SEMH Teaching Assistant

Position: Learning Support Assistant
Location: Dibden, Southampton
Salary: £13.75 per hour
Age Range: 4-18 years, primary and secondary sites
Type: Full-time, Permanent

Are you passionate about supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs and challenging behavior?

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Learning Support Assistant to join the team at a specialist school for children aged 8-16 who face challenges related to SEMH and complex behavior. The school provides an inclusive and supportive environment for students who may experience difficulties in emotional regulation, behavior management, and social interaction.

In this role, you will support students throughout their school days, assisting them both in classroom settings and during other activities such as outdoor play, lunch breaks, and emotional support sessions. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Support students across both primary and secondary school sites (preference for primary or secondary site can be considered).

• Work collaboratively with teachers, behavior specialists, and other staff to create an inclusive, supportive, and safe learning environment.

• Assist with implementing individual behavior support plans and emotional regulation strategies.

• Be involved in activities such as break times, lunchtime supervision, and providing additional emotional support when needed.

• Help manage students' emotional and social needs, promoting positive behavior and well-being at all times.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Experience working with children or young people with SEMH needs and/or challenging behavior (desirable but not essential).

• A compassionate, patient, and proactive approach to supporting students with emotional and behavioral challenges.

• Ability to build positive relationships with students, fostering trust and encouraging positive behavior.

• Flexibility to work across both primary and secondary sites (with preference considered).

• Willingness to support students with their emotional needs, both in the classroom and during break/lunchtime activities.

• Ability to work well in a team and contribute to a positive, supportive learning environment.

• A current enhanced Child DBS certificate on the Update Service or willingness to obtain one.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive hourly rate of £13.75.

• The opportunity to work in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

• Access to excellent training and development opportunities in SEMH and behavior management.

• A supportive and collaborative team focused on student success and well-being.

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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