Learning Support Assistant (Mental Health)

Learning Support Assistant (SEMH)

Location: Andover, Hampshire
Hours: Monday to Friday | Term Time Only
Pay Rate: £14.25 per hour

Learning Support Assistant

We are recruiting dedicated, resilient, and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistants to join a specialist SEMH school in Andover. The school supports children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs who may present with challenging behaviours and require additional support to engage positively in education.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are committed to helping young people overcome barriers to learning, develop emotional resilience, and achieve their potential. Previous experience in education is beneficial but not essential, as full training and ongoing support will be provided. We welcome applicants from backgrounds such as youth work, care, mental health support, residential childcare, coaching, healthcare, security, and other people-focused professions.

The Role

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to provide consistent support for students both in and out of the classroom.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing one-to-one and small-group support to students
• Supporting pupils to engage with learning and remain focused in lessons
• Building positive, professional relationships with students
• Implementing behaviour support strategies and promoting positive outcomes
• Helping students regulate their emotions and manage challenging situations
• Supporting social, emotional, and personal development
• Assisting during breaktimes, transitions, and enrichment activities
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a safe and supportive environment
• Recording and reporting on student progress and wellbeing as required

About You

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Patient, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
• Calm under pressure and confident managing challenging behaviour
• Passionate about supporting vulnerable young people
• Strong communicators who can build trust and rapport
• Reliable, adaptable, and able to work effectively as part of a team
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare

Experience within education, youth work, residential care, mentoring, behaviour support, mental health services, sports coaching, healthcare, security, or similar environments would be highly advantageous.

Important Information

Due to the nature of the setting, some students may display behaviours that challenge. Successful candidates should be comfortable working in this environment and may be required to undertake physical intervention/restraint training. Any physical intervention used will be in line with the school's behaviour policy and accredited training procedures, with the safety and wellbeing of both students and staff being paramount.

What You'll Receive

• Term-time-only working pattern
• Ongoing SEMH and behaviour management training
• Accredited physical intervention/restraint training
• Support from an experienced and welcoming team
• Valuable experience within a specialist SEMH setting
• Opportunities for long-term career progression
• A highly rewarding role where every day makes a genuine difference

Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and all relevant safeguarding and recruitment checks.

If you're looking for a rewarding role supporting young people with SEMH needs and helping them achieve positive outcomes, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today with your up-to-date CV.

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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