Teaching Assistant – SEN / SEMH

Salary: £14.25 per hour
Job Type: Full-time, Term-time
Working Hours: Monday–Friday

About the Role

We are seeking dedicated, compassionate and resilient Teaching Assistants to join a specialist education setting, supporting primary and secondary-aged pupils with a range of additional needs.

The school provides support for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), learning difficulties, and speech and language needs. There are also opportunities to work with pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including those who may present with challenging behaviour.

Candidates will have the opportunity to indicate their preferred area of work, depending on their experience, interests and suitability.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to develop a career in education, SEN or SEMH support. Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience in education, health and social care, childcare, youth work, support work, healthcare, coaching or other relevant settings.

Previous experience within a school or specialist setting is desirable but not essential. Relevant transferable skills and the right approach are equally valued.

Key Responsibilities

Working closely with teachers and the wider support team, you will contribute to pupils’ educational, social and personal development.

Responsibilities may include:

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support

• Supporting pupils to access the curriculum and classroom activities

• Assisting with individual learning and communication needs

• Encouraging confidence, independence and positive social development

• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour

• Building positive and professional relationships with pupils

• Promoting a safe, structured and supportive learning environment

• Supporting pupils during transitions and other school activities

• Working collaboratively with teachers and the wider support team

For those working with SEMH pupils, responsibilities may also include supporting students who display challenging behaviour, helping them develop emotional regulation, positive behaviours and appropriate strategies for managing difficult situations.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Patience, empathy and resilience

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• A calm and professional approach

• The ability to establish positive relationships with children and young people

• Flexibility and adaptability

• The ability to work effectively as part of a team

• A genuine commitment to supporting pupils with additional needs

Experience working with children, young people or individuals with additional needs is advantageous. Experience in care, youth work, residential support, mental health, coaching, education or behaviour support is also highly relevant.

What We Offer

• £14.25 per hour

• Full-time, term-time working

• Monday–Friday schedule

• Opportunities to work within SEN or SEMH provision, depending on preference and suitability

• Ongoing training and professional development

• A supportive and collaborative team

• Opportunities for career progression

• Potential for a permanent position following a successful placement

How to Apply

If you are looking for a rewarding role supporting children and young people and would like the opportunity to develop your experience within SEN or SEMH education, we would welcome your application.

When applying, please indicate whether you have a preference for SEN or SEMH/challenging behaviour support, where applicable.

Please submit an up-to-date CV through Indeed for consideration.

Safeguarding

This position is subject to appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment procedures. Applicants must hold a Child Workforce DBS registered on the Update Service or be willing to obtain the required DBS check prior to commencing employment.

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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