SEMH Teaching Assistant – Primary School
Location: Tameside, Manchester
Start Date: 23rd February (after Feb half term)
Contract: Full-time, Long-term (Temp to Perm opportunities available)
Working Hours: Monday–Friday, Term Time
Teaching Personnel are working in partnership with a welcoming and supportive primary SEMH provision to recruit a compassionate and resilient Behaviour Support Assistant to support pupils aged 5–11 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
The school supports children who may experience emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, trauma-related behaviours, attachment needs and challenges engaging with learning. Many pupils benefit from a structured routine, clear boundaries and consistent adult support to help them feel safe, regulated and ready to learn.
You will be working as part of a highly experienced and supportive staff team, including class teachers, SENCOs, pastoral staff, behaviour mentors and external professionals. The school places a strong emphasis on trauma-informed practice, relationship-based support and staff wellbeing.
The Role Will Involve:
- Supporting pupils with SEMH needs on a 1:1 and small group basis
- Assisting pupils with emotional regulation, behaviour and engagement in learning
- Implementing behaviour support strategies and individual plans
- Building positive, trusting relationships with pupils
- Supporting pupils during lessons, transitions, break and lunchtime periods
- Working closely with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral staff to provide consistent support
- Helping to maintain a calm, safe and nurturing learning environment
About the School & Environment:
- Small class sizes with high staff-to-pupil ratios
- Calm, structured classrooms designed for regulation and engagement
- Access to sensory spaces, quiet rooms and outdoor learning areas
- Strong leadership team with a focus on inclusion and staff support
- Regular training and guidance for SEMH and behaviour strategies
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
- Has experience supporting children with SEMH, behavioural or additional needs (school-based or transferable experience welcomed)
- Is calm, patient, resilient and empathetic
- Has strong communication and teamwork skills
- Is confident supporting challenging behaviour in a positive and consistent way
- Has a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable children
Previous SEMH experience is desirable but not essential — full training and ongoing support will be provided.
Why Work with Teaching Personnel?
- Competitive weekly pay via PAYE
- Dedicated SEN consultant support
- Free access to SEMH, behaviour management and safeguarding training
- Long-term placements with potential for permanent roles
- Supportive school environments with experienced staff
Safeguarding & Requirements:
- Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply)
- Right to work in the UK
- Overseas criminal checks may be required where applicable
If you are passionate about supporting primary-aged pupils with SEMH needs and want to make a meaningful difference in a nurturing school environment, we would love to hear from you.
Please apply with an up-to-date CV highlighting relevant experience.
When applying through Teaching Personnel, an enhanced DBS on the update service is a required document. If you do not have one already, you will be asked to apply for one through Teaching Personnel before you are able to start in a position.
Any applicants that have been out of the UK for more than 3 months over the past 5 years will be asked to provide an overseas criminal clearance check. If you do not already have one of these, please apply for this before applying to this role
All applicants must have a permanent residence and right to work in the UK. If you are currently based in another country, please do not apply for these roles as we will not be able to process your application.
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.
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