Lead Teacher: SEMH Provision
Thorpe Hall Primary School, London, E17 4DP17 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
10 May 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
23 April 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2
Working pattern
- Full time: Subject to teachers pay & conditions
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- UPR1 - UPR3
What skills and experience we're looking for
Vacancy: Lead Teacher – SEMH Provision (New Launch)
The Opossum Federation is seeking an exceptional and resilient UPR teacher to lead the establishment of a brand-new Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) provision at Thorpe Hall Primary School. This is a pivotal initiative designed to provide high-quality, specialised support for pupils with complex SEMH needs. As the founding Lead Teacher, you will oversee the initial launch and the subsequent expansion of the setting to 10 places.
Role Overview
Workplace:Thorpe Hall Primary School, Walthamstow (Opossum Federation contract).
Salary: UPR (Outer London) + SEN Allowance (Maximum Amount).
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time.
Start Date: September 2026.
Key Responsibilities
As the Lead Teacher, you will be responsible for both the leadership and the daily educational delivery of the provision:
- Leadership & Management: Oversee the successful launch and expansion of the SEMH provision while working closely with school and federation leaders.
- Teaching & Curriculum: Plan, prepare, and teach lessons tailored to complex SEMH needs, utilising specialised tracking for small-step progress.
- Target Monitoring: Ensure EHCP targets are addressed, met, and reviewed.
- Behavioral Expertise: Model expert reinforcement of positive behavior and trauma-informed practice, contributing to school behavioral policies.
- Collaboration: Act as a bridge between home and school for parents and liaise with external professionals such as CAMHS, EPS, and Speech & Language services.
Candidate Requirements
The federation is looking for a dedicated team player who meets the following criteria:
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is essential. Evidence of further professional development in SEND/SEMH is desirable.
- Experience: Relevant teaching experience in Primary or Early Years settings. Proven experience working with pupils with SEMH needs is required. Leadership or coordinator experience is desirable.
- Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the SEN Code of Practice, EHCP processes, and various therapeutic interventions.
- Skills: Ability to plan a specialized curriculum for mixed ages and abilities, combined with strong de-escalation skills and a nurturing approach to boundaries.
How to Apply
- Application Pack: Download from any Opossum Federation school website.
- Submission: Email completed applications to hr@opossumed.org.
- Closing Date: Sunday 10 May 2026.
- Interviews: Week commencing 18 May 2026.
Safeguarding: The Opossum Federation is committed to safeguarding children. All appointments require an enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, and a completed self-disclosure form.
What the school offers its staff
Why Join the Opossum Federation?
- Supportive Environment:Benefit from a tailored CPD program, a structured induction, and a federation-wide focus on reducing workload and supporting well-being.
- Proven Excellence:Join a family of schools where two are rated 'Outstanding' and two are rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
- Modern Resources:Work in well-resourced schools featuring staff Chromebooks and Google for Education integration.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Thorpe Hall Primary School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 3 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 362 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Thorpe Hall Primary School website
- Email address
- hr@opossumed.org
- Phone number
- 02085274062
Arranging a visit to Thorpe Hall Primary School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hr@opossumed.org.
School location
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