SEMH Primary Behaviour Support Assistant

SEMH Primary Behaviour Support Assistant (Psychology Graduates Welcome)

We are recruiting a dedicated and resilient SEMH Primary Behaviour Support Assistant to join a supportive primary setting in Rochdale, working with pupils aged 5–11 who require additional emotional and behavioural support. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals who are passionate about helping children develop confidence, improve emotional regulation and re-engage with learning in a structured and nurturing environment.

The school supports pupils with a range of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, which may include emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, attachment needs, trauma-related behaviours and challenging behaviour linked to unmet needs. Pupils benefit from consistent routines, positive relationships and calm, supportive adults who can provide clear boundaries and encouragement throughout the day.

This role is particularly well suited to psychology graduates or candidates interested in careers in teaching, educational psychology, mental health, counselling, youth work or social care, as it provides hands-on experience supporting behaviour, wellbeing and learning in a school setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group behaviour support to pupils with SEMH needs
• Support pupils with emotional regulation strategies and positive behaviour interventions
• Help pupils stay engaged in learning and follow classroom routines
• Implement behaviour plans, support strategies and individual targets
• Build strong, trusting relationships with pupils to promote positive outcomes
• Support pupils during transitions, breaktimes and unstructured periods
• Work closely with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral staff to provide consistent support
• Help maintain a calm, safe and structured learning environment

Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people (school-based or transferable experience welcomed)
• Psychology graduates are encouraged to apply
• A calm, patient and resilient approach
• Confidence supporting behaviour in a positive and consistent way
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A genuine passion for supporting pupils with SEMH needs
• Enhanced DBS on the update service (or willingness to apply)
• Right to work in the UK

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in a primary SEMH setting while gaining valuable experience in behaviour support and pupil wellbeing. Apply today with your up-to-date CV.

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.
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