SEMH Teaching Assistant - Blackpool

Teaching Assistant – Specialist SEMH School

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire
Contract Type: Full-time (term-time only)
Salary: £13.75 - £16 per hour (depending on qualifications and experience)

We are seeking a dedicated and resilient Teaching Assistant to join a dynamic and supportive team at a specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school based in Blackpool. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people who face significant challenges in mainstream education.

Our setting provides a nurturing and structured environment for pupils aged 10–16 with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs. Students may have experienced trauma, disrupted education, or difficulties relating to emotional regulation and behaviour. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting their academic progress, emotional wellbeing, and personal development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support pupils in and out of the classroom with their learning and behaviour.
• Assist the class teacher in delivering a creative and engaging curriculum.
• Work closely with individual pupils or small groups to help them achieve their personal goals.
• Use a trauma-informed and relational approach to behaviour support.
• Contribute to a safe, calm, and inclusive school environment.
• Monitor and record progress in line with school procedures.

Essential Requirements:

• Background in childcare, education, or psychology.
• Strong skills and confidence in managing challenging behaviour in a supportive and consistent manner.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to supporting young people.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teaching staff, therapists, and external professionals.
• Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Desirable:

• Experience working in a SEMH or alternative education setting.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and restorative approaches.

This is a full-time, term-time only role. The position offers a chance to be part of a team that values therapeutic practice, high expectations, and meaningful relationships with students.

If you are ready for a role that challenges, inspires, and rewards, we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in this position, please click apply now and we will be in contact within the next 48 hours to discuss next steps.

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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