SEMH Teaching Assistant

Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester
Job type: Full-time, term-time only, long-term

Full job description

We are currently recruiting for a committed and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist secondary setting in Bolton. This is a full-time, long-term opportunity for a candidate who is passionate about supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, and who can provide a calm, consistent and positive presence throughout the school day.

The successful candidate will support pupils who may display challenging behaviour, struggle with emotional regulation, or have experienced significant barriers to learning. You will work both 1:1 and in small groups, supporting students to re-engage with education, develop positive coping strategies and build trust with adults in school. The role requires somebody who can maintain clear boundaries, follow behaviour support plans and use a patient, restorative approach when managing incidents. This reflects common expectations in current UK ads for SEMH and behaviour-support roles.

Key responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support for pupils with SEMH needs

• Support emotional regulation, behaviour for learning and social development

• Implement behaviour management and de-escalation strategies

• Help pupils access learning within the classroom and during structured interventions

• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff and families

• Monitor and record student progress, behaviour and engagement

• Work closely with teaching staff, SENCOs, pastoral teams and external professionals

• Uphold safeguarding and child protection procedures at all times

Requirements

• Previous experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND or behavioural needs

• Experience in a school, PRU, AP, youth work, care or mentoring setting is desirable

• Strong communication and behaviour management skills

• A calm, patient and resilient approach

• Enhanced DBS on the update service, or willingness to obtain one

Why apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive team and make a genuine impact on young people who need consistency, encouragement and the right adult support to succeed.

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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