Overview
Are you passionate about transforming the learning experiences of children and young people with SEMH, Autism, and complex and challenging needs? "Therapeutic Thinking" is a whole-school relational approach to understanding and meeting needs and recognising the experiences and feelings that drive pupil behaviours. Coombe House School are looking for someone to lead its implementation. We are looking for a committed and skilled professional to join our team as a Therapeutic Thinking Lead. Working closely with the Head of Safeguarding, Teachers, Learning Support Assistants and our Therapy Team as our Therapeutic Thinking Lead, you will be responsible for leading and embedding effective Therapeutic Thinking practice across the school.
Note: This is not a teaching position, but requires a strong background in classroom practice and pupil support.
Responsibilities
* Lead and embed effective Therapeutic Thinking practice across the school.
* Provide expert guidance, coaching and modelling of strategies to staff.
* Support pupils with additional needs and SEMH, ensuring a graduated and consistent approach.
* Develop, monitor and review individualised strategies, safety support plans and interventions.
* Build positive working relationships with parents/carers and contribute to multi-disciplinary teamwork.
* Deliver and oversee staff training to ensure consistent, evidence-based practice.
Requirements / Qualifications
* Outstanding classroom practice in supporting pupils with additional needs and SEMH within a mainstream or specialist setting, within the last two years.
* A proven ability to coach and train others in positive behaviour and therapeutic strategies.
* Prior experience with the Therapeutic Thinking framework would be advantageous; those with experience of comparable/related models (e.g. THRIVE) may be considered if able to demonstrate enthusiasm to adapt their existing relational approaches to align with Therapeutic Thinking.
* Strong knowledge of evidence-based approaches such as Therapeutic Thinking, trauma-informed practice and SEMH support.
* Excellent communication, organisation and teamwork skills.
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is desirable, as this role would particularly suit an experienced teacher ready to step into a specialist, whole-school position.
About Coombe House School
Coombe House School is an independent special school that provides education for pupils aged 5 to 19 with SEMH and Autism and associated difficulties, which represents the largest group of children and young people supported by an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) in Dorset and nationally. All pupils on roll have an EHCP. The school uses a therapeutic approach to support pupils with their individual difficulties. Everything the school does is based on the formation and maintenance of positive relationships and viewing all behaviour as communication. The school is accessed via a private road and enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds. The accommodation extends to over 160,000 sq ft, set within grounds of 55 acres.
What Coombe House School Can Offer You
* An opportunity to be part of a school committed to a therapeutic and inclusive approach.
* A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.
* Competitive salary.
* Pro-rated from 31 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, in line with the 41-week term-time contract (weeks added to and included in your salary).
* Enhanced NEST Pension Scheme (10% employers' contribution).
* Continuous professional development and training.
* Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool), at specified times.
* Death in Service (3 x salary).
* Health Care Plan after probation period - claim back costs towards dental check-ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.
* Highly supportive leadership team and working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of other SEN Specialists.
* Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme.
* Wellbeing support, including qualified Mental Health First Aiders on staff.
How to Apply
If you are enthusiastic, reflective, and ready to lead the development of therapeutic practice across our school, we would love to hear from you. Please review the job description and person specification for further information about the role. Please contact Claire Taylor, Assistant HR Manager on 01747 449858 for any queries, or email hr@coombehouse.org.uk. Deadline for applications: Wednesday 15 October 2025. Interviews will be held on 21 and 23 October 2025.
This post involves working with children or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them and will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check. We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.
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