SEMH Cover Supervisor – Transforming Young Lives

Cover Supervisor – SEMH School (Alternative Provision)

Location: Wakefield WF2 (commutable from Leeds, Pontefract, Castleford, Barnsley & surrounding areas)

Pay: £100 – £125 per day

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–3:30pm

Start Date: ASAP

Are you confident managing behaviour and passionate about supporting vulnerable young people?

We are recruiting a Cover Supervisor for a specialist SEMH school in Wakefield
, supporting students aged 7–15 who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream education.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone who can build positive relationships, provide consistency, and help students re-engage with education in a structured and supportive environment.

In this role, you will supervise classes during teacher absences and support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
, behavioural challenges, and additional learning needs.

The school provides a nurturing and therapeutic environment focused on:

• Rebuilding confidence and engagement in learning
• Supporting emotional regulation and behaviour
• Creating structure, routine, and positive relationships
• Helping students develop resilience, social skills, and independence
• Supporting pupils who may have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

• Supervising classes using pre-planned work across KS1–KS4
• Managing challenging behaviour using positive behaviour strategies
• Building strong relationships with students to encourage engagement
• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis or in small groups
• Using de‑escalation techniques to support emotional regulation
• Promoting a calm, safe, and structured learning environment
• Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff, and behaviour teams
• Acting as a positive role model for vulnerable young people

• Experience working with SEMH, challenging behaviour, or vulnerable young people
• Confident classroom and behaviour management skills
• Calm, resilient, and patient approach
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Backgrounds in education, youth work, sports coaching, care, mentoring, or support work are highly valued
• Full‑time availability (Monday–Friday)
• Team Teach or behaviour training is desirable but not essential

• Competitive daily pay: £110 – £125 per day
• Long‑term opportunity within a specialist SEMH setting
• Ongoing CPD and training in behaviour management and de‑escalation
• Supportive and experienced leadership team
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact on young people’s lives
• Excellent experience for those considering careers in teaching, psychology, youth justice, or social work

• Experienced Cover Supervisors
• Behaviour Mentors or SEMH Teaching Assistants
• Sports Coaches or Youth Workers
• Graduates in Psychology, Criminology, or Education
• Individuals passionate about supporting excluded or vulnerable students