Learning Support Assistant (SEMH)

Job Title: Teaching Assistant – SEMH Support
Location: Basingstoke
Setting: Specialist Short Stay SEMH Provision (Ages 11–16)
Start Date: September
Pay: £14.25 per hour

Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEMH Provision

An opportunity has arisen for a committed and proactive Teaching Assistant to join a specialist Short Stay SEMH provision in Basingstoke supporting students aged 11–16.

This specialist setting provides short-term educational placements for young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs who are temporarily unable to access mainstream education. The provision focuses on supporting students to stabilise, re-engage with learning, develop positive routines, and prepare for successful transition back into school or onward educational pathways.

The environment is structured, nurturing, and relationship-led, with small class sizes, clear expectations, and a strong emphasis on consistency and personalised support.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with teaching and pastoral teams to support students both within the classroom and across the wider school environment.

The role requires an individual who can establish positive professional relationships, promote emotional regulation, and support students to engage successfully with learning and daily routines.

You will contribute to creating a calm, safe, and structured environment that enables students to build confidence and make meaningful progress.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group support to students across the school day

• Support behaviour positively through calm, consistent approaches

• Promote emotional regulation and sustained engagement with learning

• Assist students during lessons, transitions, and unstructured times

• Build supportive and professional relationships that encourage progress and participation

• Contribute to maintaining a safe, structured, and inclusive learning environment

• Work collaboratively with teaching staff and pastoral teams to implement individual support strategies

Person Specification

Applications are welcomed from candidates with experience supporting young people within education, care, youth work, residential settings, or other relevant environments.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Confidence supporting behaviour and emotional needs positively

• A calm, resilient, and adaptable approach

• The ability to maintain clear boundaries while remaining empathetic and supportive

• Availability to work full time from September

Previous experience within SEMH or specialist provision would be advantageous but is not essential.

Requirements

• Child Workforce DBS registered to the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one

• Right to work in the UK

What We Offer

• Full-time position commencing in September

• Competitive hourly rate of £14.25 per hour

• Supportive and experienced staff team

• Structured specialist education environment

• Valuable experience for those considering careers in education, psychology, youth work, or pastoral support

• Opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference to young people’s educational journeys

Safeguarding

The provision is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.

To apply, please submit your up-to-date CV for consideration.

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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