Science Teacher (Key Stage 3 & 4)
MPS £32,916–£45,352 · UPS £45,646–£49,084 · plus SEN allowance £5,497
A teacher in an independent SEMH special school works with children and young people who require additional support due to learning difficulties, sensory impairments, autism, SEMH needs, or communication challenges. The role centres on adapting teaching to individual needs, creating a safe and nurturing environment, and enabling pupils to reach their full potential.
Teaching and learning
- Plan, prepare and deliver tailored lessons for individuals or small groups, adapting methods and materials to meet each pupil’s needs.
- Use specialist equipment or approaches, such as visual aids, assistive technology, Braille, or sign language where appropriate.
- Assess, record and report on pupil progress, identifying barriers to learning and adjusting plans accordingly.
- Develop individual education plans (IEPs and EHCP-linked targets) and scaffolded learning activities.
- Teach a broad, balanced curriculum that supports academic, social, and emotional development.
Pupil support
- Build positive, trusting relationships that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing.
- Support pupils with SEMH needs, behaviour regulation, and personal development.
- Assist pupils with medical needs where required.
Collaboration and professional practice
- Work closely with parents and carers, therapists, psychologists, social workers, and other professionals.
- Lead or collaborate with teaching assistants to ensure consistent, high-quality support.
- Attend reviews, meetings, and training, including EHCP reviews and in-service CPD.
- Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and nurturing school environment aligned with the school’s ethos.
Key skills and attributes
- Adaptability in teaching methods and communication styles.
- Patience, resilience, and emotional intelligence when supporting pupils with challenging needs.
- Excellent communication with families and professionals.
- Strong organisational skills and reflective practice.
Qualifications and experience
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is preferred.
- Experience teaching SEN, SEMH, or pupils with complex needs is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of curriculum planning, assessment, and behaviour support.
Person specification
Training and qualifications (essential)
- Qualified Teacher Status
- Degree
- Evidence of regular and appropriate professional development
Training and qualifications (desirable)
- Qualifications in SEN
- Evidence of continuing professional development related to SEN and challenging behaviour
Experience of teaching (essential)
- Teaching in Key Stage 3 and 4
- Experience of teaching children with SEMH
- Experience of using academic and other data to evaluate and demonstrate progress
Professional knowledge (essential)
- Pupils’ educational development
- Curriculum planning and assessment
- Effective teaching and learning strategies
- School improvement strategies and target setting
- Application of ICT to teaching and learning
- Knowledge and awareness of local and national policies, priorities and statutory frameworks
Professional knowledge (desirable)
- Management of support staff and resources
- Effective liaison with multi-agency partners
Personal skills and attributes
- Ability to motivate children
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Time management skills and prioritisation of work
- Commitment, enthusiasm and integrity
- Personal and professional resilience
- Ability to promote teamwork
- Child-friendly and approachable
- Ability to engage adults, including parents, to support children’s education
- Belief in the ethos of specialist provision for SEMH
How to apply
Please submit a fully completed application and a clear, concise letter related to this post (aim for two sides of A4) to Nikki at nikki@associatedwellbeing.co.uk.
Two references are required, including a positive recommendation from your current employer. References should support the professional and personal abilities set out above. An exemplary health and attendance record is essential.
If you are called for interview, please bring two copies of a passport-size photograph. This is part of the Disclosure of Criminal Background and Identification procedure.