1:1 SEMH Learning Support Assistant

SEMH Learning Support Assistant

Alternative Provision - Birkenhead

September 2026 Start, Full-Time &Potential Permanent Opportunity

Teaching Personnel Liverpool are currently recruiting for three experienced SEMH Learning Support Assistants to join a well-established and highly respected Alternative Provision in Birkenhead from September.

These roles are being offered on an initial supply basis, with a strong possibility of securing a permanent contract for successful candidates who demonstrate commitment, resilience, and the ability to build positive relationships with young people.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of secondary-aged students who require additional emotional, behavioural and educational support to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

The Role

As an SEMH Learning Support Assistant, you will work on a 1:1 basis with secondary-aged pupils who have a range of social, emotional and mental health needs. Many students may have experienced barriers to education and require consistent support, structure, and positive role modelling to help them engage with learning.

Working closely with teaching staff, pastoral teams and external professionals, you will play a key role in supporting students' academic progress, emotional wellbeing and personal development.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing dedicated 1:1 support to students with SEMH needs.
• Building positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Supporting students to engage in lessons and achieve learning objectives.
• Implementing behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques.
• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Assisting with personalised learning activities tailored to individual needs.
• Encouraging attendance, participation and engagement in education.
• Supporting students during transitions, breaktimes and structured interventions.
• Recording student progress and reporting concerns to relevant staff.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, pastoral staff and external agencies.
• Acting as a positive role model and providing consistent support throughout the school day.
• Maintaining a safe, nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience working within an Alternative Provision (AP), Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) or similar specialist setting.
• Experience supporting young people with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour.
• Strong behaviour management and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to remain calm, patient and resilient in challenging situations.
• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
• Experience working with secondary-aged students.

Desirable Experience

• Team Teach or equivalent behaviour management training.
• Experience supporting pupils with ADHD, ASD, trauma-related needs or attachment difficulties.
• Youth work, mentoring, residential care or safeguarding experience.

What We Offer

• Competitive daily pay of £95 - £110 per day.
• Full-time hours, Monday to Friday.
• 6.5-hour working day.
• September start date.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Teaching Personnel consultant.
• Opportunity to gain a permanent position within a highly regarded Alternative Provision.
• The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.

Apply Now

If you have experience working in an Alternative Provision, PRU, or a similar specialist environment and are passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to learning, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today through Teaching Personnel Liverpool to be considered for one of these exciting September opportunities in Birkenhead.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
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