Teacher - Trauma Informed Pathway - Full-time - Special Needs Position

Elms School, Dover

• Ref:KCC886-7045-476T
• Posted:18/06/2026
• Pay:MPS/UPS + SEN Allowance
• Start Date:September/TBA
• App Close Date:17/07/2026 at 08:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled, reflective and relational teacher to help develop a new Trauma Informed Pathway within a therapeutic base at Elms School.

The pathway will support a small group of approximately 6–8 pupils who require a highly personalised approach to their education and SEMH development. This is not a standard teaching post. It is an opportunity to help build a new provision for pupils who need learning, regulation and intervention to be carefully planned around them.

The successful teacher will lead the education offer within the pathway. They will work directly with pupils and alongside practitioners to ensure that learning, regulation, intervention and personal development are connected. This will include delivering direct teaching, supporting pupils to access learning, contributing to SEMH intervention planning, and helping pupils make progress towards their individual outcomes.

Being trained as a Trauma Informed Practitioner, or being willing to begin this training on commencement of post, is an essential requirement.

For an experienced UPS teacher, the role also provides an opportunity to contribute to wider school development. This may include supporting additional provision, sharing trauma-informed and relational practice, contributing to staff understanding, and helping to strengthen consistency across the school.

At Elms, our work is underpinned by The Elms Approach. We believe pupils learn best when they feel safe, valued and understood, and that behaviour is a form of communication. Our approach is based on predictable responses, positive relationships, consistent routines, thoughtful adjustments and professional reflection.

We are looking for a teacher who will:
• Be an excellent classroom practitioner with a strong understanding of SEMH needs.
• Be trained as a Trauma Informed Practitioner, or willing to begin this training on commencement of post.
• Understand trauma-informed practice, nurture and relational approaches.
• Plan and deliver learning for pupils who may have experienced significant barriers to education.
• Work closely with practitioners to connect education, intervention and SEMH development.
• Help develop personalised provision within the pathway.
• Contribute to wider school practice and development.
• Use calm, consistent and reflective practice in line with the Elms Approach.
• Be committed to inclusion, safeguarding and helping pupils rebuild trust in learning.

We can offer:
• The opportunity to help develop a new therapeutic base and Trauma Informed Pathway.
• A small, carefully planned provision with approximately 6–8 pupils.
• A wider development opportunity for a UPS teacher who wants to have whole-school impact.
• Support to undertake Trauma Informed Practitioner training where this has not already been completed.
• A school-wide approach that supports consistency, nurture and relational practice.
• Supportive leadership and a committed team who understand that positive relationships are the foundation for learning.

This is a significant opportunity for a teacher who wants to make a lasting difference to pupils who need something more personalised, relational and carefully planned, while also contributing to wider school improvement.

Information about the school

Elms is a special school for pupils with social, emotional, mental health and learning needs.

Elms School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, Fundamental British Values and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to safer recruitment checks in line with DfE guidance, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and an online search. This search is not part of the shortlisting process itself and all shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to address any issues of concern resulting from the search.

Elms School offers staff the following support:

Access to an on-site HR Advisor, who is also a Mental Health First Aider; Fortnightly Supervision for Teachers; Membership of Benenden Health Care; Access to Support Line Counselling; Menopause Support; SLT open door approach; Team Teach Training; Full Time DSL.

Elms School is a nurturing place of learning that has high expectations for all. Our therapeutic approaches nurture students so they form relationships and to learn to; self-regulate; demonstrate respect; take responsibility; understand their and others’ emotions. Our curriculum enriches the experiences of our students, develops independence and promotes collaboration. Our broad and balanced curriculum is relevant, engaging and provides opportunities to achieve academic success as well as equipping them with skills for life.

Our highly-trained staff provide bespoke therapeutic interventions, such as Thrive or Trauma Informed Practice, to address social emotional development and enable pupils to manage their behaviour and regulate their emotions so that they can form meaningful relationships throughout their lives. We teach our students how to regulate using the Zones of Regulation. We use Restorative Approaches to build and maintain a sense of community and to provide our pupils with the ability and attitude to respect the viewpoints of others and, when necessary, take responsibility for resolving conflict and putting things right.

In our Ofsted inspection in March 2023, Elms School continues to be a Good school.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Melanie Wright
• Address:Elms School, Elms Vale Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9PS
• Telephone: 01304 201964
• Email: hr@elms.kent.sch.uk

Fax: 01304 225000

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description