Job Description

Hours of work: 34


Working pattern: Part-time, Term-time working for 39 weeks per year plus 6.05 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service.


As the position is part-time, term-time, the above salary will be pro rata.





Closing date: Wednesday 22 October 2025, 12pm


For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact the school. You can download and complete the application form from the school website.


Willingdon Community School, Broad Road, Lower Willingdon, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 9QX


Phone: 01323 485254


Email: recruitment@willingdonschool.org.


Website: http://willingdonschool.org.uk/about-us/vacancies




Join our amazing Special Educational Needs (SEN) Team, working in a rewarding role as a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Learning Support Practitioner, making a difference to young people's lives and their future.


We're looking for a compassionate Social, Emotional and Mental Health Learning Support Practitioner to help children thrive in school.


You will provide 1:1 reintegration support, deliver small group interventions, and work with teachers to adapt lessons using therapeutic and neuro-affirming approaches in line with the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice and Therapeutic Thinking framework


You will also collaborate with families and external professionals, monitor progress, and help remove barriers to learning and engagement.





If you are committed to inclusion and improving educational outcomes, we would love to hear from you


The appointed person will be joining a dynamic team in the Inclusion department.



Our Vision Statement:


We are Willingdon.


We are a united, vibrant community which demonstrates personal excellence in all that we do. Learning at Willingdon transforms lives by igniting curiosity and expecting the very best from staff and students alike. We value opportunities, aiming for success today to prepare for challenges and opportunities tomorrow. We are respectful, compassionate and courteous to empower each other on our unique learning journeys. We look after ourselves and each other, and show empathy, respect and compassion to all people and our environment along the way. We encourage tolerance, resilience and reflection, which in turn allows everyone to make progress every lesson. We work together as a harmonious community to be the very best versions of ourselves.


This makes us Willingdon.



Staff wellbeing is of paramount importance to us at Willingdon Community School. We can offer the successful candidate:


A clear purpose. We are here to develop personal excellence and help staff and students be the very best versions of themselves. Lots of opportunities to observe others and feedback. We don't grade lessons and feedback is developmental. Regular opportunities for staff voice directly to the Headteacher. On appointment, a full induction day is arranged to ensure you are supported with the transition to your new role. 50% off Benenden Health Care scheme. Opportunity to join Bupa Dental Plan which provides varying contributions to NHS and private dental services. Regular Mindfulness sessions to enhance your work-life balance. We offer Mental Health First Aid to all staff which is a two day qualification. An Employee Assistance Programme via the County Council, this service is provided by 'Care First', they offer advice, information, emotional support and counselling. Annual Flu Vaccination is provided in the autumn term and paid for by the school. Access to the ESCC My Staff Shop which gives access to a wide range of tax efficient benefits and discounts from national and local businesses. The Love 2 shop membership card (linked to My Staff Shop) is a reloadable gift card which can be spent at a number of major retailers. Bike Scheme, this is a salary sacrifice scheme that produces a saving of up to 32% compared to buying a bike upfront. A free coffee machine is ready for you during break and lunch time. Invitations to whole school social events such as our Christmas party which is subsidised as a thank you to staff, and other gatherings to celebrate success. Local business discounts for Willingdon Community School staff.
And more!


We believe that happy staff make happy children and therefore do our utmost to support our staff.


Willingdon Community School is committed to child protection/safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this duty of care. All applicants will be subject to safer recruitment procedures and will require satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.


We advise applying promptly for our vacancies as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.


Actual pro rata salary range is 20,633 - 20,961 per annum.


Start date as soon as possible.


Interview details will be sent to shortlisted candidates only.



Additional Information



This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record .



All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.