Job Description

Primary Teacher

SEMH Teacher/SEN Teacher

SEMH Specialist School

Barking & Dagenham

September 2026

Are you a primary teacher looking to make a meaningful impact and difference? Do you like the sound of working with vulnerable young people who are in need of a strong, positive role model?

SANZA Teaching Agency are proudly recruiting on behalf of a small, nurturing independent provision in Barking & Dagenham. The school supports primary and secondary students who are unable to attend mainstream schooling due to significant Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

They are seeking a primary teacher (SEMH teacher/SEN teacher) to join their team from September 2026.

The role:

  • You will be teaching a KS2 class
  • Small class (4- 5 students)
  • There are behaviour mentors in the class for support
  • The role is full-time
  • 1pm finish on a Friday
  • The school is located close to Becontree station (District Line)
  • Parking available
  • 1 year fixed- term contract, potential for permanency from there (or earlier, by negotiation)

Why work as a primary teacher/SEMH Teacher/SEN Teacher?

  • Have the opportunity to support incredibly vulnerable young people and genuinely transform children's lives.
  • Have complete freedom and opportunity for creativity regarding teaching and learning.
  • Teaching such a small class allows for a highly personalised approach.
  • Get the chance to watch children who have been previously disengaged from education make progress they never thought they would make.
  • Develop specialist skills in trauma-informed practice, emotional regulation and therapeutic approaches.
  • Get to work with a multidisciplinary team that brings a broad skill set.
  • Celebrate progress that extends far beyond the classroom, helping students build confidence, resilience and self-esteem.

About you:

  • Must have QTS
  • Must have experience as a primary teacher, ideally as an SEMH teacher/SEN teacher
  • Must have or be willing to develop expertise in SEMH, trauma-informed practice and attachment-aware approaches.
  • Must be calm, resilient and solution-focused in challenging situations.
  • Must have high expectations, while acknowledging individual barriers to learning.
  • Must be able to personalise learning to meet diverse needs.
  • Must have strong behaviour management skills centred on understanding and support rather than punishment.

Next steps?

Click "apply now" to be considered for this wonderful opportunity as a primary teacher (SEMH teacher/SEN Teacher) or contact Lauren McNaught @ SANZA Teaching Agency on lauren.mcnaught@sanzateaching.com or 0207 845 6240 for more information. 

#INDSANZA