Lead Teacher: SEMH Provision
Job overview
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, specialized 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, utilizing specialized 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.
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.
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.
Equal Opportunities
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives: - Promoting equality of opportunity - Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage - Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels. - Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all. Respecting Diversity is a core Council value. To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting. The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first. This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme. For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy
How to apply
Email address for return of applications : hr@opossumed.org