SEMH Teaching Assistant – Alternative Provision

Location: Burgess Hill
Phase: Secondary
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time / Long-term
Salary: Competitive daily rate
Driver: Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle essential

Are you passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?

We are currently seeking a dedicated and resilient SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a supportive alternative provision in Burgess Hill, working with secondary-aged pupils who may have experienced challenges within mainstream education.

Due to the location of the provision, you must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is patient, empathetic and confident in building positive relationships with young people who benefit from additional support, consistency and encouragement.

The Role

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant, you will work alongside experienced teachers and support staff to provide tailored academic, emotional and behavioural support. You will help pupils overcome barriers to learning, develop their confidence and engage positively with education.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs
• Supporting pupils with their learning and engagement
• Building positive and trusting relationships with students
• Supporting emotional regulation and positive behaviour
• Helping pupils manage challenging situations in a calm and consistent manner
• Encouraging confidence, resilience and independence
• Supporting classroom activities and individual learning programmes
• Working closely with teachers and the wider pastoral team
• Creating a safe, structured and nurturing learning environment

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Experience working with children or young people
• Experience supporting SEMH, SEN or challenging behaviour
• A calm, patient and empathetic approach
• The confidence to establish clear boundaries while remaining supportive
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• The ability to remain calm and consistent in challenging situations
• A genuine passion for helping young people overcome barriers to education
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Previous experience within an alternative provision, SEMH setting, SEN school, youth work or similar environment is highly desirable, although candidates with relevant transferable experience will also be considered.

Why Apply?

• Long-term opportunity within a specialist alternative provision
• Supportive and experienced staff team
• Opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's lives
• Competitive daily rates
• Support from an experienced education recruitment consultant
• Access to CPD and training opportunities

If you're passionate about supporting young people, confident working with SEMH needs and looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more!

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.
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