SEMH Teaching Assistant

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference to young people facing social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges? We are looking for a dedicated SEMH Teaching Assistant to join a specialist Secondary Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in the heart of Manchester City Centre. Pupils in this setting may present with needs such as anxiety, attachment difficulties, trauma-related behaviours, low self-esteem, ADHD/ADD, ASD, behaviour linked to emotional regulation difficulties, and previous school-based exclusions. Your support will play a vital role in helping young people re-engage with learning and develop positive pathways.

About the Role: Key Responsibilities

As an SEMH Teaching Assistant in a PRU, you will:

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support to pupils with SEMH needs.
• Implement personalised learning strategies to help pupils access the curriculum.
• Assist the teacher in delivering engaging, differentiated lessons tailored to diverse needs.

• Use de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed approaches to support behaviour.
• Help pupils develop emotional literacy, resilience, and coping strategies.
• Promote a safe, calm, and supportive classroom environment.

• Build trusting, consistent relationships that encourage engagement and progress.
• Act as a positive role model, encouraging pupils to improve confidence and attitudes to learning.

• Follow safeguarding procedures and contribute to pastoral care plans.

Requirements

We welcome applicants with experience in ANY of the following:

• Supporting young people with SEMH, SEND, behaviour needs, youth work, mental health, mentoring, or care experience.
• Experience in PRUs, alternative provisions, residential care, or mainstream SEN roles (desirable but not essential).
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Resilience, patience, and a genuine desire to support vulnerable young people.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and use positive behaviour support strategies.

You must:

• Have (or be willing to obtain) an enhanced child-only or child and adult DBS on the Update Service.
• Provide at least two references.

Why Work with Teaching Personnel?

Choosing Teaching Personnel means joining the UK’s leading education recruitment agency—and gaining access to:

• Access to CPD courses including Safeguarding, Behaviour Management, Trauma-Informed Practice, and more to support with professional development.

• Regular feedback, check-ins and career guidance.

• Weekly and competitive pay.

• A chance to make a real, lasting impact on young people’s lives.

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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