Location: Epping Forest, Essex
Salary: £34,000–£50,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time or part-time
Setting: Specialist outdoor SEND school
Are you passionate about therapeutic education and the great outdoors?
Would you love to teach in a setting where learning happens outside, come rain or shine?
Not every young person thrives in a traditional classroom. Some need space to explore, opportunities to build trust and a team that looks beyond behaviour to understand what sits underneath it.
Parker Smith Inclusion is working in partnership with a growing specialist outdoor SEND school in Epping Forest, looking for a passionate Outdoor SEMH Teacher to join its team.
This is an opportunity to bring learning to life through nature, practical experiences and meaningful relationships, helping young people develop the confidence and skills they need to move forward.
About the school
This small but growing specialist school supports young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, alongside associated additional needs. Its approach combines education, therapeutic support and outdoor learning to create an environment where pupils can feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
The school offers bespoke educational and career pathways, including BTECs in Animal Care, Sport and Business Studies. Core subjects are brought to life through practical experiences, such as teaching fractions by measuring animal feed.
You'll be joining a passionate team of outdoor teachers and therapists who work collaboratively to integrate therapeutic approaches into everyday learning.
Many pupils have experienced trauma and may find mainstream education challenging. Patience, consistency and the ability to build trusting relationships are essential to helping them re-engage with education and recognise their potential.
The role – Outdoor SEMH Teacher
As an Outdoor SEMH Teacher, you will:
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Plan and deliver engaging, personalised lessons that meet pupils' individual needs.
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Use outdoor environments and practical activities to make learning meaningful and accessible.
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Build positive, trusting relationships with young people who may have experienced trauma.
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Support pupils with emotional regulation, confidence, communication and social development.
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Work collaboratively with therapists and colleagues to provide consistent, therapeutic support.
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Adapt your teaching approach to engage pupils with different abilities, interests and learning styles.
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Help young people develop independence, practical skills and positive pathways for the future.
What we're looking for
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QTS or an equivalent teaching qualification is desirable.
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Experience teaching English or an English specialism would be particularly beneficial.
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A flexible, creative approach to teaching and learning.
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The resilience and patience to support vulnerable young people with SEMH needs.
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A genuine interest in outdoor education and practical, experiential learning.
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The ability to build positive relationships and understand the needs behind behaviour.
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SEND experience is beneficial, but applications are also welcomed from mainstream teachers looking to transition into specialist education.
Most importantly, you'll be someone who believes that every young person deserves to feel understood, supported and capable of success.
Why Parker Smith Inclusion?
At Parker Smith Inclusion, SEND is genuinely all we do. We take the time to understand your experience, your ambitions and the environment in which you want to work, helping you find a role where you can make a meaningful difference.
Whether you're an experienced SEND teacher or a mainstream teacher ready for a new challenge, we'll support you throughout the process.
Interested in a different kind of teaching role?
If you're ready to step away from the traditional classroom and explore the possibilities of outdoor, therapeutic education, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today or contact Harry at Parker Smith Inclusion to discuss this opportunity and other SEMH teaching roles.
Email: harry@psinclusion.co.uk
Phone: 020 3011 4848