SEMH Class Teacher (Primary)

Full Time Position

Main Pay Scale M1-M6

The Davenport School is looking to appoint a class teacher to work at our small, three class, SEMH specialist school in Eastry.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a nurturing, independent school where pupils are at the heart of everything we do. The school is rewarding and challenging in equal measure and would suit an experienced teacher who has a good understanding of SEMH needs and is looking to work in an environment where progress is measured from starting point and academic decisions are based solely on the needs of the pupils.

With a maximum of 22 pupils on role, we have three small classes and a bespoke and creative thematic curriculum. Relational practice is central to our ethos, and we believe that building strong, trusting attachment is the secret to supporting children to develop the academic and social emotional skills that enable success.

Each class is well supported by a minimum of two skilled Learning Support Assistants, we have a dedicated library space, an outdoor classroom, and a focus on creative experiential learning that doesn’t rely on traditional book-based evidence of learning. Our in-house Speech and Language Therapist, dedicated Reading Doctors, and comprehensive training offer will ensure that you have the support needed to thrive in the role.

About the role:

• Class Teacher for a mixed key stage 2 class meeting the needs of children with diverse academic ability, SEMH needs, and developmental trauma
• Teaching an exciting thematic curriculum that reflects but is not dictated by the National Curriculum
• White Rose maths scheme, Twinkl SSP, and subscriptions to curriculum resource sites
• Exclusively school-based assessment practices that are considerate of teacher workload
• Small, highly supportive staff team including a SENCo, Designated Teacher, SaLT, and Pastoral Manager

Who we are looking for:

• A highly motivated, skilled, and experienced teacher with an understanding of SEMH need and a desire to work with children who experience barriers to learning
• A robust and resilient attitude to challenging behaviour that facilitates an empathetic but firm response
• A desire to be creative and an ability to think outside the box when planning and designing lessons and learning activities
• An ability to manage a small class-based LSA team and lead on decisions about pupil strategies and support
• An organised approach to assessment, record keeping, planning, and marking
• A desire to make a difference to children who are disadvantaged

About the school:

The Davenport School is situated in its own grounds on the edge of a rural village, near the historic town of Sandwich and is rated Good by Ofsted. The Davenport School is registered by the DfE for 22 children (aged 5-12) who have Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Many of our children have adverse childhood experiences and a disrupted education. Our expertise means that we can provide an educational approach that will enable our children to make progress academically and social emotionally.

The curriculum at The Davenport School has been designed to support the academic, personal, and emotional development of our pupils. It reflects the formal requirements of the National Curriculum, meets the specific needs of the pupils, and aims to provide experiences that enrich and support academic attainment.

At The Davenport School, we understand that to make academic progress our pupils need to feel safe, secure, valued, and confident. Our approach to education is based on the concept of the whole child, and our aim is for every pupil to be CHARMING:

Confidence: Developing confidence empowers the children to take risks, express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings, and advocate for themselves and others.

Happiness: Cultivating happiness in the school environment creates a positive and supportive atmosphere where children feel safe to learn, explore their values, and build healthy relationships.

Ambition: Nurturing ambition encourages children to strive for their best, setting high standards for themselves and others, contributing positively to the school community, and promoting a sense of responsibility.

Respect: Instilling respect for themselves, others, and the environment teaches children to value diversity, empathy, and fairness, forming the foundation for positive decision-making and successful relationships.

Motivation: Igniting motivation enables children to persevere through challenges, embrace learning, and actively participate in their personal development, fostering a lifelong enjoyment of learning and personal development.

To apply for this position, follow the link to our online application form, or download a printable version of the form below.

Please return completed applications to:

Personnel Department
Ethelbert Children's Services
17 Leigh Road

Ramsgate

Kent

CT12 5EU

If you would like an informal discussion regarding the expectations of the role, please contact our Personnel Department on 01843 823762

We are an equal opportunities employer