Job Description

West Heath School

Kent
33,075 - 50,471 per year

Salary:

Teachers Main Pay Scale (Fringe)

Job type:

Full Time, Permanent

Apply by:

1 September 2025

Job overview

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Can you make the difference to the lives of our students? Do you like to be challenged? Are you solution focused?

Do you want to be part of our SEMH school?

This could be the job for you.

West Heath School is a challenging place to work, but our dedicated staff rebuild lives through education. Teaching respect, encouraging responsibility, building relationships, and developing resilience in our students is an integral part of the role. Our committed, dynamic, and resourceful staff find working at West Heath School rewarding.


We are currently on an exciting journey to be registered as a therapeutic community and welcome staff who follow this ethos.


This position has been created for a primary-trained teacher who is keen to develop their practice in a supportive SEND environment, as well as potentially have the opportunity to teach across two Key Stages (KS2 - Year 5/6 and KS3 - Year 7). The successful candidate will work closely with the Lower School Curriculum Lead and the Head of School to deliver a bespoke educational programme to our special community of Lower School students.


Our teachers benefit from working across our Lower School primary model to ensure a consistent kinaesthetic and thematic approach to teaching and learning. Our Primary model supports students' transition into Year 7 and is key in bridging this gap and ensuring that smooth and successful transitions are an integral part of the West Heath School journey for students.


We pride ourselves on our unique whole school curriculum and take advantage of our beautiful setting and specialist teachers support the primary model by delivering both onsite lessons as well as taking students to external provisions such as farm visits and Equine Therapy. Outdoor learning and Preparation for Adulthood have a strong focus within the curriculum, and we are proud to provide students with a whole school orienteering trail as well as Juniors climbing frame and poly tunnel.


Many students have experienced significant time out of education, and have varying educational needs, and therefore students can have significant attainment gaps and can be working up to one to two years below their neurotypical peers. We strive for staff who are energetic and flexible and enjoy adapting their lessons to build engagement. Our staff work hard to create lessons that are challenging, but enjoyable and fun, and ensure all students develop socially and emotionally.


Due to the nature of the role the ideal applicant must hold, at minimum, QTS or other relevant degree in Primary Education and have strong KS2 curriculum knowledge. Experience of working in a SEND environment or with SEND students would also be advantageous.


West Heath School works towards the end goal of helping students re-integrate into mainstream learning and preparation for adulthood.

If you would like to be part of the journey helping our students gain their best outcomes, we can support you by offering:

Free lunches Employee Assistant Programme Charity Discount Scheme Summer and Christmas Social events Free onsite parking Swimming pool Excellent training opportunities both internal and external

If you want to know more about us or would like to visit before applying, please call or e-mail the whs.HR-team@ westheathschool.com

Working at West Heath School involves close and unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups including children and as such is a regulated activity. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding screening appropriate to the post (including an Enhanced DBS check. Management positions will require a 128 Check.)

About

West Heath School

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West Heath School

Ashgrove Road, Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 1SR
United Kingdom

+44 1732 460553

Our School

West Heath School is an Independent SEN residential school with charity status. We provide a therapeutically informed learning environment for children aged 10-19 who have suffered some form of trauma and are unable to access mainstream education.

Our Mission Statement

"REBUILDING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION"



To support and empower every member of our community in the process of developing the capacity to accept and exercise responsibility; to demonstrate respect for themselves and others; to build and maintain relationships based on trust, respect and integrity; and to be courageous enough to continue to build the resilience necessary to flourish.

Our Values

Respect



Having respect for others, for ourselves and for our environment.



Responsibility



Having the courage to accept responsibility for our own actions and their consequences and taking the necessary action to do what's right.



Relationships



Being open to the vulnerability that comes from building trusting and respectful relationships, knowing that through connection comes so much of what gives life value.



Resilience



Developing the courage to live life, accepting failure as part of learning and growth, and building the capacity to respond positively to adversity.

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