Job description
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Unqualified Teacher to join our specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people who require additional emotional, behavioural, and social support to succeed in education.
The successful candidate will primarily deliver Food Technology and Design Technology (DT) lessons, supporting learners to develop practical skills, confidence, and engagement through hands-on, creative learning.
You will be working with pupils who may present with a range of needs including SEMH difficulties, autism, ADHD, trauma-related behaviours, and disengagement from learning.
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver engaging Food Technology and DT lessons, following school schemes of work
Adapt learning to meet the individual needs of pupils with SEMH needs
Create a safe, structured, and positive practical learning environment
Manage behaviour effectively using consistent, trauma-informed approaches
Support pupils in developing life skills, independence, and vocational interests
Work collaboratively with teaching assistants, SEN staff, and pastoral teams
Contribute to EHCP targets and individual learning plans
Maintain high standards of health and safety in practical/food preparation environments
About You:
We are looking for someone who is:
Passionate about working with young people with SEMH needs
Calm, resilient, and able to build strong, positive relationships
Confident in delivering or supporting practical lessons (Food Tech/DT)
Flexible and able to adapt teaching approaches to individual learners
Strong in behaviour management and classroom routines
Committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable learners
Desirable (not essential):
Experience in SEMH, PRU, alternative provision, or SEND settings
Background in Food Technology, Design Technology, catering, or trade skills
Experience working with challenging behaviour or youth work
Willingness to work towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
At
Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life.
Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or
leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.
Our
values— opportunity, integrity, community, and equity —guide everything we
do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of
learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working
together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice
matters, and every learner thrives.
We
are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools,
proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury.
Our
people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development
through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes,
and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled,
confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a
culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real
difference.
You
will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a
strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has
an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored
learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
If
you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create
futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team.
Together,
let’s make the remarkable happen.
We
believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.
Make
a life-changing difference in one of our special schools
Our
special schools are inspiring, welcoming and truly life-changing places to
work. Every day, our dedicated teams help children and young people with a wide
range of special educational needs and disabilities to discover their
strengths, achieve their ambitions and live happy, fulfilling lives.
Our
pupils include children and young people with profound and multiple learning
disabilities, complex medical needs, sensory impairments, moderate and severe
learning difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs. Every
pupil is unique, and every achievement and milestone is recognised and
celebrated.
By
joining one of our special schools, you will become part of a warm,
compassionate and highly skilled team, united by a shared belief in what every
child and young person can achieve. You will work in a supportive environment
where relationships matter, ideas are welcomed and every role makes an
important contribution.
Whether
you join us as a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional or as
part of our administration, facilities or operational teams, you will have the
opportunity to develop your skills, learn from experienced colleagues and build
a rewarding career in special education.
Our
pupils learn in small classes and benefit from personalised education, care and
support shaped around their individual strengths, needs and aspirations.
Together, our teams help pupils develop their knowledge, communication,
independence and confidence, while preparing them for adulthood and their
future lives.
Working
in one of our special schools is much more than a job. It is an opportunity to
join an extraordinary community and make a lasting difference to children,
young people and their families.
Join
us and help transform lives, including your own.
Shaw
Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or
Support Staff employment:
An
excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers
Pension (Teaching Staff)
Support Staff only based on
working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first
day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’
service including Bank Holidays)
Access
to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to
support your well-being.
Free
DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive
discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers
from hundreds of the biggest brands.
Free
Eye Tests
Cycle
to work scheme
Access to our Institute of
Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and
flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re
committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a
rewarding one.
Colleagues
within the Trust benefit from: Access to a full range of courses both
in-house and professionally accredited. These courses include a variety of the
National Professional Qualifications and the Early Carer Teacher Programme
delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition
Institute.
Experienced
leadership and subject-specific support.
Guidance
from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
Access
to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
Opportunities
to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional
Advocate.
Participating
in peer reviews.
Access
to a suite of online courses.
Placement
projects within our family of schools.