Therapeutic Thinking Lead

Are you passionate about transforming the learning experiences of children and young people with SEMH, Autism, and complex and challenging needs?

'Therapeutic Thinking' is a whole-school relational approach to understanding and meeting needs and recognising the experiences and feelings that drive pupil behaviours. Coombe House School are looking for someone to lead its implementation. We are looking for a committed and skilled professional to join our team as a Therapeutic Thinking Lead.

Working closely with the Head of Safeguarding, Teachers, Learning Support Assistants and our Therapy team as our Therapeutic Thinking Lead, you will:

·      Lead and embed effective Therapeutic Thinking practice across the school.

·      Provide expert guidance, coaching and modelling of strategies to staff.

·      Support pupils with additional needs and SEMH, ensuring a graduated and consistent approach.

·      Develop, monitor and review individualised strategies, safety support plans and interventions.

·      Build positive working relationships with parents/carers and contribute to multi-disciplinary teamwork.

·      Deliver and oversee staff training to ensure consistent, evidence-based practice.

Whilst this is not a teaching position, it does require a strong background in classroom practice and pupil support.

We are seeking someone who can inspire confidence and lead by example. You will need:

• Outstanding classroom practice in supporting pupils with additional needs and SEMH within a mainstream or specialist setting, within the last two years.
• A proven ability to coach and train others in positive behaviour and therapeutic strategies.
• Prior experience with the Therapeutic Thinking framework would be advantageous although those with experience of comparable / related models (e.g. THRIVE) may be considered if a candidate can demonstrate enthusiasm to adapt their existing relational approaches in line with the Therapeutic Thinking approach. 
• Strong knowledge of evidence-based approaches such as Therapeutic Thinking, trauma-informed practice and SEMH support.
• Excellent communication, organisation and teamwork skills.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is desirable, as this role would particularly suit an experienced teacher ready to step into a specialist, whole-school position

Our school 

Coombe House School is an independent special school that provides education for pupils aged 5 to 19 with SEMH and Autism and associated difficulties, which represents the largest group of children and young people supported by an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) in Dorset and nationally. All pupils on roll have an EHCP. The school uses a therapeutic approach to support pupils with their individual difficulties. Everything the school does is based on the formation and maintenance of positive relationships and viewing all behaviour as communication.

The school is accessed via a private road and enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds. The accommodation extends to over 160,000 sq ft, set within in grounds of 55 acres.

Excellent salary range: £40,777 – £46,142 FTE per annum. For this term-time only position (39 weeks), the actual salary range is £35,986 – £40,319 per annum, depending on skills, experience, and qualifications in line with the person specification.

Working hours are full time (37 hours): 08.30 – 16.30 Monday to Thursday, 08.30 – 16.00 on a Friday.

What Coombe House School can offer you:  

·      An opportunity to be part of a school committed to a therapeutic and inclusive approach.

·      A workplace set in beautiful surroundings. 

• Competitive salary.

·      Pro-rated from 31 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, in line with the 41-week term-time contract (weeks added to and included in your salary).

·      Enhanced NEST Pension Scheme (10% employers' contribution).

·      Continuous professional development and training

·      Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool), at specified times.

·      Death in Service (3 x salary).

·      Health Care Plan after probation period - claim back costs towards dental check-ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.

·      Highly supportive leadership team and working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of other SEN Specialists.

·      Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme. 

·      Wellbeing support, including qualified Mental Health First Aiders on staff body. 

How to Apply

If you are enthusiastic, reflective, and ready to lead the development of therapeutic practice across our school, we would love to hear from you. Please review the job description and person specification for further information about the role. Please contact Claire Taylor, Assistant HR Manager on 01747 449858 for any queries, or email hr@coombehouse.org.uk

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 15 October 2025

Interviews will be held on 21 and 23 October 2025

This post involves working with children or vulnerable adults and/or having access to significant information about them and will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.