Secondary SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Secondary School

Location: Bolton
Start Date: ASAP / Flexible
Contract Type: Full-time 

About the Role

Teaching Personnel is proud to be working closely with a caring and inclusive secondary school in the Bolton area, seeking a SEMH‑focused Teaching Assistant to join their supportive team. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about helping young people who may experience emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, trauma‑related behaviours, or challenges linked to ADHD and social communication needs.

The school places strong emphasis on relationships, consistency, and understanding each pupil as an individual. You’ll play a vital role in helping students feel safe, supported, and ready to engage with learning.

Your Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you’ll provide compassionate, hands‑on support to pupils who need extra guidance throughout their school day. Your responsibilities will include:

• Offering 1:1 and small‑group support for pupils with SEMH needs across KS3 and KS4
• Building positive, trusting relationships with students who may struggle with emotional regulation or behaviour
• Supporting pupils to manage anxiety, dysregulation, and challenging behaviours using consistent strategies
• Helping students remain engaged in lessons and supporting them during moments of distress
• Working closely with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral staff to follow individual behaviour and support plans
• Encouraging positive social interactions, independence, and self‑confidence
• Observing and sharing progress, triggers, and successes with the wider school team

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals who bring patience, empathy, and resilience. Ideally, you will have:

• Experience supporting children or young people with SEMH or behavioural needs
• A calm, nurturing approach and the ability to remain composed in challenging situations
• Confidence supporting pupils with personal care requirements
• Strong communication skills and a genuine team‑player mindset
• A real passion for making a difference to young people’s lives
• An enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to apply through Teaching Personnel

Experience in education, youth work, care, mental health, or similar settings is highly valued, but not essential — the right attitude matters most.

Why Choose Teaching Personnel?

When you work with Teaching Personnel, you’re never just a number. We offer:

• A dedicated team who understands SEMH roles and local schools
• Access to free CPD and specialist SEN/SEMH training
• Opportunities for long‑term and permanent placements
• Competitive weekly pay
• Ongoing support, guidance, and honest communication
• A chance to work in schools that truly value inclusion and wellbeing

If you’re looking for a rewarding role where your patience, care, and commitment truly matter, this could be the perfect next step.

Apply today with Teaching Personnel and help create positive change for young people who need it most.

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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