SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEN / SEMH Learning Support Assistants – Andover

£13.75 per hour | Full-time or part-time | Term-time only

Are you looking for a challenging but incredibly rewarding role supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs?

A specialist primary school in Andover is looking for Learning Support Assistants to join a dedicated team working with children aged 6–11 years who require additional support to thrive in education.

These pupils have Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs) and often present with a combination of:

• Challenging behaviour

• Emotional regulation difficulties

• Past experiences of trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

• Attachment disorders

• Anxiety and low self-esteem

• Difficulties with social communication and peer relationships

Many have struggled in previous school environments and require a consistent, therapeutic, and highly nurturing approach to feel safe, respected and understood.

What to Expect in the Role

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with individual pupils to help them feel safe and valued

• Support pupils in and out of class with their learning, emotional regulation and social skills

• Help manage and de-escalate behaviours using positive behaviour support strategies

• Provide clear boundaries, routines and calm guidance in moments of dysregulation

• Work closely with teachers, therapists, behaviour leads and external professionals

• Support children through transitions, sensory needs, and personalised interventions

• Help pupils develop resilience, confidence and positive attitudes toward school

Each day can bring different challenges – from managing physical outbursts or verbal aggression to helping a child get through the day calmly and positively. It’s a role that requires emotional resilience, empathy, and consistency — but the impact you’ll have is truly life-changing.

Who This Role Would Suit

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, including:

• People with experience in SEMH settings, PRUs, alternative provisions or behaviour units

• Healthcare assistants, youth workers, residential care workers, support workers

• People who may not have formal qualifications but have real-world experience supporting children or young people in challenging circumstances

• Anyone with a calm, emotionally resilient and reflective approach who is committed to supporting vulnerable pupils

What You’ll Need

• A genuine desire to work with children with SEMH and a belief in their potential

• Patience, a good sense of humour, and the ability to remain calm under pressure

• Teamwork – you’ll be working closely with teaching staff and support teams

• Willingness to engage in ongoing training, reflective practice and supervision

• A DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one

• Ability to support physical interventions when necessary (training provided)

What You’ll Get

• £13.75 per hour – paid weekly

• Full training and ongoing professional development in behaviour and trauma-informed practice

• A highly supportive and collaborative team who understand the importance of looking after each other, not just the pupils

• A chance to make a real difference to young lives – helping pupils feel safe, succeed in school, and build a more hopeful future

• Long-term career opportunities for those looking to grow within the SEND or SEMH field

How to Apply

If you’re ready to be part of something meaningful, send your CV to be considered.

This employer is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts are subject to Enhanced DBS checks and suitable references.

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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