Learning Support Assistant

Learning Support Assistant – Social Emotional Mental Health Needs (SEMH)

Hourly Rate: £13.75
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, Term Time Only
Contract Type: Temporary (with potential for long-term or permanent opportunities)
Employer: Teaching Personnel

We work with inclusive and welcoming specialist SEMH schools in and around Portsmouth, who are looking to appoint a proactive and compassionate Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join their dedicated staff team. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with additional needs. 

The SEMH schools that we work with cater for a mix of Primary and Secondary aged students, with Social and Emotional needs to include trauma-based experience, anxiety, challenging behaviour, and mental health needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide academic and emotional support to pupils with SEMH needs in both 1:1 and small group settings.

• Support the delivery of personalised learning plans and assist in implementing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

• Encourage pupil engagement by creating a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment.

• Work closely with teachers, therapists, and the wider school team to support individual pupil progress.

Candidate Requirements:

• Previous experience working with children or young people (particularly in education or SEMH)

• A calm, patient, and adaptable approach to supporting children with diverse and complex needs.

• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a strong resilient nature.

• A strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of pupils.

• Willingness to complete relevant training, including SEMH-specific CPD.

• A valid drivers licence with access to a vehicle would be beneficial.

What Teaching Personnel Offers:

• Competitive hourly rate of £13.75, paid weekly via PAYE.

• A dedicated consultant offering personalised support throughout your placement.

• Access to a wide range of free and subsidised training, including Autism Awareness, Team Teach, and Safeguarding.

• Opportunities for long-term placements and professional development within SEMH education. 

If you are motivated to take on a new challenge, please do express your interest by applying 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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