We are currently seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join a well-established specialist primary setting in Andover. This role is ideal for individuals with experience supporting children with SEMH or SEN needs, or those with a strong background in mainstream schools who are looking to transition into a more specialised and rewarding environment.
About the Setting
The school is a specialist provision for primary-aged pupils who require additional support with their social, emotional and mental health needs. The setting is designed to provide a structured, nurturing and highly supportive environment where pupils can feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
The curriculum is adapted to meet individual needs, combining academic learning with a strong focus on emotional development, communication skills and positive behaviour strategies. Class sizes are small, allowing for a more personalised approach, and there is a strong emphasis on building trust, routine and consistency throughout the school day.
Staff work collaboratively to create a calm and predictable environment, using clear boundaries alongside encouragement and positive reinforcement. The aim is to help pupils develop resilience, confidence and the skills needed to successfully access learning and manage their emotions.
Role Overview
You will be working closely with teaching staff to support primary-aged pupils who may present with a range of SEMH needs. These can include difficulties with emotional regulation, attachment, anxiety, low self-esteem or trauma-related behaviours.
Challenging behaviour in this setting may present as verbal outbursts, refusal to engage, disruption to learning or difficulty following instructions and routines. It is important to understand that these behaviours are often a form of communication, and the role involves responding in a calm, consistent and supportive manner to help pupils regulate and re-engage.
The role requires patience, resilience and a proactive approach. You will play a key part in helping pupils feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
Key Responsibilities
• Support pupils on a one-to-one basis and in small groups
• Assist in managing challenging behaviour using consistent and positive strategies
• Help pupils to regulate emotions and develop coping strategies
• Work closely with teaching staff to deliver tailored and engaging learning activities
• Promote a safe, structured and inclusive learning environment
• Support the development of social skills, independence and confidence
• Build positive, professional and trusting relationships with pupils
Requirements
• Experience working with SEMH, SEN or within a mainstream school setting
• Strong behaviour management skills and emotional resilience
• A calm, patient and adaptable approach
• Ability to remain consistent and professional in challenging situations
• Full-time availability
• A genuine interest in supporting children with additional needs
• An enhanced DBS check will be required
Pay and Benefits
• £14.20 per hour
• Full-time position
• Term time only
• Free access to a wide range of relevant online training courses
• Opportunity to gain recognised certificates to support your professional development
• Ongoing support from experienced education professionals
• The chance to work within a supportive and collaborative team
This is a highly rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of young people. If you are committed, compassionate and ready to take on a meaningful role within a specialist setting, we would welcome your application.
Please apply with 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.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
.svg){kind=logo}
