Therapeutic Lead Teacher – The Barn
Orchard Therapeutic Farm (OTF)
About Us
Orchard Therapeutic Farm (OTF) is an award-winning alternative provision supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, many of whom present with additional needs, including neurodivergent profiles.
Alongside our wider provision, The Barn offers a highly nurturing, low-stimulus environment for young people who require a more contained, relational, and therapeutic approach to education.
Our work is grounded in THRIVE-informed practice and underpinned by our core values:
Explore · Engage · Empower
The Role – Therapeutic Lead Teacher (The Barn)
This is a senior leadership role within The Barn, responsible for leading both the therapeutic and educational approach, ensuring practice is consistent, reflective, and aligned with THRIVE principles.
You will oversee the day-to-day delivery of provision within the Barn, working with very small groups of learners (typically 2–4), while also leading staff, curriculum design, and safeguarding practice within the setting.
This role requires a high level of professional judgement, emotional intelligence, and leadership, with a strong focus on relational practice and individualised learning.
Key ResponsibilitiesTherapeutic Teaching & Curriculum Leadership
- Lead the delivery of low-demand, flexible, and engaging learning experiences
- Take responsibility for the design, development, and ongoing management of the Barn curriculum
- Ensure the curriculum is adaptive, therapeutic, and aligned to EHCP needs and developmental readiness
- Balance academic progress with emotional regulation, engagement, and readiness to learn
- Ensure consistency and quality of teaching across the Barn provision
Therapeutic & Relational Practice
- Lead a THRIVE-informed, trauma-responsive approach across the Barn
- Create and maintain a calm, safe, and predictable environment
- Embed co-regulation, relational practice, and emotional safety into all aspects of provision
- Support staff in understanding behaviour as communication
- Respond appropriately to distress, anxiety, and dysregulation
Leadership & Line Management
- Line manage teachers and learning mentors within the Barn
- Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and professional support
- Coach and develop staff through modelling, reflection, and feedback
- Lead team briefings, debriefs, and reflective practice discussions
- Ensure high standards of practice are consistently maintained
Safeguarding Leadership
- Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) within the Barn
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are fully understood and consistently followed
- Maintain vigilance and oversee safeguarding practices within the environment
- Attend and contribute to safeguarding meetings and reviews
- Promote a strong culture of safeguarding, safety, and wellbeing
Assessment, Reporting & Outcomes
- Lead on monitoring and tracking learner progress and engagement
- Ensure EHCP outcomes are translated into small, meaningful, achievable steps
- Complete and oversee report writing, including progress reports and professional documentation
- Contribute to annual reviews and multi-agency meetings
- Ensure accurate, reflective, and high-quality recording of provision and progress
Wider Contribution & Leadership
- Attend and contribute to SLT meetings, providing updates on the Barn provision
- Contribute to the strategic development of the provision
- Work collaboratively with therapists, leadership, and external professionals
- Support the integration of the Barn within the wider OTF provision
What This Role Looks Like in Practice
- Leading a small team to support a young person who has been unable to access education
- Prioritising relationship-building and emotional safety before formal learning
- Adapting the day responsively based on emotional presentation
- Delivering short, meaningful, therapeutic learning experiences
- Supporting and guiding staff through complex situations
- Celebrating small but significant progress in regulation, confidence, and engagement
What We’re Looking For
We are looking for a professional who is:
- Highly emotionally intelligent, calm, and reflective
- Confident in leading therapeutic and educational practice
- Experienced in SEMH, SEND, or alternative provision
- Skilled in line management and staff development
- Able to make informed, responsive decisions in complex situations
- Passionate about supporting young people with trauma and school avoidance
Essential
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
- Experience working with SEMH and/or SEND
- Experience in leadership or readiness for a lead role
Why Join The Barn
- Lead a specialist therapeutic provision
- Work in a calm, low-stimulus environment
- Very small group sizes (2–4 learners)
- Strong focus on relationships and emotional development
- Opportunity to shape and develop practice
- Work within a supportive, values-driven team
This is a unique and highly rewarding leadership role where progress is often incremental but deeply meaningful and life-changing.
Safeguarding
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All roles are subject to:
- Enhanced DBS check
- Safer recruitment processes (including online checks)
- Ongoing safeguarding training in line with KCSIE 2025
Additional Information
This role will evolve in line with the needs of the provision. Flexibility, strong leadership, and a reflective, solution-focused approach are essential.
Pay: £25,000.00-£32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- what interested you in this role?
Experience:
- Support Environment with Children: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
