SEMH Teaching Assistant

SEMH Teaching Assistant – Primary & Secondary

Full-Time | Monday–Friday | Long-Term
£13.75 – £14.50 per hour

We are currently seeking a committed and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to work full-time in a primary and secondary SEMH provision in Blackburn. This is a long-term opportunity for someone passionate about supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with pupils who may display challenging behaviour, emotional regulation difficulties, or have experienced trauma. You will support learning both inside and outside the classroom, helping students to re-engage with education, build positive relationships, and develop coping strategies.

You may be supporting:

• 1:1 or small group interventions

• Emotional regulation and behaviour management

• Academic engagement and life skills

• Physical and outdoor activities as part of a therapeutic approach

Working in an SEMH provision is highly rewarding but can be demanding. You’ll need patience, empathy, consistency, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

The Ideal Candidate

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, including but not limited to:

• Support work (SEMH, SEN, youth work, care, residential, mental health)

• Sports coaching or sports psychology

• Psychology, education, or child development backgrounds

• Teaching Assistants or aspiring teachers

• Individuals with relevant personal or lived experience

Experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND, or challenging behaviour is highly desirable, but attitude, resilience, and commitment are just as important.

What We’re Looking For

• A genuine passion for supporting vulnerable children and young people

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Ability to set clear boundaries while remaining supportive

• Confidence working in both primary and secondary settings

• A proactive, flexible, and positive approach

What’s On Offer

• Long-term, full-time role (Monday to Friday)

• Competitive hourly rate: £13.75 – £14.50

• Valuable experience in a specialist SEMH setting

• Opportunity to make a real difference every day

If you have the right mindset, transferable experience, or a strong interest in SEMH education, we strongly encourage you to apply.

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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