High-Needs SEMH Support Assistant - Bradford (BD8)

High-Needs SEMH Support Assistant – Bradford (BD8)

Daily Rate: £90–£105/day (depending on role complexity)
Contract: Long-term or permanent via agency
Start Date: September 2025 (rolling interviews throughout summer)

We are recruiting for dedicated, trauma-informed Teaching Assistants to support students in an Alternative Provision setting in Bradford. This role will challenge and reward in equal measure – if you're passionate about making a real impact in the lives of students who’ve experienced adversity, this is the role for you.

Our partner schools support learners aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. These students often come from complex backgrounds, may have experienced significant trauma, and require consistency, patience, and structured routines.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

• Supporting students in a small group or 1:1 capacity, focusing on social engagement, emotional regulation, and curriculum access
• Implementing personalised behaviour and emotional support plans
• De-escalating challenging behaviour using strategies aligned with Team Teach or trauma-informed care approaches
• Assisting with creative and vocational activities (music, art, cooking, outdoor learning)
• Modelling emotional resilience, active listening, and restorative approaches to relationship-building
• Liaising with the SENCo, therapists, and pastoral leads to monitor progress and update plans

Desired Qualities:

• Proven experience working in challenging behaviour settings (e.g. SEMH schools, PRUs, youth services, residential care)
• Understanding of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), attachment difficulties, and developmental trauma
• Excellent emotional regulation, boundary-setting, and communication skills
• Strong belief in every child’s right to education and the ability to thrive with the right support
• Able to commit to consistent support—students benefit most from long-term relationships

Benefits of Working with Us:

• Priority access to roles in specialist SEMH provisions across Bradford
• Supportive agency consultants who understand SEND and SEMH practice
• CPD and access to Team Teach or de-escalation training
• Opportunities for progression to mentor, behaviour lead, or therapeutic roles
• Be part of a community of professionals transforming young lives

This is a life-changing opportunity to support some of the most vulnerable learners in West Yorkshire. If you’re ready to build relationships that truly matter, apply with your today.

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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