions Education Ltd, Leeds branch.
New Directions Education Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.