Job Description

Alternative Provision in Burnley hiring an SEMH Teacher or Instructor (Qualified or Unqualified). Teach small groups of 4-6 pupils. Temp-to-perm. Competitive pay.

About the Setting

Located in Burnley, our Alternative Provision (AP) school provides a high-impact, trauma-informed learning sanctuary for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 learners facing Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) challenges. Many of our pupils have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) or disengagement within mainstream educational settings.

Here, traditional 30-pupil lecture-style teaching is replaced by nurturing, high-support micro-classes of 4 to 6 pupils, supported in every room by dedicated pastoral Teaching Assistants. We prioritise relationship-building, core confidence, and practical life-skills alongside accredited academic learning.

The Role

We are seeking an adaptable, resilient, and engaging SEMH Teacher or Instructor to join our Burnley team on a temp-to-perm basis.

Both Qualified Teachers (QTS / QTLS) and Unqualified Teachers / Instructors / Cover Supervisors are encouraged to apply. What matters most is your ability to hold a room, command respect through empathy and firm boundaries, and adapt lessons creatively to engage vulnerable young people who think outside the box.

Key Responsibilities

  • Small-Group Delivery: Deliver tailored, functional lessons (Core Subjects, Entry Level / Functional Skills, GCSE, or Vocational/Life Skills) to micro-groups of 4-6 pupils.

  • Trauma-Informed Differentiation: Adapt learning materials and pace around individual pupil triggers, attention spans, and EHCP targets.

  • Positive Behaviour Support: Implement de-escalation strategies, nurture principles, and consistent restorative practice to manage emotional deregulation.

  • Co-Regulation & Teamwork: Work collaboratively alongside classroom TAs and multi-agency pastoral teams to maintain a safe, calm learning environment.

  • Tracking & Progression: Celebrate micro-wins, monitor social and academic progress, and contribute to termly pupil progress reviews.

Who We Are Looking For

  • Qualifications:

    • Option A (Qualified): UK QTS or QTLS (Primary, Secondary, or FE trained welcome). ECTs with strong classroom management are welcome.

    • Option B (Unqualified): Experience as an Unqualified Teacher, Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA), Cover Supervisor, FE Tutor, or Youth Mentor with proven experience delivering lessons to secondary-aged groups.

  • SEMH & AP Passion: Direct experience working with neurodivergent pupils (ADHD, ASC) and young people with SEMH needs within an AP, Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), or specialist provision is ideal.

  • Patience & Boundaries: Outstanding de-escalation skills, emotional stamina, and a restorative, non-judgemental approach.

  • Local Commute: Accessible to Burnley from surrounding East Lancashire areas (Pendle, Hyndburn, Blackburn, Rossendale, or West Yorkshire).

  • Safeguarding: An Enhanced Child Workforce DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to complete one).

Benefits & Progression

  • Micro-Class Sizes: Say goodbye to classes of 30-teach engaged groups of 4 to 6 with full TA support in the room.

  • Direct Route to Permanent: Try before you commit via an initial 12-week agency transition with transparent terms.

  • Supportive Leadership: Weekly dedicated planning time, regular de-escalation/Team-Teach CPD, and an approachable senior leadership team.

  • Free On-Site Parking: Located with straightforward road and public transport links across Burnley.

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