SEMH Learning Support Assistant

SEMH Learning Support Assistant – Greater Manchester | Full-Time

Are you passionate about making a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young people? Do you have the resilience, empathy, and dedication required to support students with additional needs? We are currently recruiting for a committed and proactive SEMH Learning Support Assistant to join a highly supportive and well-established secondary school in the Greater Manchester area.

This is a genuinely rewarding opportunity to work closely with students who require additional support with their social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Many of the pupils you will be supporting may face barriers to learning due to behavioural challenges, past experiences, or underlying needs such as anxiety, trauma, or difficulties with emotional regulation. The school prides itself on offering a nurturing, structured, and inclusive environment where every student is given the opportunity to succeed, develop confidence, and achieve both academically and personally.

The school is well-equipped with excellent facilities specifically designed to support SEMH learners. These include dedicated intervention rooms for targeted support, sensory and breakout spaces to help students regulate their emotions, and well-resourced classrooms that encourage engagement in a calm and purposeful setting. There are also outdoor areas that can be used for structured activities and de-escalation when required. The overall environment has been carefully developed to ensure students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

You will be joining a collaborative and experienced team made up of teachers, SEN specialists, behaviour mentors, and pastoral staff who are all committed to achieving the best outcomes for students. Staff wellbeing is a priority within the school, and you will benefit from ongoing support, guidance, and opportunities for professional development. Whether you are experienced within education or looking to transition into the sector, you will be supported every step of the way.

The school is conveniently located within Greater Manchester and benefits from excellent public transport links, making it easily accessible from surrounding areas. For those who drive, there is also on-site parking available, ensuring ease of commute regardless of your travel preference.

Your role will include:

• Supporting students on a one-to-one basis and in small groups, helping them to access learning and stay engaged in lessons
• Building strong, trusting relationships with students to support both their academic progress and emotional wellbeing
• Managing and de-escalating challenging behaviour using a calm, consistent, and professional approach
• Promoting positive behaviour strategies and supporting students in developing emotional regulation skills
• Working closely with teachers, the SENCO, and wider pastoral teams to implement individual support plans
• Encouraging independence, confidence, and resilience in all students
• Creating and maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment at all times

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs, or brings strong transferable experience from sectors such as care, youth work, coaching, or support work
• Is calm, patient, and resilient, with a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable learners
• Can build positive and professional relationships with students, staff, and external professionals
• Is adaptable, proactive, and able to use their own initiative in a fast-paced environment
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people
• Is open to further training and continuous professional development

This role is ideal for individuals who are looking to build a long-term career within education, particularly within SEN and SEMH settings. It provides invaluable hands-on experience and the opportunity to develop key skills in behaviour management, communication, and student support.

Working as an SEMH Learning Support Assistant is more than just a job—it is a chance to make a real impact every single day. You will play a crucial role in helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and re-engage with education in a positive way. The progress you help facilitate, both academically and emotionally, can be truly life-changing.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career and become part of a dedicated, supportive, and forward-thinking school community, we would love to hear from you.

Important Information:

When applying through Teaching Personnel, an enhanced DBS on the update service is a required document. If you do not already have one, you will be required to apply for this through Teaching Personnel prior to starting your role.

Any applicants who have been outside of the UK for more than three months within the last five years will be required to provide an overseas criminal clearance check. If you do not already have this, please ensure you apply for it as part of your application process.

All applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK and hold permanent residence. Unfortunately, we are unable to process applications from candidates currently based outside of the UK.

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.
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