Lead Teacher – Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) Unit

About the role

A Unique Opportunity to Shape an Innovative SEMH Provision

Westfield Primary School & Nursery is seeking an exceptional, passionate and experienced teacher to lead our newly established Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) Unit.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to build and shape a specialist provision from the ground up within a warm, inclusive and ambitious mainstream primary school. You will play a pivotal role in transforming outcomes for pupils with SEMH needs, creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, understood and empowered to thrive.

The provision will support approximately 12 pupils through highly personalised learning, therapeutic approaches and carefully planned integration into mainstream classes.

About the SEMH Unit

Our SEMH Unit has been thoughtfully designed to provide:

·       A specialist, nurturing environment within the wider school community

·       Highly personalised learning pathways tailored to individual needs

·       Opportunities for pupils to access mainstream learning for up to 50% of the week

·       Strong collaboration between school staff, families and external professionals

·       A provision centered on inclusion, belonging and achievement

 The Role

As Lead Teacher, you will provide inspirational leadership and drive the strategic development of the SEMH Unit from its very beginning.

You will:

·       Lead the day-to-day running of the SEMH Unit with clarity, compassion and high expectations

·       Deliver engaging, adaptive and trauma-informed teaching

·       Design and oversee personalised curricula linked to EHCP outcomes

·       Support pupils to develop emotionally, socially and academically

·       Line manage and develop a skilled and dedicated support team

·       Work closely with the Headteacher, SENCo and Senior Leadership Team

·       Build strong, trusting relationships with families and external agencies

·       Champion inclusive practice across the wider school community

·       Play a key role in the ongoing growth and continuous improvement of the provision

 Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking someone who is:

·       A qualified teacher with QTS

·       Experienced in supporting pupils with SEND, particularly SEMH needs

·       Passionate about inclusion and achieving the very best outcomes for every child

·       Skilled in working with EHCPs and multi-agency professionals

·       A confident and reflective practitioner with strong leadership potential

·       Resilient, nurturing and committed to making a lasting difference

·       Excited by the opportunity to develop and lead an innovative new provision

Experience within a specialist setting, resource base or SEMH provision would be advantageous, as would a SEND or leadership qualification. Knowledge of Hertfordshire SEND services is welcomed but not essential.

What We Offer

At Westfield Primary School & Nursery, you will join a caring and forward-thinking school community where staff wellbeing, inclusion and professional growth are genuinely valued.

We offer:

·       The opportunity to lead and shape an innovative SEMH provision from its inception

·       A highly supportive and collaborative team

·       Excellent professional development and career progression opportunities

·       Strong partnership working with Hertfordshire County Council and HFL Education as part of the Hertfordshire SEND Strategy 2026–2029

·       A positive school culture built on kindness, respect, enjoyment and achievement

·       A welcoming environment where every child — and every member of staff — is known, valued and supported

Safeguarding

Westfield Primary School & Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

 How to Apply

We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visit the school and discuss this exciting opportunity further with us.

To arrange a visit or request further information, please contact:

Emma Leach, Headteacher at Westfield Primary and Nursery School. 01442 862729

Please complete the online application form to apply.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received, so early applications are strongly encouraged.